Yes. In most EU countries, night flying is allowed in the open category. The main condition is a green flashing light on the drone, so that other airspace users can see you. This requirement comes from the EU rules.
When does it count as night?
What matters is the aviation definition of night. Night begins after the end of evening civil twilight, when the sun is roughly 6 degrees below the horizon, and ends at the start of morning civil twilight. During the day and at twilight you fly as normal; once night begins, you need the green flashing light.
The green flashing light on drones
Drones with a C1, C2 or C3 label already have this green flashing light built in. If you do not have a green flashing light, you cannot fly in the dark. The light distinguishes the drone from manned aviation and makes it visible from a distance.
Vous ne savez pas quelle licence choisir ?
How do you recognise a drone at night?
You can recognise a drone flying at night by its lights. The key feature is the green flashing light. Many pilots also use position lights, as in manned aviation:
|
Light |
Position |
|
Red light |
Left (port) |
|
Green light |
Right (starboard) |
|
White light |
Rear |
|
Green flashing light |
On the drone, required at night |
When flying a drone in the dark
Even with a green flashing light, night flying stays demanding. You still have to keep your drone within sight at all times (VLOS), and that is harder in the dark. Keep in mind that rules can differ per country. The Netherlands, for example, is stricter: night flying in the open category is not allowed there at all, only within the uniform daylight period (UDP).
Beautiful evening shots, within the rules
You do not need to wait for darkness to capture atmospheric images. The best aerial shots are made in the last hour before sunset, the golden hour, with warm colours and long shadows.
The EU drone licence: your starting point
Whether you fly by day or at night, you need the right papers. For almost every flight in the open category you need the EU drone licence (the A1/A3 certificate), often supplemented with the A2 certificate if you want to fly closer to people. It teaches you the rules on airspace, safety, privacy and lighting, exactly the knowledge you need to fly at night responsibly. And because it is harmonised across Europe, the licence is valid in every EU member state: pass once, valid everywhere.
Want to fly safely and legally?
Get your EU Drone License online with Drone Class. Recognised across the entire EU and at your own pace. Then you know exactly what is allowed, day and night.
Frequently asked questions
A short FAQ about night flights.
Can I fly a light drone (under 250 grams) at night?
Only if it has a green flashing light. Without this light, night flying is not allowed, and many very light drones do not have a built-in flashing light.
When is it legally night?
After the end of evening civil twilight, when the sun is about 6 degrees below the horizon. During the twilight before that you can still fly.
Does this apply in all EU countries?
In most of them yes, with a green flashing light. Some countries are stricter: the Netherlands only allows daytime flights. Always check the national rules.
Do I need any extra lights?
The green flashing light is required.
