AESA/EASA have updated the EU drone regulations from the 1st Jan 2021
To fly a drone in the EU now you have to register as an operator and have a certificate of training for the class of drone. Under 250g drones with cameras can be used after reading the manufacturers manual. Operator registration and training are on-line at no cost. Once registered you can use a drone in all 27 EU member states.
To obtain an operators registration you need Internet Explorer (old browser) and an electronic certificate. Also Software programme AutoFima 1.5 min. The CLAVE system also works for registration.
Visit: https://sede.seguridadaerea.gob.es/AESA_UAS/Declar_UAS.aspx
Part of the page is in English. Sign up to AESAs Electronic platform. You get taken to a CLAVE page where you fill out your name, address, DOB, etc. Tick the appropriate boxes. The only one you don’t check is the search and rescue, fire fighting use. Put you phone number in without spaces. This causes an error. Once complete press save and wait for notification of processing.
Then it’s back to the Declar_UAS page. Access with digital certificate. Tick the boxes that you understand the Data Protection Act, will have insurance if required, will have training for the class of drone if required. Thats it, most of the form is already filled in.
Proceed to the save and signing section. This is where you need AutoFirma installed on the PC. The page prompts for AutoFirma and links to the government download site. You can close Explorer at this point, install AutoFirma. Relaunch the website and continue to sign the document created. Website will prompt to access AutoFirma. Few minutes to sign the document and then back to the front page to download your new operators certificate.
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It’s all part Spanish and English but straight forward. After that you can relaunch the website and fill out your drones and serial numbers. Select N/A as your drone category. This gives drop down lists to current drone models and fills out he boxes with MTOW, Speed etc.
I have an advanced pilot certificate for drones so currently I’m not required to pass further exams. I complete a bridging exam at a later date for heavy drones. Pilots with no certificates are required to complete AESA on-line training and pass a 40 question competency test. (75% pass mark). I might visit the training part of the site and do the level 1 test.
Under 250g drones only require reading the manual and understanding not flying near airports etc, as before (Mavic Mini)
Under 900g requires you visit the AESA training site and pass the 40 question test. (Mavic Airs old Mavic Pro)
under 2 kg requires you visit the AESA training site and pass the 40 question test. (Mavic Pro 2 and Phantoms)
Tests and training requirements depend on the type of drone. The above gives Level 1 competency in the new Sub-categorys.
At the moment to use a drone in Spain requires operator registration, Pilot competency certificate for the drone (except under 250g). The drone should still carry the fire proof ID plate. In addition your new operators number must be displayed on the drone (sticker acceptable). Insurance is optional but recommended for professional use.
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