Do you want to fly a drone without a license? You have several options in the EU and Poland, but the rules are not as obvious as it might seem. Check what drones you can pilot without authorization and what to be careful not to do unnecessary trouble.
What drone can you fly without permissions?
Drones are not only toys for enthusiasts – it is equipment that can record amazing shots, help at work, and even deliver packages (it’s not science fiction anymore!). But to fly it, in most cases specific legal requirements must be met. From January 1, 2024, the new EASA regulations entered into force, which introduced the drone classification system. What models allow free flight, and when are the permissions necessary? We check.
The new regulations operate from January 1, 2024
On January 1, 2024, the EU has new drone regulations introduced by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The key change is the obligation to have a drone with granted class C (C0-C4) if we want to fly in the so-called open categoryi.e. the one in which most recreational users move. Before this date, the transition period was in force, in which it was possible to use drones without classification. Now, however, some models have lost the possibility of legal flights in the open category.
What is the categories of drone flight?
The open category (for most users) is the most available category in which you can fly without having to obtain special permits. Is divided into three subcategories:
- A1 – It allows you to fly over people, but not over assemblies.
- A2 – requires maintaining a minimum distance of 30 meters from people (or 5 meters if the drone has a low speed mode).
- A3 – It requires flying away from people, in places where there are no bystanders.
We still have a special category (b). It includes more advanced operations, e.g. flights out of sight or transport of goods. Requires consent and appropriate qualifications. The last category is a certified category (C). Applies to drones transporting people or dangerous loads and is subject to strict regulations.
DROs without authorization, or what?
If you want to fly a drone without having to get a license, you have two options:
- C0 class drone (below 250 g) – You can fly in the A1 subcategory, including people, but not over assemblies. It does not require training or registration of the operator, provided that the device does not collect personal data.
- C1 class drone (250 g – 900 g) – You can fly in the A1 category, but it already requires registration and online testing.
Older drones that do not have a C classification, but weigh less than 250 g, can fly on principles similar to class C0. In the case of heavier machines, they can only be used in the A3 subcategory (away from people).
Drone without permissions – rules and restrictions
Regardless of what drone you fly, some general provisions apply:
- Maximum flight height – 120 m above the ground.
- No flying over people and assemblies (except for some C0 drones).
- Obligatory registration of the operator For drones with a camera or heavier than 250 g (reporting by the Dronetower application).
- Obligation to check air zones (e.g. in the Droneradar application).
- No flying closer than 5 km from airports.
How to get the right to fly with a drone?
If you want to fly a larger drone, you need to undergo online training and pass the test. In Poland, this process takes place on the website of the Civil Aviation Office (ULC). The required competences depend on the flight category:
- A1/A3 – Online test.
- A2 – online test + theoretical exam.
- Special (b) – Advanced training and exams.
What drone without permissions?
If you don’t want to get a license, the best choice will be C0 class dronee.g. one of the DJI Mini models, which weighs below 250 GI, allows you to fly in the A1 subcategory. If you have an older drone without classification, you can use it, but only in the A3 subcategory, i.e. away from people. The new recipes from 2024 introduce the classification system, so it’s worth making sure that your drone meets current standards. No matter what you fly, following the rules is the key to safe and legal fun!
