Introduction
To ensure the free circulation of drones and a level playing field within the European Union EASA has developed common European rules. The approach taken is to apply the highest safety standards achieved in manned aviation to drones as well. The rules are based on an assessment of the risk of operation, and strike a balance between the obligations of drone manufacturers and operators in terms of safety, respect for privacy, the environment, protection against noise, and security.
The new rules ensure that drone operators – whether recreational or professional – will have a clear understanding of what is allowed or not. They will cover each operation type from those not requiring prior permission, to those involving certified aircraft and operators, as well as minimum remote pilot training requirements.
Operators will be able to operate their drones seamlessly when travelling across the EU or when developing a business involving drones around Europe. Common rules will help foster investment and innovation in this promising sector.
Timeline
Positive vote of EASA Committee The EASA Committee gives its positive vote to the European Commission’s proposal for an Implementing Act regulating the operations of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) in the open and specific categories. More info
Read moreFebruary 2019
Adoption of the delegated act by the European Commission. The EASA proposal of the Delegated Act defining the technical requirements for drones operated in EU, after discussion by the EU Commission and Member states, was adopted by the EU Commission. It was then transmitted to the EU Parliament and Council for the 2 months scrutiny period.
More info
Read moreMarch 2019
Adoption of Implementing and Delegated Act. Start of transitional period. Since no objections were raised by the EU Parliament or by the EU Council, both Implementing and Delegated Acts are published mid June and enter into force 20 days later. The regulation will become gradually applicable starting from a year after publication. By 2022 the transitional period will be completed and the regulation will be fully applicable. More info
Read moreJune 2019
Publication of Guidance Material (GM), Acceptable Means of Compliance (AMC)
More info
October 2019
EASA publishes Opinion “Standard scenarios for UAS operations in the ‘specific’ category”
More info
November 2019
Opinion on U-space published
13th March 2020
Registration of UAS operators & certified drones becomes mandatory
31st December 2020
Operations in ‘Specific’ category may be conducted after the authorisation given by the National Aviation Authority
31st December 2020
Drone user can start operating in limited ‘Open’ category. Between 31 December 2020 till 1 January 2023
31st December 2020
National authorisations, certificates, declarations are fully converted to the new EU system Member states need to complete the definition of geographical zones where drones are forbidden or where special authorisation is needed.
Read more1st July 2021
National authorisations, certificates, declarations are fully converted to the new EU system
1st January 2022
All operations in the open category are conducted according to the EU regulation.
All model clubs and associations should receive an authorisation by the NAA Member state may provide model clubs and association allowing their members to deviate from all requirements of the EU regulation.
Read more1st July 2022
All operations in the open category are conducted according to the EU regulation
1st January 2023