- It includes categories (open, specific, certified) and classes C0–C6 to help you know what training and equipment you need.
- Register as an operator with AESA, identify your drone and use the ENAIRE map to plan areas and altitudes.
- For sensitive operations (night, BVLOS, crowds, CTR) assess authorization, SORA and extra requirements.
- Please note RD 517/2024: CE marking, Electronic ID in C1–C3 and changes in UAS Geographical Zones.
If you're thinking about flying a drone in Spain, it's important to be clear about the regulations to avoid problems and enjoy flying responsibly. European and Spanish regulations have evolved in recent years and now focus on... risk of the operation, weight of the UAS and the geographical area where you're going to fly, rather than whether the use is recreational or professional.
First of all, a practical note: the AESA website also offers information in English via the European Commission's eTranslation service, and they themselves warn that the Machine translation may not be perfectStick to the official Spanish version and, if you have serious doubts, it's best to consult the current regulations or ask the State Aviation Safety Agency directly.
Who can fly and minimum ages
Almost anyone can fly a drone, but there are some nuances: some models and operations require training and registration, while others don't. In the open category, the typical minimum age for piloting is around 12 and 14 years Depending on the type and subcategory, and under adult supervision, there is no minimum age. To act as a UAS operator (managing aircraft and operations), the The general minimum age is 16 yearsAnd for licenses in scenarios that require it, legal age is required.
Operational categories: open, specific, and certified
European regulations (Regulations (EU) 2019/947 and 2019/945) organize operations into three categories according to risk. open category Low-risk flights are included: no flying over crowds, no transport of hazardous materials, and no autonomous flights. No prior authorization or operator declaration is required, but there are clear requirements.
Usual requirements for open water: pilot ≥16 years old (or direct supervision), UAS operator registration where applicableTraining or exam depending on the subcategory, VLOS (visual line of sight) flight, maximum altitude 120 m AGL and MTOM less than 25 kg. Within open there are subcategories A1, A2 and A3 that adjust distances to people and training requirements.
La specific category It covers high-risk operations that don't fit into the open category: BVLOS (beyond visual line of sight), altitudes above 120 m, UAS weighing more than 25 kg, urban flights with specific requirements (for example, without CE marking or weighing more than 4 kg, with limits), or flights over gatherings of people, among other scenarios. Operator registration is usually required in these cases. higher education and a SORA study by the operator; in standard European scenarios, STS-01 (VLOS in urban environments, with label C5) and STS-02 (BVLOS in sparsely populated environments, with label C6) are applied.
For its part, the certified category It encompasses high-risk operations (e.g., involving crowds of people with aircraft of 3 meters or more, transport of people or dangerous goods). It requires certified UAS. licensed pilotCertified operator and, in general, AESA authorization, in addition to SORA when required. This framework is still evolving at the European level.
UAS classes by weight and marking
The maximum takeoff mass (MTOM) classification defines the classes C0, C1, C2, C3, C4, C5 and C6Since January 1, 2023, only models with a class label have been sold. Broadly speaking: C0 (less than 250 g), C1 (≥250 and <900 g), C2 (up to 4 kg), and C3/C4/C5/C6 (more than 4 kg up to 25 kg, depending on the specific case and use). This class label is key for know where and how you can fly.
Weight is important: from 250g upwards, stricter requirements apply, because a heavier UAS can pose a problem. more danger to third parties In case of impact. A lightweight drone is usually easier to launch, but may offer less flight time or wind resistance. The balance between weight, battery, and rotors affects overall performance.
EASA Transitional: from the January 1, 2024In the open category, UAS with class C0-C4 or privately built UAS (according to Appendix 2019/947) must be used. Specifically, declarations for European standard scenarios require class C5 UAS (STS-01) or C6 (STS-02); in other cases, operational authorization in accordance with article 12 of 2019/947.
Operator registration, license and insurance
Registration as a UAS operator is processed at the headquarters of the State Aviation Safety Agency (AESA)Operators register in their Member State of residence or main business center and must keep their information up to date. Registration in more than one Member State is not permitted at a time. The registration is valid for [duration to be specified]. five years and is recognized in all EASA countries. If the UAS is a toy compliant with Directive 2009/48/EC, registration is not required.
