Drone Laws In Austria: What You Need To Know

Drone usage in Austria is subject to the regulations of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Austrian agency, Austro Control. Drone flights are divided into three categories: Open, Specific, and Certified, with rules varying depending on the level of risk involved.

The Open category is the most relevant for leisure drone users and low-risk commercial activities. It includes subcategories A1 (flying over people but not assemblies), A2 (flying close to people), and A3 (flying far from people). To fly in this category, users must comply with requirements such as registering their drone, obtaining insurance, and ensuring the drone remains in their line of sight.

The Specific category permits flights beyond the visual line of sight, with drones weighing more than 25kg, and flights over 4kg in populated areas. The Certified category covers flights with passengers on board and is aimed at more sophisticated drone operators.

Registration and licensing are mandatory for drone users in Austria, with some exceptions for drones weighing under 250g that do not have a camera.

Drone registration in Austria

Step 1: Identify the Applicable Category

Drone operations in Austria fall into three categories based on the level of risk: Open, Specific, and Certified. The Open category is relevant for most leisure drone activities and low-risk commercial activities. The Specific category allows for flights beyond the visual line of sight, flights with heavier drones, and flights over populated areas. The Certified category, which is still being developed, will cover drone flights with passengers.

Step 2: Understand the Requirements

To operate a drone in the Open category, you must comply with certain requirements. These include maintaining a visual line of sight, not flying higher than 120 meters, and ensuring the drone weighs no more than 25 kilograms. Additionally, drones weighing over 250 grams or equipped with a camera must be registered.

Step 3: Register as a Drone Operator

EU residents should register in their country of residence, while non-EU residents should register in the EU member state where they plan to operate their drone first. Registration is a one-time process and costs €31.20, including VAT. After successful registration, a unique registration number will be provided, which must be affixed to all drones used. This number remains the same for future registrations unless it is permanently deregistered.

Step 4: Obtain Insurance

All drones must be sufficiently insured. For Austria, the insurance coverage must be at least 750,000 SDR, and the policy must be valid in the country.

Step 5: Obtain a Drone Licence

After registering, drone pilots need to obtain a drone licence, which they must carry when flying their drone. The training covers aviation law, operating procedures, and general knowledge about drones. The test promotes safety awareness and covers topics such as flight restrictions and distance requirements. The online preparation course and the test are free of charge.

Step 6: Stay Informed about No-Fly Zones

Drone operators should be aware of no-fly zones and restricted areas. The Austro Control Dronespace App can help identify these areas. Additionally, as of August 12, 2022, flights with unmanned aircraft weighing less than 250 grams and flying below 30 meters within flight restriction areas do not require a permit.

Important Notes:

• Drone registration is valid for three years and must be renewed.
• The drone licence is valid for five years.
• The entire registration process and the necessary steps can be completed quickly and affordably online.

Drone insurance in Austria

Drone insurance is mandatory for all drone operators in Austria. The insurance must cover a minimum of 750,000 SDR and be valid in Austria.

Drone insurance policies can be purchased from AIR&MORE, which offers drone liability insurance for drone pilots from Austria starting at €58.83 per year, or mini-drone liability insurance (up to 450 grams) starting at €54.39 per year.

Step 1: Drone Liability Insurance

A legally compliant drone liability insurance policy is essential for drone pilots in Austria. Drone liability insurance covers any damage or injury caused by the drone. It is important to note that standard commercial private liability insurance or household insurance policies may not provide sufficient coverage for drones.

Step 2: Multicopter Legal Protection Coverage

In addition to liability insurance, separate legal protection coverage for drones is recommended. This type of insurance covers legal costs and representation in the event of damage or injury caused by the drone. Traditional legal protection insurance policies often exclude coverage for drones, so it is important to find a policy specifically designed for drones.

Step 3: Drone Hull Insurance (Optional)

Drone hull insurance covers the cost of repairing or replacing your drone if it is damaged or lost. This type of insurance is optional but can provide valuable protection for your investment.

When purchasing drone insurance in Austria, it is important to ensure that the policy meets the minimum coverage requirements and is valid in the country. It is also essential to follow all relevant laws and regulations when operating a drone, including registration, licensing, and operational restrictions.

Drone pilot licence in Austria

The use of drones in Austria is regulated by the Austrian agency Austro Control, which operates under the European Union Regulation 2019/947. The following sections outline the requirements for obtaining a drone pilot licence in the country, including registration, insurance, and training procedures.

