Do you want to fly a drone, but you don’t know if you have to register it? We explain step by step what the registration of the unmanned aerial vehicle looks like, where to do it and when it is necessary to report a flight. Avoid problems and know the current regulations.
Drone registration – how and where? What do you need to report?
Drones have become an inseparable element of the world of modern technology – these are not only toys, but also tools for work or simply expensive hobby. Before you start flying, you must know the regulations regarding its registration and reporting flights. Otherwise, you can expose yourself to unnecessary problems.
Drone registration – when is it obligatory?
Contrary to appearances, not every drone needs registration. If your machine weighs less than 250 grams and there is no camera or other sensors capable of collecting personal data – you can fly without any formalities. The exception are drones, which are in line with the so -called Toy Directive (2009/48/EC) – they are also released from the obligation to register, even if they have a camera.
However, if your drone is heavier or has a camera, you must register as an operator. But calmly – it’s nothing complicated. The whole process takes place online, it is free and it is enough to do it once – no matter how many drones you have. Registration is available at drony.gov.pl.
How is the registration of the drone operator?
Operator registration is nothing difficult. Just go to the said page, create an account and complete the necessary data. After registration, you will receive a unique operator number that you must put on the drone. It is important that the number is durable, legible and visible during the inspection – it is best to stick it or save it somewhere in the hull. If you have a very small drone, it is allowed to place the number inside the battery chamber, provided that you can easily look into it.
After completing registration, it is worth immediately undergoing mandatory online training. In the “open” category, it is required to pass the A1/A3 course, and your pilot profile will then gain the “approved” status. Without this training, registration will not be fully completed.
Do you have to report every flight?
Here it starts to get interesting. According to current regulations, each flight of BSP (unmanned aircraft) in Polish airspace requires a notification to the Polish Air Navigation Agency (PANS). The notification is carried out using a special ICT system and should be made before the start of the drone.
Sounds complicated? Fortunately, this is not as bothersome as it may seem. The PASP system allows you to submit online applications quick and convenient, and in most cases you only need a few clicks. Everything can be done from the Dronetower mobile application. If you are planning frequent flights, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the whole process to avoid potential problems.
What about insurance?
The obligation to buy civil liability insurance applies to drone operators over 20 kg. Insurance is optional for lighter machines, but it is worth considering it. A collision with another drone, damage to the car or – worse – a passerby injury, can cost a lot. ULC recommends that every drone operator has a liability insurance policy, even if the law does not require it.
What if I borrow a drone?
If you borrow a drone to a friend for a moment, you don’t have to change the operator’s number. Remember, however, that it is still you – as the owner – you are responsible for everything that happens during the flight. If your colleague does something incompatible with the regulations, then you can suffer the consequences. So it’s better to think carefully about who you entrust your equipment.
Flying a drone in Poland as a foreigner
If you live outside the EU and want to fly a drone in Poland, the first step is to register the operator at drony.gov.pl. You must get the operator’s number, go through the training and mark your drone in accordance with the regulations, as we described before. However, if you want to fly a drone outside the EU, you need to check the local regulations of a given country – the rules may differ significantly.
The stairs start above 250 grams
Drone registration in Poland is mandatory for most users, but the process itself is not complicated. If your equipment weighs less than 250 GI there is no camera – you can fly without unnecessary formalities. In other cases, a free operator registration is enough for drony.gov.pl. Also, do not forget that every flight should be reported to PANS, and although liability insurance is not compulsory, it is worth thinking about it.
