Must-Known Drone Laws in Spain (in 2024)

Sarhan Basem
credit: aviationtoday

madrid (Brussels Morning Newspaper)  The national aviation authority of Spain has set some rules for flying a drone. However, flying a drone is completely legal if you follow all the regulations. All the drone flyers are interested in taking photos of all the scenic views. Three different categories can determine the laws regarding drones. If you are flying to Spain at any time it is necessary to keep the drone laws in mind. You will not like to get into trouble and enjoy your trip to the fullest. It is necessary to learn about the general rules for flying a drone. 

General Rules For Flying A Drone In Spain

According to the latest research and interpretation, these are the following rules you must know when flying a drone in Spain:

  • The regional authorities are responsible for issuing drone regulations. The drone user must get an idea before they fly a drone in Spain
  • Being a drone user you will require a permit for a commercial drone flight
  • The commercial drone pilot must have a liability insurance
  • You can fly a drone up to 120 meters that are 394 above the ground
  • Drone users can fly a drone only during the day
  • For drones to take off safely the weight must be lesser than 2 kg which is 4.4 pounds.  You can carry on flying a drone at night only if it remains at an altitude of 50 meters. This is around 164 feet above the ground
  • You cannot fly a drone during the daytime. The drone must not weigh more than 2kg which is 4.4 pounds.
  • Your drone has to fly within a visual line of sight. During the flight, another observer should keep a vigilant eye on the drone. Moreover, he/she must be in direct contact with the pilot
  • Drones should reflect a fireproof identification plate on both aircraft and remote controllers. The identification plate should have the name of the owner. It should also include the number, address, and serial number of the drone
  • The drone flyer has to maintain a distance of 5 miles from the airport. If an area is crowded you have no permission to keep the drone flying
  • You have to maintain a distance of 150 meters from buildings and humans in general
  • If you want to take a flight in the national park you need to take permission from AESA.
  • Users of drones cannot take a drone to the no-fly zone. The Spanish Ministry of Defence has approved only few areas that you need to keep in mind
  • Drone flying is permitted in urban areas only if it weighs lesser than 250 grams

Who Should Register As A Drone Pilot In Spain?

According to the rules set by the aviation industry, you must register your drone in Spain. The UAS pilot that is commonly known as the Remote Pilot is the person behind controlling flights. They are responsible for the safety of flights and other operations.

They must take responsibility on their behalf for the safety of people. Usually, the operators of the drone are the same for both open and other categories. If you are a part of the open category, it is necessary to follow these rules:

  • UAS that has a mass of more than 250 grams
  • UAS that has a mass lesser than 250 grams
  • You can operate lesser-weight drones at a speed greater than 90km/h
  • If you fall under the specific category registration is compulsory for everyone

How To Register As A Drone Flyer In Spain?

If you want to register as a drone flyer in Spain, follow some simple rules. Everything will begin with registering at the AESA registration link. The UAS operator registration is valid only for a year. You have to renew the policy with the same procedure. This is why the operator can use the number if anything is changed.

Moreover, all the commercial users of drones in Spain have to get a permit for conducting aerial work. It is not very easy to permit a drone flying registration though. For this, the drone pilot must pass a theoretical and practical examination. You need to have at least 75% correct answers to the questions.

Read More: Must-Know:n Drone Laws in Greece (in 2023)

What Are The Operational Categories In Drone Regulations?

There are three different operational categories for drone regulations in Spain. The first one is the open category which deals with low-risk flights. You don’t need any authorization for it. When it comes to the specific category it deals with medium-risk flights. While the certified category deals with high-risk operations.

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Brussels Morning is a daily online newspaper based in Belgium. BM publishes unique and independent coverage on international and European affairs. With a Europe-wide perspective, BM covers policies and politics of the EU, significant Member State developments, and looks at the international agenda with a European perspective.
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Sarhan Basem is Brussels Morning's Senior Correspondent to the European Parliament. With a Bachelor's degree in English Literature, Sarhan brings a unique blend of linguistic finesse and analytical prowess to his reporting. Specializing in foreign affairs, human rights, civil liberties, and security issues, he delves deep into the intricacies of global politics to provide insightful commentary and in-depth coverage. Beyond the world of journalism, Sarhan is an avid traveler, exploring new cultures and cuisines, and enjoys unwinding with a good book or indulging in outdoor adventures whenever possible.