For identification purposes, drones weighing 250g or more must have a visible fireproof plate with: manufacturer, type, model, serial number, operator name and contact detailsThe marking must be indelible and legible using approved methods (chemical etching, stamping, die-cutting or indelible ink).
Are you sure? There are nuances here. For recreational use with UAS under 250g, it's not usually mandatory, but it is highly recommendedIf the drone requires a license or exceeds certain weight limits, and especially if used professionally, liability insurance becomes essential or even mandatory. Some operating guidelines consider it mandatory for UAS weighing over 250g, with coverage of around €265.000 (less than 20kg) and €350.000 (more than 20kg). In any case, the insurance covers the operatornot to the aircraft, and the same policy can cover several aircraft.
Do I need a license or an exam?
Under the current framework, it is no longer sufficient to distinguish between "recreational" and "professional". In the open category, it is mandatory to pass the AESA exam (Level 1 or 2 depending on the subcategory). For specific categories, additional training is required, and to operate in standard scenarios, passing the exam is necessary. Level OneThe certified category includes a pilot's license, operator and UAS certificates, and even an AOC certificate from the air operator where applicable.
No license is required for UAS weighing less than 250g, but it's advisable to read the manual, get trained, and fly cautiously. Although it's not mandatory, you might be interested in taking the course and exam because opens the door to heavier UAS operations with higher requirements. Remember that training/accreditation is required for weights of 250g and above.
Medical certificate? Generally, for open and specific categories, an aeronautical medical certificate is not required. “certified” transactions Yes, it may be required, with LAPL being the minimum in some cases (and Class II for certain masses), especially in more demanding or higher risk contexts.
Where you can fly: zones, permits and best practices
You can't fly just anywhere. There are prohibited, restricted, or conditional zones, and other unrestricted areas (gray zones on the maps). In Spain, the ENAIRE DRONES map is the reference tool for planning. https://drones.enaire.es/Although a recreational map exists, it is recommended to use the professional mapsince the zoning no longer distinguishes between recreational/professional use. Gray areas = no restrictions; colored polygons = limitations/conditions.
ENAIRE updates frequently and offers a mobile app. Before each flight, you can complete a simple questionnaire with the type of drone and the reason for the flight, and the system will provide the necessary information. tailored to your operationIt allows you to draw routes, measure distances, identify areas, search by coordinates (latitude, longitude), and consult NOTAMs. A NOTAM is a "notice distributed by telecommunications that contains information about the establishment or modification of aeronautical facilities".
Flying at night? It's possible, but according to the information gathered, it requires AESA authorization and a specific safety study demonstrating its feasibility. The UAS must be visible (with lights or appropriate paint) and it is advisable to request it well in advance, as the response may take months.
Regarding concerts, weddings, or gatherings? With UAS weighing ≤250 g, it could be permitted outdoors and not exceeding 20 m in height, avoiding disturbances and complying with all other regulations. With UAS weighing >250 g, You cannot fly over meetings of people or crowds. Also, if you record, comply with data protection regulations, the right to honor, privacy and image rights, and restrictions on the aerial image capture/dissemination.
At the beach? It depends on the area. It's best to look for less crowded areas (early morning) and avoid national parks or natural Protected Areaswhere it is usually prohibited. If there are prohibition signs, respect them.
Indoors? An enclosed space (warehouse, pavilion, sports facility, home, etc.) is not part of the airspace and is not under the jurisdiction of AESA (Spanish Aviation Safety Agency). Authorization is granted by the owner/manager of the space (municipal authorities, etc.). If you are not an expert, be careful of obstacles and loss of visibility. gps signal: flies slowly and with manual control.
Operations that require authorization and examples of zones
Request authorization with margin when: specialized air operations and experimental flights with UAS >25 kg (except specialized operations up to 50 kg with distance limits ≤500 m and height ≤120 m above terrain or obstacle at 150 m); specialized operations BVLOS with aircraft >2 kg MTOM; night operations or experimental flights; over urban areas or gatherings of people outdoors; and in controlled airspace or flight information zone (including aerodrome traffic zone).
As flight field ideas, the gray areas of the ENAIRE DRONES map are good candidates, meeting basic rules of open categoryIn large cities like Madrid, there are iconic urban areas (El Retiro, Madrid Río, Casa de Campo, the historic center) where you cannot fly without specific permits. However, outlying towns or open peri-urban areas may be more suitable.
