Table of Contents
Regulations and lending drones
Summary
Since 1 January 2021 there are stricter rules for flying with a drone. This also has consequences for the loan of drones via the ISSD.
Regulations
The European regulations that will apply since 1 January 2021 are based on the risk of the flight with a certain drone. This depends for example on the weight of the drone and the location where you want to fly. The drones sold since 1 January 2021 onwards have a CE label (C0 to C4). Depending on the CE label, the drone falls under a certain (sub)category. Older drones that do not have a label may not be used since 1 January 2023. Table 1 lists the (sub)categories under which the drones lent from ISSD fall.
Table 1
Drone models lent from ISSD, their requirements and the (sub)category they fall into.
| Drone model | (Sub)category | Pilot requirements | Registration pilot | Distance criteria |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DJI Mavic Mini | A1 (up to 250g) | Reading the manual | Yes | Well above people, not crowds |
| DJI Mavic Air | A1 (up to 500 g) | Online training + exam (40 questions) | Yes | Not directly above people or crowds |
| DJI Mavic Air 2 DJI Mavic Pro 2 DJI Phantom 4 | A2 (up to 2 kg) | Online training + exam (40 questions)\ + additional exam (30 questions)\ + statement of practical experience | Yes | 50 meters away from people |
Flight certificate: Proof of Completion and the Skills Certificate
The new European rules mean that you will be required to take an online knowledge test to show that you have mastered the
has the necessary knowledge. If you pass, you can request a Certificate of Completion from the RDW. This proof is valid for five years in all
EU countries. If you're flying in alone, or if the drone weighs less than 250 grams, you don't have to get Certificate of Completion.
For the Open subcategories A1 and A3, you must follow an online course followed by a knowledge test from
40 multiple choice questions exist. You can take the online course and knowledge test at a training institute.
For subcategory A2, in addition to the aforementioned online knowledge test of 40 multiple choice questions, you must also submit a written knowledge test with 30 additional questions. In addition, you must declare that you have some practical knowledge acquired with a drone. You don't have to take a practical flight test. In addition to the Proof of Completion, you will also receive your Skills Certificate.
Apart from the (sub)categories, there are also general rules, the most important of which are set out below:
- The maximum altitude is 120 meters. Higher (e.g. in the case of a building or object) is only permitted if it is no higher than 15 metres and/or further than 50 metres from that building or object and with the permission of the building owner/object manager;
- You have to keep the drone in sight at all times;
- It is not permitted to fly outside the daylight period (which is a consequence of the Dutch air traffic rules);
- You are not allowed to fly in a 3 km radius around small airports/heliports and in CTR areas;
- You're not allowed to fly in no-fly zones. Where you may or may not fly with your drone, you can check with the GoDrone-app of Air Traffic Control the Netherlands (LVNL)
- You have to take into account the privacy of people who may appear recognisable;
- You must ensure that your liability insurance (avp) also covers damage or injury caused by drones (check with your insurer);
- After 1 January 2023, all newly sold drones must have a Cx CE label with additional product requirements. With drones >250 grams without such a Cx CE label you can only fly in the A3 category after this date.
Drone on loan ISSD
As a result of the above rules, the ISSD must check in advance whether:
- the pilot is registered;
- the pilot can produce either a Certificate of Completion or a Certificate of Skill;
- the pilot has practical experience;
- the pilot's liability insurance covers damage caused by drones.
More information
For more information on the new legislation and all categories see this flyer