For several years now, drones have been at the top of wish lists. “But be careful, drones are much more than just a toy,” says ÖAMTC drone expert Benjamin Hetzendorfer. "That's why there are also some legal requirements that clip the wings of the drones."

For this reason, it is advisable to think carefully in advance which drone you want to give to whom. “For example, all drones with a take-off weight of over 250 grams will require mandatory registration and a drone driver's license from 2021,” explains Hetzendorfer. “And you can't give this license as a present. The recipient has to do it himself. " In addition, the necessary registration and drone insurance incur additional costs - this should also be considered.

If you want to surprise children with a drone, there is another important point to consider. “With a few exceptions - e.g. B. pure toy drones or self-made drones up to 250 g - there is a minimum age of 16 years ”, says the expert of the mobility club. "Only from this age on can you control a drone without the supervision of a pilot who has all the necessary proof of competence." The decisive factor for the categorization and thus for the regulations that must be complied with is usually the take-off weight of the drone. The heavier the aircraft, the higher the demands on the pilot.

Hetzendorfer, who is an experienced drone pilot himself, has another tip for budding drone pilots: “Winter is not necessarily the ideal time to learn to fly drones. Propellers can freeze up, batteries run out faster and cold fingers are only half as fun. "

New drone regulations from December 31.12.2020, XNUMX with, among other things, a drone driving license and simple online registration
At the end of the year - with a six-month delay - the new EU-wide drone regulations will come into force. "This standardizes the legal situation within Europe, which among other things enables uncomplicated flying in other European countries," explains the ÖAMTC drone expert. In addition, this regulation also includes the new drone driver's license. "This consists of an online training course and an online test and is intended to ensure that drone pilots know about the rules in air traffic," says Hetzendorfer.

In the future, there will also be mandatory online registration for all drones over 250 g and drones under 250 g, provided they have a camera installed. This should work more quickly and easily and, at around 30 euros, be significantly cheaper than the previous operating license from the aviation authority. “Furthermore, the corresponding class must already be visible on the drone packaging,” the expert mentions another advantage. "All further information on registration and the requirements for the pilots must also be enclosed."