Frequently asked questions

In most cases, it is mandatory to register as an operator. Registration is not required if it is a toy in accordance with the Toys Directive 2009/48/EC. Obtaining a remote pilot qualification is not mandatory. However, we recommend that all drone users obtain a qualification so that the remote pilot has a basic knowledge of unmanned aviation and the rules related to it.

Both obtaining a qualification (A1/A3) and registering as an operator are mandatory in such cases.

Operators may not modify or convert their drone if it is a drone with a class identification label of C0, C1, C2, C3, or C4. Modifications may only be made if the change is intended by the manufacturer.

This is only permitted if it complies with the manufacturer’s instructions and if the drone is designed for this purpose.

If you notice an unknown unmanned aircraft, first make sure that it does not pose a direct threat to your safety and/or property. According to European regulations, operators of unmanned aircraft must also consider the privacy of other people. If you feel that your privacy is being violated, you have a right to report it to the Data Protection Inspectorate of the Republic of Estonia (Andmekaitse Inspektsioon). However, if you find that an unmanned aircraft poses a threat to the safety of you or your property, you can contact the Police and Border Guard Board. To report concerns arising from aviation safety, please contact the Transport Administration.

EASA member states (27 EU member states, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, and Norway) have a common legal framework, but there may be some differences. These can be checked directly on the member state’s website. EASA has compiled information on member states here.

European laws do not apply to third countries, so we recommend contacting the specific country directly.

The map application lists the contact information of the owner of the area for each area, from whom permission can be requested. For example, you can request a permit from the Police and Border Guard Board by filling out the appropriate form.

The make of the drone (i.e., the manufacturer’s name and model name, sometimes also the type number) can usually be found on the drone (on the body or battery). If you have also kept the drone’s factory packaging, then the exact model name is usually on the box or in the accompanying instructions. The drone model can also be identified by the drone’s serial number.

If the drone has a class identification label, it should be affixed by the manufacturer as a sticker or label on the drone (or printed on the body). EASA also has a constantly updated list of drones with class identification labels.

Look for the class identification label (C0–C4) on the drone or check the date of purchase. If the drone was purchased before 1 January 2024, it is very likely that it falls under the transitional provisions, as most drone models manufactured before that date do not have a class identification label. You can also search for your model on the manufacturer’s website.

From 1 January 2024, drones without a class identification label can still be used in the open category, but the following conditions must be met:

• drones weighing up to 249 g can be flown in category A1;
• drones weighing 250 g and more can be flown in accordance with the conditions of category A3.

After registering for the A2 certificate of the competency exam, you will receive an automatic email to the address you entered in the registration form. If you do not receive an email or if you want to check your exam time, you can do so on the page by clicking on the link ‘check booking’.

An unmanned aerial vehicle is classified as a toy if it is intended for use by children up to 14 years of age and complies with the Toys Directive No. 2009/48/EC (Directive 2009/48/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 June 2009 on the safety of toys). The conformity of an unmanned aerial vehicle with the aforementioned directive is based on the declaration of conformity issued by the manufacturer. If you have any doubts as to whether it is a toy, please contact the Consumer Protection and Technical Regulatory Authority or the Transport Administration.

An uninvolved person is a person who is not participating in the UAS operation or who is not aware of the instructions and safety precautions given by the UAS (drone) operator.

A person is considered involved if he/she decides to be a part of the operation, understands the risk and is able to check the position of the drone while it is flying.

Therefore, in order to be considered ‘involved’ in the operation, a person needs to:

• give consent to be a part of the operation (e.g. consent to be overflown by the drone); the consent needs to be explicit;
• receive from the drone operator/remote pilot instructions and safety precautions to be applied in case of an emergency situation; and
• not be busy with any other activities that would make the person unable to check the position of the drone and, in case of an incident, take action to avoid being hit.

Writing on a ticket that a drone will be used during an event is not considered sufficient, since the drone operator needs to receive individual explicit consent and make sure people understand the risk and the procedures to be taken in case of an emergency.

During the operation, it is expected that involved persons will follow the trajectory of the drone and be ready to take action to protect themselves in case the drone behaves unexpectedly. If, during the UAS operation, people are busy working or watching something that is not compatible with monitoring the trajectory of the drone, than they cannot be considered to be involved.

Examples of uninvolved people:

• spectators gathered for sport activities, concerts or other mass events;
• people in a beach or in a park, or walking on the streets.

An uninvolved person is not only a person who is directly exposed to a drone, but could also be a person who is in a bus, car, etc., and who is indirectly exposed. For example, if a drone is flying over a car, its driver should be considered to be an ‘uninvolved person’. The reason is that a drone flying close to a car (even if it does not impact it) could possibly distract its driver and therefore cause a car accident.

