Drone regulations in Spain according to the Spanish State Agency for Aviation Safety
In Spain, AESA regulates the use of drones (read drone regulations in Spain). Currently, the applicable rules are:
On the one hand, Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947, concerning the rules and procedures applicable to the use of unmanned aircraft and for the personnel involved, including remote pilots and organizations involved in such operations.
On the other hand, the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945, on unmanned aircraft systems and third country operators of unmanned aircraft systems where the requirements and technical specifications that drones intended for operations under open, specific or certified category must incorporate are standardized.
Allowed areas
Restrictions or limitations to flight
In Spain, in addition to European regulations, we must follow a national regulation for the use of unmanned aircraft, Royal Decree 1036/2017, which establishes rules and restrictions for recreational and professional drone operations, as well as zoning in Spain.
The most important limitations are:
- Altitude Limit. The maximum flight altitude limit is 120 meters above ground/AGL (Above Ground Level).
- Visual Line of Sight (VLOS). The UAS pilot must always maintain visual contact with the drone during flights. BVLOS (out of visual range) operations may only be performed when the UAS is included in a specific category.
- Prohibited Areas. Drones are not allowed to be flown in certain areas, such as airports, military installations, government buildings and other sensitive locations. These areas are often designated as “no-fly zones”.
- Flying over people. It is forbidden to fly over drones in concentrations of people or in crowded areas.
- Privacy and Data Protection. The privacy of individuals must be protected and respected when flying a drone and avoid recording or capturing images without their consent.
- Insurance. All drone operators must have liability insurance.
- Identification. The drone must incorporate the operator’s registration number to be identified.
- Certificate. The pilot must have the certificate that accredits it to fly in the corresponding category.
Where can I fly my drone?
This is a frequent doubt among beginner drone pilots. Before performing a drone operation, it is necessary to consult the Enaire Drones website, to check the restrictions in the specific location.
This website provides the user with updated information on the areas where you can fly freely or where there are restrictions, being necessary in such cases to request the appropriate and necessary coordinations and authorizations.
ENAIRE map for flying drones
To fly drones in Spain it is important to comply with the regulations established by AESA and follow the guidelines provided by ENAIRE.
ENAIRE is the Spanish state-owned company in charge of air traffic management in Spain.
ENAIRE provides an interactive map called (Information on Conditions and Restrictions on the Use of Airspace) that shows updated information on restricted areas and conditions for flying drones in Spain. You can access this map through ENAIRE’s website.
One of the most useful features of this tool is that it allows planning the route that the drone will follow, polygon, radius, flight zone, etc., being able to measure the distances to be covered.
Penalty for flying a drone in violation of regulations
Penalties vary depending on the infraction committed. These can range from €60 to €225,000.
Drone regulations are subject to change and it is imperative to check the current regulations and guidelines before flying your drone in Spain.
To avoid non-compliance with drone regulations, which may result in administrative sanctions or other legal consequences, as well as to fly in a safe environment, the ideal is to have a drone consultancy to support you and ensure the success of your projects.
is to have a to support you and ensure the success of your projects.
