EASA Drone Regulations 2026: What FPV Pilots Need to Know

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has established one of the world’s most comprehensive drone regulatory frameworks. For FPV (First Person View) pilots flying in the EU, understanding these regulations is essential for legal and safe operation. The EASA framework, implemented through EU Regulations 2019/947 and 2019/945, classifies drone operations into three categories — Open, Specific, and Certified — with additional nuances that directly affect FPV flying. This guide breaks down what EU-based FPV pilots need to know as of 2026.

The Open Category: Where Most FPV Pilots Fly

The Open category covers low-risk drone operations and is where most recreational and many light commercial FPV operations fall. It’s divided into three subcategories: A1, A2, and A3. Understanding which subcategory applies to your FPV drone is critical.

Subcategory A1: Fly Over People

A1 covers drones with a C0 or C1 class identification label. A C0 drone weighs less than 250g, has a maximum speed of 19 m/s, and may be flown over uninvolved people (though not over crowds). For FPV pilots, many micro quads and toothpick builds fall into this category — if they carry the C0 marking. Without a class identification label, the drone falls into the limited Open category (subcategory A3 by default). The pilot must complete the A1/A3 online training (free, through national aviation authorities) and carry proof of completion.

Subcategory A2: Fly Close to People

A2 covers C2-labeled drones, which weigh up to 4 kg. These drones must maintain a minimum horizontal distance of 30 meters from uninvolved people (or 5 meters in low-speed mode). For FPV pilots, this is the category most 5-inch freestyle and cinewhoop builds would aim for — but the C2 label requires specific technical features (Remote ID, geo-awareness, low-speed mode) that most DIY builds do not have. The A2 subcategory requires the additional A2 Certificate of Competency (A2 CofC), involving a written exam at a recognized entity.

Subcategory A3: Fly Far from People

A3 is the catch-all for drones without class identification labels, including most custom-built FPV quads. Under A3, you must fly at least 150 meters horizontally from residential, commercial, industrial, or recreational areas. The drone must weigh less than 25 kg. This means that unless your DIY FPV drone carries a C-class label, you must fly in remote areas far from buildings, people, and infrastructure. For many FPV pilots, this effectively means flying at dedicated RC fields, bando (abandoned building) locations away from populated areas, or rural settings.

The Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) Challenge for FPV

EASA regulations require the remote pilot to maintain Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) at all times. This presents an inherent challenge for FPV pilots, who fly through a video feed. Under the Open category, pure FPV flight (relying solely on the video feed) is technically not permitted without an observer. The regulation (Article 4 of EU 2019/947) states:

“The remote pilot must keep the unmanned aircraft in Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) at all times, except when flying in Follow-me mode or when using an unmanned aircraft observer.”

The solution is the unmanned aircraft observer — a second person who maintains direct visual contact with the drone and communicates its position to the pilot. The observer must be positioned alongside the pilot and maintain unaided visual contact (binoculars are acceptable, but not as a substitute for direct vision). For solo FPV pilots without an observer, true VLOS must be maintained, which limits practical FPV flying to very close range.

Remote ID in Europe

The EU’s Remote ID framework differs from the FAA’s in important ways. Under the EASA system, Direct Remote Identification (DRI) is required for all drones operated in the Open category, with exceptions only for C0 drones (sub-250g with no camera and no personal data capture). Key DRI requirements:

• Broadcast via Wi-Fi Beacon or Bluetooth 4.x/5.x (Network Remote ID is an additional option)
• Data transmitted: UAS operator registration number, unique serial number, drone position and altitude, time stamp, and emergency status
• Range: typically up to 1 km (Wi-Fi) or 500 meters (Bluetooth)
• Implementing regulation: EU 2021/1166

For home-built FPV drones, add-on DRI modules (such as the Dronetag BS, which is EASA-compliant) are the practical path to compliance. These modules must be registered in your national aviation authority’s database.

Operator Registration and Competency

Every drone operator in the EU must register with their national aviation authority. Registration is straightforward — typically an online form and a small fee (€20-35 depending on the country). Upon registration, you receive an operator registration number that must be affixed to every drone you fly. The pilot (as distinct from the operator) must carry proof of competency:

• A1/A3 Certificate: Free online training and exam covering basic drone safety, airspace rules, and privacy. Valid for 5 years.
• A2 Certificate of Competency: Additional theoretical exam with practical self-training component. Required for A2 operations.

For FPV pilots, the A1/A3 certificate is the minimum requirement. The training, available through platforms like the EASA website, covers topics including meteorology, UAS flight performance, and operational procedures.

Country-Specific Variations

While EASA provides the overarching framework, individual EU member states may impose additional requirements. Notable variations include:

• Germany: Requires a drone liability insurance policy (Pflichtversicherung) and a fireproof identification plate with the operator’s name and address on every drone over 250g.
• France: Mandatory online registration (AlphaTango portal) and a 5€/year fee for recreational pilots.
• Italy: Requires the D-Flight platform registration and enforces strict no-fly zones around urban areas.
• Spain: AESA (Agencia Estatal de Seguridad Aérea) requires drone operations in uncontrolled airspace to comply with specific altitude limits — 120m AGL maximum unless otherwise authorized.

Practical Tips for EU FPV Pilots

• Fly with an observer whenever possible. This legally enables proper FPV flight in the Open category.
• Register as an operator with your national aviation authority before flying any drone (even sub-250g drones with cameras).
• Carry proof of competency — digital copies on your phone are acceptable in most countries.
• Install a DRI module on any drone over 250g or with a camera. This is increasingly enforced.
• Check local no-fly zones using your national authority’s app or the EASA Drone Events app.
• Join national FPV organizations (such as the FPV Verband in Germany or FPV France) for community-specific regulatory guidance.
• Stay below 120m AGL — this is the hard ceiling for the Open category across all EU states.

EASA drone regulations represent a significant compliance burden for DIY FPV pilots, but the framework is designed to be navigable. By understanding the Open category subcategories, flying with an observer, and equipping your drones with DRI modules where required, you can continue enjoying the hobby while operating within the law.

Sources: EASA EU Regulations 2019/947 and 2019/945, EASA AMC & GM to Regulation 2019/947, EU Delegated Regulation 2021/1166 (DRI). Last verified: June 2026.