The previously nationally regulated and different requirements are being simplified, harmonized and made more cost-effective in Austria. The drones are divided into three categories. The relevant category for private users will in future be called "open". For this, there must be uninterrupted visual contact with the drone without technical aids, it must be flown a maximum of 120 m above ground and the aircraft must not be heavier than 25 kg. Drones under 250 g that do not have a camera do not need to be registered. 

In addition to the “open” category, there are other “specific” and “certified” categories for the operation of larger drones. The “specific” category allows flights out of sight, flights with drones over 25 kg or flights with drones over four kg in the populated area. Use cases for this category can be camera flights over cities or flying over infrastructure. In the future, drone flights with passengers on board will also fall into the “certified” category; air taxis belong to this category. The exact set of rules for this category is currently still being drawn up at European level; the provisions will be based on those for manned aviation. 

“One or the other drone was probably lying under the Christmas tree this year too. In order to ensure that the new device is used responsibly and that the airspace is safe, we are relying on clarification and transparency with the new regulations ", said State Secretary for Aviation Magnus Brunner and continued: "This makes it easier and cheaper to fly a drone - the necessary steps can be completed quickly online and are significantly cheaper than the fees that were previously due. Once you have obtained your drone license and registered the drone, you can fly it anywhere in the EU. "

“With the online registration for drone operators and the drone driver's license for drone pilots, flying with drones in Austrian airspace will be easier and cheaper in the future. At the same time, the drone license ensures that drone pilots also have the necessary specialist knowledge for the operation of their unmanned aircraft. Registration and drone license will be available immediately after successful completion. Via the platform dronespace.at we thus enable an unbureaucratic and quick, but also safe way to fly with drones ", says Austro Control managing director Valerie Hackl. 

Registration and drone driving license from December 31.12.2020, XNUMX

For drone operators, the path to safe flying begins on December 31.12.2020, XNUMX with registration at dronespace.at. A one-time registration is sufficient, the costs for this amount to € 31,20 (incl. VAT), the assigned number plate must be affixed to all aircraft. Registration is required to be renewed after three years. The drones must also be insured.

In the second step, drone pilots will in future have to complete a drone driver's license, which they must carry with them when flying drones. The training for this is on dronespace.at possible. Knowledge of aviation law, operational procedures and general knowledge of drones is required, among other things. The test is intended to promote safety awareness. It involves questions such as: Where can I fly, how high can I climb the drone, where is flying strictly prohibited or what distance must be kept from bystanders? This proof of competence must be provided in the form of an online multiple-choice test consisting of 40 questions and will also be possible from tomorrow.

The drone license can be printed out immediately after successful completion or carried as a PDF document; it is valid for five years. The online preparation course and the online test are free of charge.

aeromodelling

The operation of model airplanes (including on model airfields) will also be covered by European regulations from December 31.12.2020, XNUMX. This means that operators of model aircraft must also register.