Sie rücken immer näher: die neuen EU-Regeln für die Drohnennutzung. Wir haben in unserer Artikelserie die wichtigsten Änderungen aufgegriffen. Hier finden Sie

• Part 1 “UAV-Classes”
• Part 2 “Operation Categories”
• Part 3 “Pilot Certificates”
• Interview with Ronald Liebsch (DJI)

Part 4 of our series on the new EU Drone Regulation will focus on the registration obligation. In addition, we will provide you with a comprehensive overview.

The Registration

The new EU Drone Regulation requires that all pilots and operators must be registered in their country before flying. In Germany, pilots can register online at the LBA (Luftfahrtbundesamt). After online registration, the pilot receives an electronic identification number, also called e-ID.

When Is Registration Necessary?

Every pilot or operator must register. For operators, usually as a legal entity. Registration is only not necessary if

• the drone weighs less than 250 g and does not have a camera
• the drone weighs less than 250 g, has a camera, but is labeled as a toy.

Once registered, the pilot may fly in the OPEN and SPECIFIC operating categories until the registration expires. This is regulated differently in each member state. For Germany, there is no more precise information yet. As soon as official regulations have been made, we will report. Each pilot needs to register only once, regardless of the number of drones in his possession.

Why Register?

The aim of registration is to be able to assign all aircraft to a pilot. For this purpose, the e-ID must be visually attached to each drone.

For attaching the e-ID to a UAS, a sticker or a so-called “drone license plate” is a suitable solution. The requirements for such a badge are also defined in the EU Drone Regulation. On the Internet, you can already find providers who adhere to the regulations and offer those labels (e.g. fireproof, font size, self-adhesive, etc.).

For flights with drones of classes C1, C2, and C3, a system for remote identification is also required. This system requests the e-ID. In this way, it should be possible to determine the pilot of a UAS without physical contact. In perspective, this will contribute to the improvement of traffic management and organization as well as safety in the airspace. Especially U-Space, i.e. drone flight space, will benefit from a better integration of registered drones. Access to personal data is to be granted only to authorized authorities in all member states.

On the LBA website, registration is expected to be possible from the beginning of January 2021.

Remote Identification for (Older) UAVs

As mentioned, in the future UAV manufacturers will adapt the operating systems so that the corresponding registration of the pilot can be stored electronically on the device. This will make remote identification possible. But what about existing drones with older software?

Already the first manufacturers confirmed that a corresponding function will be added through firmware updates. A downgrade to an old firmware version is excluded. This means that older devices will meet future requirements after an update.

An Overview

This part completes our articles on the changes due to the EU Drone Regulations. You now know the most important information. We have summarized a few dates and deadlines to conclude.

• On 01.01.2021, the EU Drone Regulation will come into force.
• From 01.01.2021 the registration obligation for pilots and drone operators applies.
• Until 31.12.2021, national drone licenses can be converted into EU certificates of competence.
• From 01.01.2022, the new EU drone licenses are mandatory.
• All drones without a drone class that are purchased by 01.01.2023 are considered as stock drones.
• Until 31.12.2022 drones without drone class can be operated by the transitional regulation (limited open category).
• From 01.01.2023, all flights from the OPEN operating category must comply with EU regulations. Inventory drones up to 25 kg can be flown in the operating categories A1 and A3.

Of course, we will continue to keep you up to date with news on the topic. At this point, we wish you a good start to the new year,

Your FlyNex Team