The operator of an unmanned aircraft system must have third-party liability insurance if the maximum take-off mass (MTOM) of the unmanned aircraft exceeds 20 kg. In addition, according to the Estonian Aviation Act (Lennundusseadus), the operator is obliged to have a valid liability insurance agreement for flights performed on the basis of an operational declaration or operational authorisation, which insures the operator’s liability for third-party claims arising from the operation of the unmanned aircraft system.

Yes, a drone can be flown both during the day and at night. The operator must ensure that the green flashing light on the unmanned aircraft is activated at night. It is important to follow the requirements of the open category. It is essential to make sure that the flight takes place in visual line of sight (VLOS). It must be considered that visibility deteriorates at night.

All incidents covered by Regulation (EU) 376/2014 (Regulation (EU) nr 376/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 3 April 2014 on the reporting, analysis and follow-up of occurrences in civil aviation) are considered safety incidents. In the case of operating unmanned aircraft, the following are classified as incidents:

• safety-related incidents where an unmanned aircraft caused death or serious injury;
• incidents related to manned aviation (airplanes, helicopters, etc.).

Yes, after successfully passing the exam, you will be issued with the corresponding remote pilot certificate of competency. Certificates of competency can be downloaded from the Flight Safety Supervision Information System (LOIS). You can see your own certificates of competency there under the ‘Competencies’/’Pädevused’ module. You can download the certificate of competence in PDF format. A remote pilot is obliged to always carry the certificates related to them on their person, either digitally or on paper.

No, the regulations on unmanned aircraft (Delegated Regulation 2019/945 and Implementing Regulation 2019/947) do not cover flying unmanned aircraft indoors.

Remote-ID or Direct Remote Identification (DRI) is a system by which a drone in the air sends out identification and location data. First of all, you need to check whether this drone (model, version) has a built-in and activated Remote-ID. If not, you must either perform a software update or purchase an additional Remote-ID transmitter module. The EASA website also lists all transmitter add-on modules that comply with European Union requirements.

Drones with the class designation C1, C2, or C3 (including C5 and C6) are already equipped with a Remote-ID by the manufacturer. In addition, the Remote-ID requirement applies to all flights in the specific category.

We always recommend that you contact your airline to check the size restrictions and restrictions on lithium batteries, which are considered dangerous goods.

The regulation allows you to fly without direct eye contact with the drone, provided that you have someone to observe the airspace next to you. The observer must maintain constant visual contact (eye contact) with the drone and monitor the airspace to ensure that the drone does not pose a danger to other airspace users, as well as buildings, structures (masts, overhead power lines, lighting), or people. The observer of the unmanned aircraft must be next to you so that they can immediately inform you of the danger if necessary.

Yes, you can. It is important to follow the requirements of the open category. You must definitely make sure that the flight takes place in visual line of sight (VLOS).

You may not fly a drone in the open category while operating another vehicle at the same time. When operating in the specific category, the operator must assess these risks separately.

During flight, remote pilots and UAS operators may not fly near or in areas where a rescue operation is underway, unless they have permission from the responsible rescue services. Contact the relevant authorities and be sure to offer your assistance. It is essential to ensure that flights are carried out in accordance with the category of operation.

From an aviation safety perspective, it is definitely important to follow the open category requirements. For such events, it is possible to introduce the planned operational activities to the participants and inform them of potential hazards.

Remote pilots and operators of unmanned aircraft systems are not allowed to fly near or in areas where a rescue operation is underway, unless they have permission from the responsible rescue services. Contact the relevant authorities and be sure to offer your assistance. It is important to ensure that flights are carried out in accordance with the open or specific category requirements.

If you must fly over a structure that is higher than 120 metres, you may fly up to 15 metres above the height of this structure, but only if its owner has explicitly given permission for this (for example, under a contract that an inspection will be carried out, etc.). Remember that, in this case, you may fly up to 50 metres horizontally from the structure.

A camera may be installed on a drone. However, it is worth ensuring that adding a camera to the drone complies with the requirements set by the manufacturer. Adding a camera can also change the total weight of the drone, which is an important factor in determining the drone operating category.

In Europe, the minimum age limit set by Implementing Regulation 2019/947 is 16 years. However, there are some exceptions where there is no minimum age requirement for a remote pilot:

• when flying a drone with a class label of C0 in the open category, subcategory A1;
• when flying a privately built drone weighing less than 250 g; or
• when flying under the direct supervision of a remote pilot who has fulfilled the relevant competence requirements.