But wait, before you jump in and feel like the Spielberg of the skies, there are a few things you need to know. Depending on the drone you’ve been given (a lightweight DJI Mini 4 Pro or one with a bit more weight and more features like the DJI Air 3S?), you’ll have different obligations to fly legally.
That’s why my advice, if you are starting out in this world, is to start with the smaller ones (with a weight of less than 250gr) the regulations are more flexible and I assure you that, even if you see it as a dwarf, it is still the best!
When you dream of flying and filming those marvellous impossible shots you must be clear that what you are carrying in your hands is not a toy, even when you see that the drone is small, light and with a froggy face…
Nowadays in the European Union and therefore in our country, any aircraft with a camera is no longer considered a toy and therefore plays in the pro league, so either we comply with the laws or prepare our wallet for disproportionate fines.
Registration with AESA: because your drone also needs ‘papers’.
If your drone has a camera, and it sure does (because you love aerial photos), you need to register as an operator on the AESA platform (no excuses!). This step is mandatory for any drone, regardless of its weight. It’s like a pilot’s ID card, and it only takes a few minutes online (click here to register).
Under the new regulations, you must also register your drone with the Ministry of the Interior. This requirement, which is linked to the entry into force of the new regulations this year 2024, is not yet available on the Ministry’s website, but we are told that it will be available during the first four months of 2025 and we have to do it if we don’t want to be fined, but well ….
Certificates and training: theory also counts
Depending on the drone the Three Wise Men have given you, it will have to comply with one or the other. To continue with the two examples of C0 and C1, I’ll tell you about the most popular DJI drones:
DJI Mini 4 Pro (C0)
Good news: you don’t need the A1/A3 certificate if you use it recreationally, even in urban areas.
But you still need to register as an operator.
Although the A1/A3 course is not compulsory, it is recommended to understand the rules and fly safely. And it’s free… what more could you ask for! (+info A1-A3 COURSE)
DJI Air 3S (C1)
Here things go up a level: you need the A1/A3 certificate to comply with the regulations. If the Three Wise Men brought it to you, it’s time to study a bit.
Liability insurance: better safe than sorry
Although the regulations do not require it for A1 or A3 flights with drones such as the DJI Mini 4 Pro or Air 3S, taking out insurance is more than advisable. Imagine landing on the windscreen of a neighbour’s car… Better not to take any chances, right?
And don’t worry, it’s quite cheap: A Civil Liability insurance for recreational flights (which will at least let you fly with peace of mind) is taken out for the pilot and can cost you around 20€/year. For your reference, I have it with Coverdrone.
Check the flight zones: not all the sky is free.
Before flying, take a look at tools such as ENAIRE Drones. These applications tell you where you are allowed to fly and if you need additional authorisation, especially in urban or controlled areas.
If you are going to fly in an urban environment (regardless of whether it is the Mini 4 Pro or the Air 3S) you must communicate it, yes or yes, to the Ministry of the Interior. But don’t panic, it’s a procedure that only takes a few minutes and you don’t need to wait for authorisation (it’s just a notification). However, sometimes the competent authority in the area where you want to fly will reply by email, asking you for additional documentation, such as the operator’s certificate and the A1-A3 pilot’s certificate in the case of Air 3S. Make the notification here.
Prepare the drone: Pre-take-off check
You are obliged to familiarise yourself with the manufacturer’s specifications and be aware! This is by law, it says so in the royal decree that sets the current regulations, so you know, don’t skimp and watch the instruction videos.
Charge the batteries (because a drone without a battery is just an expensive paperweight).
Check the propellers and sensors.
Update the firmware (drones also need to be up to date). And this point is super-important because as soon as you turn it on it will ask you to update both the drone and the controller. Don’t panic, it’s easy.
Calibrate the compass, the IMU, the gimbal and the controller (there are a thousand tutorials on YouTube, just search for the model of your drone and follow the steps… it’s easy!!!).
During the flight: follow the rules like a pro
Keep the drone always in sight (VLOS, for the geeks), do not exceed 120 m height. And avoid crowds of people.
- If you have a DJI Mini 4 Pro (C0): you can fly over people briefly (but best to avoid it).
- With the DJI Air 3S (C1): it is allowed in urban environments, but without flying over non-participants. Remember that you need an A1-A3 pilot certificateto fly this drone .
After the flight: watch out for adrenaline hangover
- Check for damage to the propellers or structure.
- Discharge the batteries to the recommended level for storage (Charge them one day before flying, never store them fully charged, it is normal to store them at 30% and never put them in the drone).
- Keep an optional log of your flights. It will be useful if you need to justify a flight in controlled areas.
And remember…
Fines for not following the regulations are not exactly ‘freebies’. They can exceed €200,000 in serious cases, so keep your eye on the ball! Better follow these rules and enjoy your drone as a responsible pilot.
Let’s fly! But be smart, because the skies also have rules.
