The European Union has issued new regulations regarding the flying of drones.
Under the commission delegated regulation (EU) 2019/945 & commission implementing regulation (EU) 2019/947, rules have been illustrated to help to protect the safety and the privacy of EU citizens while enabling the free circulation of drones and a level playing field within the European Union.
“Europe will be the first region in the world to have a comprehensive set of rules ensuring safe, secure and sustainable operations of drones both, for commercial and leisure activities. Common rules will help foster investment, innovation and growth in this promising sector,” said Patrick Ky, executive director of European Union Aviation Safety Authority (EASA).
The common rules will help drone operators, whether professional or recreational, to have a clear understanding of what is allowed or not. At the same time it enables them to operate across borders.
Once drone operators have received an authorisation in the state of registration, they are allowed to freely circulate in the European Union. This means that they can operate their drones seamlessly when travelling across the EU or when developing a business involving drones around Europe.
The new rules include technical as well as operational requirements for drones. New drones will have to be individually identifiable, allowing the authorities to trace a particular drone if necessary.
This will help to better prevent events similar to the ones which happened in 2018 at Gatwick airport. The rules cover each operation type, from those not requiring prior authorisation, to those involving certified aircraft and operators, as well as minimum remote pilot training requirements. The new rules will replace existing national rules in EU member states.