Lexi Webster
Austria has been at the forefront of drone technology in Europe, with the country's first European Test Infrastructure for drones being developed through targeted research and development support. The Austrian Institute of Technology AIT and FH Joanneum have been at the forefront of this research, with the former working on collision avoidance systems and the latter integrating drones as an integral part of the Institute of Aviation. The country's aviation laws were amended in 2014 to permit the operation of drones, and drone flights became legal in the country from 31 December 2020, with regulations in place regarding insurance, height, and the carrying of dangerous goods.
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What You'll Learn
Drone insurance in Austria
Drone insurance is a necessity for anyone looking to operate a drone in Austria. The country has a set of strict regulations for drone operations, including insurance requirements. Here is a comprehensive guide to drone insurance in Austria:
Insurance Requirements in Austria
When operating a drone in Austria, it is mandatory to have sufficient insurance coverage. The minimum insurance coverage required is 750,000 SDR (Special Drawing Rights). This insurance must be valid in Austria, and the drone pilot must be able to provide proof of competency. Additionally, depending on the specific category of drone operation, the pilot may need to obtain certificates such as A1/A3 or A2.
Drone Insurance Providers in Austria
There are several insurance providers in Austria that offer drone insurance. One notable option is AIR&MORE, which provides multicopter legal protection insurance in collaboration with ARAG. This insurance is unique in German-speaking countries and covers both private and commercial drones. It offers drone hull coverage and liability protection at competitive prices.
Another option for drone insurance in Austria is R+V Insurance, which offers drone liability insurance. They provide coverage for mini-drones weighing up to 450 grams at competitive rates. R+V Insurance is a good choice for those seeking affordable protection for their smaller drones.
Registration and Authorisation
To operate a drone in Austria, registration and authorisation are crucial. Non-EU residents must first register in the EU member state where they intend to operate their drone. If the initial drone operation will take place in Austria, registration as an operator is required. This process involves submitting an application to Austro Control, along with relevant fees and documentation, as outlined in the Austro Control Fees and Charges Regulation.
Safe Flying Practices
When flying a drone in Austria, it is essential to adhere to safe flying practices. This includes maintaining a visual line of sight (VLOS) on the drone at all times and ensuring it does not exceed a height of 120 meters above ground level. Drones must not carry any dangerous goods or drop any material. Additionally, certain areas in Austria may be designated as no-fly zones, and special authorisation may be required for specific operations. Always refer to the Austro Control Dronespace App or the EASA Website for the latest information on no-fly zones and regulations.
Historical Context
Austria has a long history of aerial defence and surveillance. The Austrian Air Force has undergone significant developments over the years, including the introduction of Yak-18 "Max-A" aircraft in 1957 and the controversial procurement of Eurofighter Typhoons in the late 2000s. While there is limited information specifically about the first drone in Austria, the country has consistently adapted its aerial capabilities to meet evolving defence needs.
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Drone weight restrictions
Drone usage in Austria is subject to various regulations and restrictions. The operation of drones in Austria was approved on 1 January 2014, with detailed regulations being developed based on the amendment to the Austrian Aviation Act.
Drone weight is a critical factor in determining the permissibility of their operation in Austria. As of August 12, 2022, unmanned aircraft weighing less than 250 grams and flying at a height of less than 30 meters within restricted areas no longer require a permit. This exemption highlights the significance of weight in drone regulations.
The approval of class 1 drones in Austria is based on the risk associated with their operation. The regulations categorise drones into four categories (A-D) based on the area of operation (undeveloped, uninhabited, populated, and densely populated) and the maximum operating mass. The technical, operational, and personnel requirements vary depending on the assigned category.
Additionally, Austria adheres to the European framework for operating unmanned aircraft systems (UAS or drones), which came into force on December 31, 2020. This framework standardises regulations for flying drones in EASA member states, which include all EU member states, Switzerland, Norway, and Liechtenstein. Drone flights are prohibited in certain areas, and special authorisation may be required.
To summarise, drone weight restrictions in Austria are crucial in determining the necessary permits and authorisations. While drones under 250 grams and flying below 30 meters may not require permits, heavier drones or those operating in specific areas may necessitate additional approvals and compliance with technical and operational requirements.
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Drone operator registration
To register as a drone operator in Austria, you must first ensure that you have received operational authorisation from the national aviation authority of your state of registration. This authorisation will be valid in the rest of Europe. When registering in Austria, you will need to submit an application with a copy of the operational authorisation, including the intended operation locations and updated mitigation measures.
Additionally, it is important to note that drone insurance is mandatory in Austria for both private and commercial drone flights. The insurance coverage must be at least 750,000 SDR and valid in Austria. The drone pilot must also possess proof of competency and may need a certificate for A1/A3 and additionally A2, depending on the subcategory of the drone operation.
Austria has played a pioneering role in the development of test infrastructure for unmanned aerial systems (UAS), commonly known as drones. The country has conducted extensive research on UAS, with over 25 projects involving more than 60 partners. This research has covered various aspects, including safety, collision avoidance systems, micro-engines, and sensor integration.
The approval of class 1 drones in Austria is based on the risk arising from its operation. The technical, operational, and personnel requirements depend on the category, which is defined by the area of operation (undeveloped, uninhabited, populated, or densely populated) and the maximum operating mass.
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Drone pilot certification
To obtain a drone pilot licence in Austria, prospective pilots must register online and pass a competency test. The test, which is intended to promote safety awareness, covers topics such as aviation law, operating procedures, and general knowledge about drones. It consists of 40 multiple-choice questions, and the licence can be obtained immediately after passing the test, either by printing it out or saving it as a PDF. The licence is valid for five years.
Drone operations in Austria are categorised into three types: "open", "specific", and "certified". The "open" category applies to private users, who must maintain an uninterrupted visual line of sight with the drone and not fly higher than 120 metres above the ground. The drone's weight must not exceed 25 kilograms, and drones weighing less than 250 grams without a camera do not need to be registered. The "specific" category allows for flights beyond the visual line of sight, with drones weighing more than 25 kilograms, and flights with drones weighing over four kilograms in populated areas. To operate in this category, drone operators must obtain authorisation from the national aviation authority and follow the specific operation risk assessment (SORA) process. The "certified" category, which is still being drafted, will cover drone flights with passengers on board, such as air taxis.
Additionally, there are specific requirements for insurance coverage, with a minimum of 750,000 SDR in coverage required. Drone pilots must also ensure that their operations do not pose a danger to people or objects and that the drone does not carry any dangerous goods or drop any material.
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Drone no-fly zones
Drone flights are not permitted in certain areas within Austria, and special authorization may be required to conduct a flight in these locations. Drone operators can refer to the Austro Control Dronespace App or the EASA website to identify these no-fly zones and stay informed about the relevant regulations and restrictions.
In Austria, there are specific requirements that drone operators must adhere to. These include registering as an operator if the first drone operation will take place in the country and ensuring sufficient insurance coverage of at least 750,000 SDR, valid in Austria. The drone pilot must provide proof of competency and possess the necessary certificates (A1/A3 and A2) depending on the subcategory of the drone operation.
Additionally, the drone must always be kept within the visual line of sight (VLOS) and flown at a maximum height of 120 meters above ground level. It is important to note that drones must not carry any dangerous goods or drop any material. These guidelines fall under the 'open' category, with the 'specific' category accommodating riskier operations that are not covered under the initial category.
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