Registration

Drone operators are required to register with Austro Control by creating an account on the dronespace.at platform. This registration is valid for three years and costs €31.20 (including VAT). All drones must be marked with the assigned vehicle registration number.

Insurance

Drone insurance is mandatory for all operators in Austria. The insurance coverage must be at least 750,000 Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) or its equivalent in euros. This insurance requirement ensures that operators can financially cover any potential damages or incidents caused by their drone operations.

Training and Examination

To obtain a drone pilot licence, individuals must complete training and pass an examination. The training covers relevant topics such as aviation law, operating procedures, and general knowledge about drones. The examination is designed to promote safety awareness and covers areas such as flight restrictions, height limitations, and distance requirements from bystanders.

The test consists of 40 multiple-choice questions, and individuals must score a passing mark of 75% or higher. The online preparation course and the examination are provided free of charge. Once the test is successfully completed, individuals can immediately print their drone licence or carry it in PDF format. The licence is valid for five years.

Categories of Drone Operations

Drone operations in Austria are categorised according to the level of risk involved: Open, Specific, and Certified.

The Open category is relevant for most leisure drone activities and low-risk commercial operations. It includes subcategories A1 (flying over people but not assemblies), A2 (flying close to people), and A3 (flying far from people). Each subcategory has specific requirements regarding factors such as flight altitude, weight limitations, and proximity to people.

The Specific category permits flights beyond the visual line of sight, operations with drones weighing more than 25 kilograms, and flights over populated areas. This category typically includes camera flights over cities or infrastructure.

The Certified category, which is currently being drafted, will cover drone flights with passengers on board, such as air taxi services.

Final Thoughts

Obtaining a drone pilot licence in Austria involves registering with Austro Control, insuring your drone, and completing the necessary training and examination. By following these steps, drone operators can ensure they have the necessary knowledge to operate their drones safely within the specified categories and regulations.

Drone weight and height restrictions in Austria

Drone use in Austria is regulated by the national aviation authority, Austro Control, and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

Drone flights in Austria are divided into three categories, defined by the level of risk associated with the operation. These are the "open", "specific", and "certified" categories.

The "open" category is the main reference for most leisure drone and low-risk commercial activities. The following conditions must be met:

• The drone operator must be registered.
• EU residents must register in the EU member state of their main residence or principal place of business.
• Non-EU residents must register in the EU member state where they intend to operate their drone first.
• All drones must be insured. The coverage must be at least 750,000 SDR and valid in Austria.
• The drone pilot must have proof of competency.
• The drone must be kept within a visual line of sight (VLOS) and no more than 120 meters above ground level.
• The drone must not carry dangerous goods or drop any material.

The "specific" category caters to riskier operations not covered under the "open" category. Drone operators require authorisation from the national aviation authority of the member state of registration before the operation takes place, following the specific operation risk assessment (SORA) process.

The "certified" category is for the most sophisticated drone operators and includes drone flights with passengers on board.

Drone no-fly zones in Austria

As of 31 December 2020, a standardised regulation for flying drones was introduced in Austria, in line with European Drone Regulations for EASA member states. Drone flights are not permitted in certain areas, and a special authorisation is necessary before conducting a flight in these no-fly zones.

The Austro Control Dronespace App provides information on no-fly zones and areas where special authorisation is required.

Drone Categories

Drones are divided into three categories, each with its own set of rules and requirements.

Open Category

The "open" category is relevant for private users and covers most leisure drone activities and low-risk commercial activities. The following conditions must be met:

• The drone operator must be registered in their EU member state of residence or, for non-EU residents, in the EU state where they intend to operate their drone first.
• All drones must be insured with valid coverage of at least 750,000 SDR in Austria.
• The drone pilot needs proof of competency, such as a certificate for A1/A3 and A2 subcategories.
• The drone must be kept within a visual line of sight and not flown higher than 120 meters above the ground.
• The drone must not carry dangerous goods or drop any material.

Specific Category

The "specific" category caters to riskier operations not covered by the "open" category. This includes flights beyond the visual line of sight, flights with drones weighing more than 25 kilograms, and flights over populated areas with drones weighing over four kilograms. Applications for this category may include camera flights over cities or flying over infrastructure. An operational authorisation from the national aviation authority of the member state of registration is required before conducting flights in this category.

Certified Category

The "certified" category will cover drone flights with passengers on board, such as air taxis. The exact regulations for this category are still being determined but are expected to align with those for manned flights.

Frequently asked questions