Rules for flying an FPV drone in Spain

Last checked against the official source:

Informational summary, not legal advice. The rules are published by AESA - Agencia Estatal de Seguridad Aérea and take precedence over this summary: check the linked source before you fly. Authority: AESA - Agencia Estatal de Seguridad Aérea

The essentials

Operator registration

Remote pilot competency (A1/A3 and A2)

Drone classes and home-built / legacy FPV drones

Flying FPV with goggles

Operational limits

Where you can fly: geographical zones and urban areas

See the map of flying zones and spots

Insurance

Remote ID (direct remote identification)

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to register my FPV drone in Spain?
You register yourself as the operator, not the drone. It is mandatory if the drone weighs 250 g or more or carries a camera (unless it is a toy under the Toy Safety Directive), so almost any FPV drone needs it. Registration on AESA's e-office is free and the number must be visible on every drone.

Do I need a licence to fly a home-built FPV drone?
With a home-built drone under 250 g and under 19 m/s in A1, knowing the manual is enough, although AESA recommends the A1/A3 certificate. For a heavier or faster home-built drone, which flies in A3, the A1/A3 certificate is mandatory: AESA's free online course and exam, 40 questions in 40 minutes with 75% correct.

Can I fly FPV with goggles on my own?
Not in the Open category. You must keep the drone in visual line of sight, and with goggles that is only met with an observer next to you who watches the drone with the naked eye and talks to you.

Is insurance mandatory for an FPV drone in Spain?
Under Article 8 of RD 517/2024 (BOE), A1 and A3 flights with drones under 20 kg are exempt; it is mandatory in A2 and from 20 kg. Some AESA general pages still say a policy must be held, so a liability policy is advisable, for example through a club or federation.

Where can I fly an FPV drone in Spain?
Before each flight, check the geographical zones on ENAIRE Drones. A home-built FPV drone over 250 g flies in A3: at most 120 m high and at least 150 m from residential, commercial, industrial or recreational areas. To fly in an urban environment you must notify the Ministry of the Interior five calendar days in advance and not overfly buildings.

Does a home-built FPV drone need a class label?
No. A privately-built drone can fly in the Open category without a class mark: in A1 if it weighs under 250 g and does not exceed 19 m/s, and in A3 if it weighs under 25 kg. What it cannot do is fly in A2, which is reserved for C2 drones.

What is the minimum age to fly FPV in Spain?
To be an operator (the person who registers) the minimum age is 16. As a pilot, Spain lowers it to 14 in A3 with a home-built drone under 25 kg, and there is no minimum age with a home-built drone under 250 g.

Rules in other countries

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