Drone Flying In Austria: What You Need To Know

Drone laws in Austria are among the strictest in Europe. Flying a drone in Austria is legal, but there are many regulations to be aware of.

Drone pilots must be 16 years of age or older and must register themselves and their drone. They must also have liability insurance and cannot fly in the immediate vicinity of airports without special permission.

There are three operational categories that determine drone regulations based on the weight of the drone and the intended operation. These are the Open, Specific, and Certified categories.

In the Open category, drones may be flown up to a maximum height of 50 metres or 120 metres, depending on the source. The drone must always be within the pilot's line of sight and must not be flown over people or residential areas.

The Specific category has predetermined limitations for certain commercial activities. For example, if you wish to use a drone to take pictures or film people, you must first seek permission from those involved.

The Certified category is for the most sophisticated drone operators and requires approval from the European Union's aviation regulator (EASA).

Drone insurance is mandatory in Austria

Drone pilots in Austria must adhere to several safety regulations, including maintaining a visual line of sight and keeping a safe distance from people and properties. Drones must not be flown near airports or over military sites, public utility areas, archaeological locations, and government establishments.

Drone operators must also register their drones and themselves. Registration can be done online, and a unique registration number must be displayed on all drones. This number remains valid for one year and must be renewed annually.

Drone laws in Austria are strictly enforced, and failure to comply with the regulations can result in high fines. It is important for drone pilots to familiarise themselves with the laws and regulations before flying their drones.

You must be 16 or over to fly a drone in Austria

If you're planning to fly a drone in Austria, it's important to note that the minimum age requirement for drone pilots is 16 years or older. This rule applies to both recreational and commercial drone operations, ensuring that all drone pilots have the necessary maturity and skills to operate their drones safely within the country.

In Austria, drone operations are governed by a set of comprehensive regulations designed to maintain safety and security. These regulations cover various aspects, including registration requirements, insurance mandates, and operational categories. By adhering to these rules, drone pilots can ensure they are flying their drones legally and responsibly.

Before taking off, drone pilots in Austria must ensure they meet the necessary age requirement of 16 years or older. This mandatory condition is in place to promote safe drone usage and reduce the risks associated with unauthorised or inexperienced drone operations.

In addition to the age requirement, there are several other crucial regulations that drone pilots in Austria need to follow. Firstly, all drone operators are required to register themselves and their drones. This registration process helps identify responsible parties in case of any incidents or violations. It also ensures that drone pilots are aware of and committed to following the applicable rules and guidelines.

Moreover, liability insurance is mandatory for all drone operators in Austria. This insurance coverage protects against potential risks and liabilities arising from drone operations. By having adequate insurance, drone pilots can mitigate financial risks and ensure they are prepared for any unforeseen events.

It's important to note that Austria has implemented three categories of drone operations based on the level of risk: Open, Specific, and Certified. Each category has its own set of rules and requirements that drone pilots must adhere to. For instance, the Open category, which covers most leisure drone activities, requires drone pilots to maintain a visual line of sight and keep their drones away from no-fly zones and people.

Drone pilots in Austria also need to be mindful of restricted areas, such as airports, military sites, public utility areas, and archaeological locations. Operating a drone in these areas without authorisation is strictly prohibited. Additionally, flying a drone at night or above a certain altitude is generally not allowed.

By understanding and complying with the age requirement and the broader regulatory framework, drone pilots in Austria can ensure they are operating their drones safely, securely, and within the boundaries of the law.

You need a licence to fly a drone over 250g

Drone Licence Requirements in Austria

In Austria, if you want to fly a drone that weighs more than 250g, you are required by law to obtain a licence. This rule applies to both residents and visitors to the country.

Drone Licence Requirements

To obtain a drone licence in Austria, you must:

• Be at least 16 years old.
• Register yourself as a drone pilot.
• Attach an operator number to your drone.
• Obtain the EU Drone Licence, which consists of two parts: the Basic Certificate (A1-A3) and the Supplementary Certificate (A2).
• Hold a certificate of completion of the theoretical exam (EU Drone Licence).
• Have liability insurance.

Drone Flying Rules

In addition to the above requirements, there are several rules you must follow when flying a drone in Austria:

• Keep the drone within direct sight and no more than 500 metres from the pilot.
• Do not fly near airports or in military areas.
• Do not fly at night.
• Do not fly above 120 metres.
• Do not carry dangerous goods or drop any material.

Drone Weight Classes

Austria differentiates between five drone weight classes:

• Undeveloped drone flight area.
• Uninhabited drone flight area.
• Populated drone flight area.
• Densely populated drone flight area.

Within these four categories, there are two sub-categories:

• Class 1: within sight flights.
• Class 2: out of sight flights.

Drone Insurance

Drone insurance is mandatory in Austria and must provide coverage of at least 750,000 SDR for residents and visitors.

Drone Import

There do not appear to be any restrictions on bringing drones into Austria, as long as the import is considered legitimate (generally one drone per person). However, it is important to check the airline's specific rules and regulations regarding drone batteries.

Drone Flying Zones

Austria has a detailed drone flight map showing flight-restricted areas, which is available on the Austro Control website and via their app.

You must keep your drone within a visual line of sight

To fly a drone in Austria, you must keep it within a visual line of sight. This means that the drone must always be in your line of sight and never fly above 120 meters or 50 meters, depending on the source. The distance between the pilot and the drone must not exceed 500 meters.

Austria has strict rules for flying drones, and you must register yourself as a drone pilot and attach an operator number to your drone. You must also have proof of competency and insurance. Failure to comply with these regulations may result in high fines.

• Do not fly near airports or heliports without special permission.
• Avoid flying over residential areas, military sites, public utility areas, archaeological locations, and other restricted areas.
• Do not fly at night or in clouds.
• Keep a safe distance from people, vehicles, and buildings.
• Do not carry dangerous goods or drop any material from your drone.

You must fly below 120m

To fly a drone in Austria, you must abide by the maximum altitude limit of 120m. This rule applies to all drones, regardless of their weight. This is to ensure that the drone remains within the visual line of sight of the pilot, which is a crucial safety measure.

The 120m altitude limit is part of the Open category, which is the main reference for most leisure drone and low-risk commercial activities in European countries. The Open category has three subcategories: A1, A2, and A3. Each subcategory has its own set of requirements, so it's important to identify which subcategory your drone operation falls under to determine the applicable rules and the necessary training for the remote pilot.

The Open category allows drone flights without prior authorisation from the competent authority. However, it's important to note that there are still rules and procedures that must be followed. For example, the drone must not carry any dangerous goods or drop any material, and it must be kept away from no-fly zones and non-involved persons.

Additionally, the drone operator must be registered, and the drone must have sufficient insurance coverage. The specific requirements may vary by country, but in Austria, the insurance coverage must be at least 750,000 SDR for drone operations.

It's also worth noting that the Open category has weight restrictions. Drones in this category must have a maximum takeoff mass of less than 25kg.

By following the rules and regulations set by Austro Control, drone pilots can safely and legally operate their drones in Austria while enjoying the benefits of drone technology.

Frequently asked questions