Where can you fly a drone?

This blog is brought to you by Drone Class, your drone trainer for flying in the open and specific category.

Most drone flights are conducted in the open category. In the open category you may fly with a drone in uncontrolled airspace, also called free airspace. In areas where you are allowed to fly with a drone, there are a number of rules that you as a drone pilot should take into account.

Where are you allowed to fly a drone in the Europe?

In summary:

  • You may fly your drone below an altitude of 120 meters.
  • You may fly a drone in uncontrolled airspace (outside of no-fly zones).
  • You may fly in direct vision of the pilot.
  • You may fly above built-up areas if you are in possession of the A2 certificate and your drone weighs between 500 grams and 2 kilograms
There are many beautiful locations in the Europe where you can fly with a drone. You do not necessarily have to go abroad to get beautiful drone images. Within the Europe, you can make beautiful footage, if you take into account the rules that apply to flying with a drone. 


You may fly a drone above buildings if the drone weighs between 500 grams and 2 kilos and the pilot is in possession of the A2 certificate. You may fly a drone over a residential area, someone's house or garden if you do not fly over uninvolved people and do not disturb their privacy.

Where are you not allowed to fly a drone?

In summary:

  • You are not allowed to fly a drone above 120 meters
  • You may not fly in controlled airspace with your drone (within no-fly zones)
  • You are not allowed to fly a drone outside the pilot's sight
  • You must not fly above built-up areas without an A2 certificate
  • You must not fly above uninvolved persons
  • You must not fly near airfields, military bases, trauma helicopter approaches or other sensitive areas
  • The no-fly zone map shows if you are not allowed to fly a drone at a particular location. To find out if you are allowed to fly with a drone at a location, enter the address of the location. If the colour of the area is red, blue or green, you are not allowed to fly with a drone in this area, or only after getting permission. If the colour of the area is pink, you are allowed to fly with a drone when an observer is present.

Which rules a pilot must comply with when flying a drone

In summary:

  • You are allowed to fly a drone independently in the Europe if you are at least 16 years old
  • You may fly a drone under the age of 16 with a supervisor. An instructor is a person over the age of 16 who holds an EU Drone Certificate. This person always has a view of the drone and is in direct contact with the pilot.
  • You must of course have your EU Drone license on you when you are flying.
  • You are not under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • You respect other people's privacy.

Get your EU Drone license at Drone Class and avoid a fine!

Sem van Geffen

Co-owner Drone Class B.V.

About the author

Sem is an experienced trainer/developer, with drones as his main interest. He holds the Dutch RPA-L license and the EASA STS theory certificate. His specialism is EU aviation law and he enjoys flying the DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise.

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