The ÖAMTC motorist club expressly points out in a broadcast that the regulations for drone flights are very different in the individual European countries and that there may be severe penalties.

“Illegal drone flights are no trivial offense. We know of high fines abroad for drone pilots who have not complied with the laws that apply there. And they are often very different, ”points out ÖAMTC drone expert Benjamin Hetzendorfer. If you don't know the national and regional regulations, you should enjoy your holiday from the usual perspective this year. The EU-wide drone regulation with uniform rules originally planned for this summer is due to come at the beginning of 2021.

The generally applicable rules for drone pilots at home and abroad include: flying on sight, observing the privacy of third parties and data protection, maintaining a sufficient distance from buildings and bystanders, observing no-fly zones and landing when aircraft or helicopters are approaching. According to the ÖAMTC expert, it is also advisable to take out liability insurance because the drone pilot is liable in the event of an accident.

Drone rules in popular European holiday countries

In Croatia, drones are divided into different categories based on weight and maximum flight speed. Registration with the aviation authority should take place before the trip. A badge with name, address and contact details is also required. Photography and filming with drones is hardly possible for tourists in Croatia - this requires a permit from the State Geodetic Administration, which is usually not granted to tourists.

In Italy, all recreational drones weighing 250 grams or more must be registered on an online portal. To fly these drones, proof of competence is required, which can be provided by successfully completing an online course. Registered drones are allowed to fly a maximum of 120 meters high. Liability insurance is also required. Attention: There is no flight on beaches where people are staying.

In Greece, drones can be flown 49 meters high and within a radius of 50 meters without a permit. With prior approval from the aviation authorities, it is 120 meters high and 500 meters away. A minimum distance of eight kilometers must be maintained to airports - which means that the drone has to stay in the suitcase on many holiday islands.

In Germany, drones over 250 grams take-off weight are subject to labeling, ie the name and address of the owner must be fireproof and clearly visible on the device. The maximum flight altitude is 120 meters. Proof of flight knowledge is required for drones with a take-off weight of more than two kilograms.

In Spain there is also a labeling requirement - a fireproof sticker with name, address, serial number and type of drone must be attached to the device. The minimum distance to uninvolved persons must be 50 meters, to airports eight kilometers, the maximum flight altitude is 120 meters. Drones weighing less than 250 grams are allowed to fly up to 20 meters in populated areas as long as no people or property are endangered.

Regional regulations are also possible

In addition to national regulations, regional authorities can also issue their own requirements for the operation of drones. It is therefore always a good idea to ask around according to the relevant rules on site, e.g. B. via no-fly zones in nature reserves. “The regional police station is often a good starting point,” says the drone expert from the mobility club.

On the plane - drone in your suitcase, battery in your hand luggage

Anyone traveling by plane should know: “The drone itself can be transported in a suitcase, the batteries belong in hand luggage,” explains Hetzendorfer. The particularly delicate lithium polymer batteries are to be transported in a fireproof storage bag, e.g. B. a so-called lipo bag, advisable.

More information on the new EU drone regulation and legal provisions in the most popular holiday countries can be found at www.oeamtc.at/drohnen. The free ÖAMTC drone info app for Android and iOS offers helpful tips and tricks for safe flying pleasure.

All entry and exit restrictions are online at www.oeamtc.at/urlaubsservice - an interactive map of Europe always shows up-to-date for the individual countries whether entry is possible and whether quarantine must be observed on the return journey.