Drone Usage In Austria: What's The Law?

Drone laws in Austria are regulated by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and Austro Control. The EU Drone Regulation has been in force in Austria since 31 December 2020, harmonising rules for remote pilots. Drone flights are allowed in Austria, but they are subject to different categories defined by the level of risk associated with the operation. The three categories are 'open', 'specific', and 'certified'. The 'open' category is the most common and is the main reference for most leisure drone and low-risk commercial activities.

Drone flights are allowed in Austria, but they are regulated

Drone pilots must adhere to the following rules:

• Do not fly over people or large crowds.
• Respect others' privacy.
• Do not fly higher than 120-122 metres (400 ft).
• Keep the drone within direct visual contact and no more than 500 metres away.
• Stay at least 8 km (5 mi) away from airports and 3 km (1.86 mi) away from heliports.
• Only fly during daylight hours and in good weather conditions.
• Do not fly in sensitive areas, including government or military facilities.

Additionally, there are specific regulations depending on the weight of the drone and the intended operation. Drones are divided into three categories: "open", "specific", and "certified". The "open" category is for private users, and the operator must have an uninterrupted visual line of sight of the drone without technical aids. The drone may not be flown higher than 120 metres above the ground, and the aircraft may not weigh more than 25 kilograms. Drones weighing less than 250 grams that do not have a camera do not need to be registered. The "specific" category permits flights beyond the visual line of sight, flights with drones weighing more than 25 kilograms, and flights with drones weighing over four kilograms in populated areas. The "certified" category covers drone flights with passengers on board, such as air taxis.

Drone registration is mandatory for drones weighing more than 250 grams or equipped with a camera

Drone use is allowed in Austria, but there are a number of laws and regulations that users must comply with.

Drones weighing less than 250 grams that do not have a camera do not require registration. However, it is important to note that even these smaller drones must comply with certain regulations. For example, they cannot be flown higher than 30 meters above the ground and must not endanger people or objects.

For drones weighing more than 250 grams, the basic certificate (A1-A3) is mandatory. This allows the drone to be flown up to a maximum height of 120 meters and within direct sight of the pilot. The drone pilot must also be 16 years of age or older and must maintain a distance of at least 500 meters from the drone.

In addition to the basic certificate, certain situations may require the supplementary certificate (A2). This certificate is needed for flying in built-up or residential areas. With this certificate, drones can be flown slightly higher than 500 grams and up to 2 kilos. If the drone weighs more than 2 kilos, a minimum distance of 150 meters from buildings must be maintained.

It is important to note that these laws and regulations can change, so it is recommended to verify the information using multiple sources and contact the local aviation authority in Austria for the most up-to-date information.

Drone insurance is compulsory for private and commercial drone flights

Drone operators in Austria must adhere to the following conditions:

• The drone operator must be registered. EU residents should register in their country of residence, while non-EU residents should register in the EU member state where they intend to operate their drone first.
• The drone pilot must have proof of competency, such as a certificate for A1/A3 and A2.
• The drone must always be within the visual line of sight (VLOS) of the pilot.
• The drone must not exceed a height of 120 meters above ground level.
• The drone must not carry dangerous goods or drop any material.

It is important to note that drone laws in Austria can change, and it is the responsibility of the drone operator to stay informed about the most up-to-date regulations.

Drone pilots must have a licence

To obtain the licence, drone pilots must complete a training course that covers aviation law, operating procedures, and general knowledge about drones. The test consists of 40 multiple-choice questions and can be taken online for free. It is designed to promote safety awareness and covers topics such as where you can fly, how high you can fly, and how much distance to keep from people who are not part of the flight crew.

The licence must be carried when flying a drone and is valid for five years. The online registration and licensing process is intended to make it easier and more affordable to fly drones in Austrian airspace. It ensures that drone pilots have the necessary specialist knowledge to operate their unmanned aerial vehicles safely.

In addition to the EU Drone Licence, there are specific requirements for flying drones in Austria. Drone pilots must be 16 years of age or older, maintain visual line of sight with the drone, and keep it below 120 metres. Liability insurance is also mandatory for all drone operators. It is important to be aware of and comply with these regulations before flying a drone in Austria.

There are three categories of allowed drone flights in Austria: Open, Specific, and Certified

Drones are permitted in Austria, but there are strict laws and regulations that must be followed. There are three categories of allowed drone flights in Austria: Open, Specific, and Certified.

The "Open" category is the most common, covering most leisure drone activities and low-risk commercial activities. To fly in this category, the drone operator must have an uninterrupted visual line of sight of the drone without technical aids, the drone may not be flown higher than 120 meters above the ground, and the aircraft may not weigh more than 25 kilograms. Drones weighing less than 250 grams that do not have a camera do not need to be registered. The drone operator must be registered and have proof of competency, and the drone must have sufficient insurance coverage.

The "Specific" category is for riskier operations not covered by the "Open" category. This category permits flights beyond the visual line of sight, flights with drones weighing more than 25 kilograms, and flights with drones weighing over four kilograms in populated areas. Drone operators in this category must obtain operational authorisation from the national aviation authority and follow the specific operation risk assessment (SORA) process.

The "Certified" category is for the largest drones and will include 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