Admire the local mountains from the perspective of an eagle - this wish can easily be fulfilled with drones.

“For this reason, drones are increasingly found in the backpacks of hikers,” says ÖAMTC drone expert Benjamin Hetzendorfer. "However, there are some pitfalls, especially in the mountains, such as the gradient or the thinner air, which require special attention." The noisy aircraft can also disturb and endanger other people as well as grazing animals and wild animals. In any case, you always have to fly with a line of sight, even in the mountains, so that you can recognize the location of the drone and intervene quickly in an emergency. It is also important to keep enough distance from uninvolved people so as not to bother them.

The ÖAMTC expert has put together the most important tips for the safe use of drones and in order not to violate legal regulations:

Pay attention to wind and weather:

At high altitudes, the air becomes thinner and the performance of the drone is correspondingly lower. In addition, there can be strong winds, which makes controlling the drone even more difficult. “So you should only use your drones in good weather the plane leave ”, recommends Hetzendorfer.

Expect aviation participants:

Helicopters can appear surprisingly in the mountains, as can other aviation participants such as paragliders or glider pilots - special care is required here.

Be considerate of animals:

Grazing cattle or wild animals can be frightened by drones. Birds react particularly sensitively to approaching drones during the breeding season, so drone flights should be avoided entirely in bird sanctuaries. "Birds of prey, for example, feel irritated by drones and in extreme cases can even attack smaller aircraft," says Hetzendorfer.

Comply with regional no-fly zones:

In nature reserves, national parks and bird sanctuaries, drones are often banned from flying if they interfere with nature and the landscape. “It is best to find out about relevant regional flight bans in advance with the ÖAMTC drone info app, sometimes they are also marked with signs,” says the drone expert from the mobility club.

Note the new drone rules:

Since December 31.12.2020, XNUMX, a new EU-wide drone regulation has also been in effect in Austria, which, among other things, requires online registration and a drone driver's license for most drones.

Count on other people:

Many nature lovers are looking for peace and relaxation in the Austrian mountains, so being annoyed by an unmanned aircraft is of course extremely uncomfortable. In general, strangers may never be included or the pictures published against their will.

Heavily sloping terrain:

In steep terrain, the altitude is difficult to estimate and it can change very quickly. Mountains are usually synonymous with difficult terrain. “So you should train a lot and know exactly how your drone behaves before you start and land with the drone on steep terrain,” advises Hetzendorfer. The maximum permitted altitude for drones requiring registration is 120 meters; a special permit from the aviation authority is required above this.

Don't drink and fly:

As with driving a car, driving a drone under the influence of alcohol is also prohibited. "So if you intend to fly, you should definitely do this before the first hut beer", states the ÖAMTC drone expert.