Key regulatory updates
Royal Decree 517/2024, in force since June 25, 2024, aligns Spanish law with the European framework and incorporates significant changes: obligation to CE marking in drones operated and sold in Spain; elimination of the recreational/professional distinction in the use of airspace, with unified requirements in UAS Geographic Zones and single digital publication of said zones.
Zoning is adjusted to allow operations in controlled airspace without coordination with ATS service providers when outside the aerodrome environment and without exceeding 60 m heightFurthermore, a framework is created for category-specific training under operational authorization: designated entities for practical instruction and new roles (instructors, examiners, evaluators), including training in aeronautical radio communication for UAS pilots.
For civilian “Non-EASA” operations (customs, police, search and rescue, fire, etc.), a separate regime is defined, distinguishing between direct operations (public entities) and indirect operations (contracted operators), with differentiated requirementsIn U-Space, CIDETRA will designate zones, while AESA will supervise and certify service providers.
As of August 30, 2024, declarations of conformity for STS-ES are no longer accepted, and those flying in open and specific categories with C1, C2 or C3 classes must have Electronic ID mandatory. In short, the modifications affect all unmanned aircraft (remote or autonomous), with exceptions for security forces and emergency public services.
Training, exams and documentation
For open enrollment, pass the corresponding exam (Level 1 or 2) on the official platform. Specifically, add Level 3 training for standard scenarios, and SORA prepared by the operatorIn certified, we are talking about licenses, certificates (operator and UAS) and possible additional approvals (such as AOC) depending on the mission.
When your UAS has a camera or you plan to use it for more than just as a toy, register as an operator and include the operator number visible on the drone. It carries the required documentation: registration, training accreditations, insurance policy (if applicable), procedures and risk analysis when required.
How to report irregular flights
If you detect a suspected illegal flight that puts people or property at risk, you can report it. AESA investigates all reports. Provide as much information as possible. when and where, area overflown and conditions (day/night), details of the individual or legal entity being reported and of the pilot if known, identification of the UAS (if possible) and relevant documentation.
Channels: electronically through the AESA website, at the AESA General Registry (C/ General Perón 40, 1st floor, Madrid), at any of the locations specified in Article 16.4 of Law 39/2015, or before law enforcement agencies (who will notify AESA). Identify yourself with your name and ID number when you file the complaint.
Sanctioning regime: fines for violating regulations
The penalties depend on the offender's profile and the severity of the offense. For individuals without aeronautical knowledge: minor offenses from €60 to €45.000, serious offenses from €45.001 to €90.000, and very serious offenses from € 90.001 to € 225.000If you are a company, professional or have aeronautical knowledge: minor from €4.500 to €70.000, serious from €70.001 to €250.000, very serious from €250.001 to €4,5 million.
Beyond the amounts involved, your responsibility as a pilot is to not endanger anyone, to keep the drone within visual line of sight (VLOS), and to avoid prohibited areas such as airport environments or low-altitude areas with other aircraft (airfields, heliports, paragliding or skydiving). The general height limit is 120 m AGL unless specifically authorized.
Essential rules and safety tips
Although some classic guidelines were written before the European framework, they remain valid as good practices: keep the drone in sight, do not fly over crowded areas, avoid urban areas unless permitted by zoning regulations. Do not fly at night without permissionRespect safe distances from airports and do not compromise the safety of others. For FPV, it is recommended to have an observer.
If you use the drone for professional purposes, you will need the training and documentation that apply to your operation (including licenses or authorizations (where applicable). If you're just going to film your family or practice in open fields with a microdrone, the bureaucratic burden is minimal, but the safety and privacy rules still apply.
Finally, the official AESA UAS Geographical Zones guide helps you understand the limitations by operating location: UAS Geographic Zones GuideCombine it with the ENAIRE map and remember that The regulations apply in SpainIf you are traveling with your drone, check the rules of the destination country.
With all this, you now have the complete picture: who can fly, what each category requires, how CE marking and drone class affect things, where you can fly, what permits you need for sensitive operations (nighttime, BVLOS, overcrowded areas, controlled airspace), how to report irregularities, and what penalties exist. Flying legally is easier than it seems when you use the ENAIRE DRONES map, you register with AESA And you respect heights, distances and privacy; that way your experience will be safe, legal and much more enjoyable for everyone.
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