European drone regulation

Understand European EASA drone regulation

European regulation structures drone operations around risk, operating categories and the responsibilities of the remote pilot.

EuroDrone Connect brings together essential concepts: Open and Specific categories, drone classes, UAS geographical zones, STS scenarios and mission preparation.

Operating categories

The European framework separates operations according to their risk level and required authorisations.

  • Open category.
  • Specific category.
  • Certified category.
  • Standard scenarios STS-01 and STS-02.

Remote pilot obligations

The remote pilot must prepare the flight, know the applicable limits and make an appropriate safety decision.

  • Operator registration.
  • Appropriate training.
  • Respect of UAS zones.
  • Weather and environment analysis.
  • Privacy protection.

Operational preparation

Regulation becomes practical during mission preparation: chart, restrictions, weather, NOTAM, RTBA and briefing.

  • Aeronautical chart reading.
  • Zone checks.
  • Team briefing.
  • Pre-flight checklist.
  • Go/no-go decision.
Frequently asked questions

European drone regulation : key answers

What is EASA?

EASA is the European agency contributing to the aviation safety framework that also applies to civil drones.

What is the difference between Open and Specific?

Open covers low-risk operations. Specific covers operations that require an assessment or a more demanding framework.

Why check UAS zones?

A UAS geographical zone may prohibit, limit or condition a flight. Checking it is part of mission preparation.