#1 Drone rules about registering and flight certificates

A drone that is heavier than 250 grams

If your drone is heavier than 250 grams, you must register with the RDW. After registering, you will receive a unique operator number that you must place visibly with a plate or sticker on your drone. Your operator number ends up in the European database, so you are able to fly within Europe.

If your drone is heavier than 250 grams, you also need a flight certificate. You can get this flight certificate by participating in a theory course in the form of an online test or by following a classroom lesson. When you pass this theory course, you will receive your flight certificate. If you don’t have a flight certificate and you are going to fly anyway, then you are punishable by law.

A drone that weighs less than 250 grams

Don’t you have a drone yet because you don’t want to put in so much effort to be able to fly? Then think of buying a DJI Mavic Mini or DJI Mavic Mini 2. These drones weigh less than 250 grams, so you don’t need to get a flight certificate. You can fly directly with these drones.

Tip: If you are insecure about flying a drone, want to learn more about the rules and how to control a drone, then we definitely recommend to follow the basic course category A1. You can follow this course at several organizations, such as: Droneflight Academy or Dutch Drone Academy.

#2 Drone rules per country

The regulations regarding drone flying differs per country.

Drone rules for the flying height

Take into account the maximum flight height. For example, in France you can fly 150 meters high, while in Germany you can only go up to 100 meters. Tip: While flying, you can see your flight altitude in the DJI Fly app. Preset the maximum flight altitude that is legal in the country you are flying in, so you don’t have to keep an eye on whether you are flying too high. Keep in mind that you always need to have your drone in sight.

Drone rules for the weight of drones

It differs per country how heavy your drone can be. For example, in Austria you can fly a drone as long as it is not heavier than 2 kilos and in Italy a drone may weigh a maximum of 25 kilos. Most hobby pilots will have a drone under 2 kilos, so you probably don’t have to worry.

#3 Drone rules in Fly and No Fly Zones

Before you want to take off, you have to check if it is legal to fly. With the DJI Fly App you can see where you can and cannot fly. When you open the map, blue and red areas will appear where you are not allowed to fly. If you accidentally get close to these areas, your drone will not crash, but the drone cannot fly any further. Usually these are zones near an airport, military base or national park.

Important: The DJI Fly app doesn’t show you every No Fly Zone. Most of the countries have their own drone fly app, the maps in these apps are stricter and correct. To fly in The Netherlands, you must check the GoDrone app before flying.

Flying outside The Netherlands

If you are traveling outside The Netherlands then you should download the apps of the countries you are flying in, so that you are prepared on the road and are not suddenly faced with surprises at your destination. In some cities flying is prohibited at all, such as in Rome. In some countries, drones are even completely banned, such as in Morocco, then your drone will actually be confiscated at customs.

Respect the privacy of the locals

In some areas it may be legal to fly, but the locals don’t appreciate it when you fly your drone. Because drones can cause nuisance and invade privacy, you will find signs in some specific areas stating that you are not allowed to fly your drone. Let’s respect those wishes.

It’s time to fly

Now that you know the most important rules for flying a drone, you can fly responsibly and safely. But flying a drone is not as easy as it seems. Want to get the most out of your drone and create dreamy and awesome content? Then read our blogs: Manually Set Your Drone – Tips To Get Beautiful & Smooth Shots or 6 Tips for Flying a Drone Carefree – Our Do’s & Don’ts.