EASA Drone Rules Update: Flying FPV in Europe Legally in 2026

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has established the most comprehensive drone regulatory framework in the world, affecting FPV pilots across all 27 EU member states plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. Understanding the Open, Specific, and Certified categories — and where FPV flying fits within them — is essential for anyone flying in European airspace.

The Three-Category Framework

EASA organizes all drone operations into three categories based on risk: Open (low risk, no authorization required beyond basic compliance), Specific (moderate risk, requires operational authorization), and Certified (high risk, requires aircraft certification — comparable to manned aviation). Most recreational FPV flying falls under the Open Category, but certain operations push into Specific territory.

Open Category Subcategories: A1, A2, A3

The Open Category is divided into three subcategories that determine where and how you can fly:

A1 — Fly Over People: For drones weighing under 900g (C0, C1 class). You can fly over uninvolved people briefly but not over crowds. C0 drones (under 250g, no camera) face the fewest restrictions and can even fly over people. This is where most sub-250g FPV builds fit, provided they carry the C0 classification marking. However, FPV drones with cameras cannot qualify as C0 — they become C1 if under 900g.

A2 — Fly Close to People: Requires the A2 Certificate of Competency (theory exam) and a C2-class drone. Operations must maintain at least 30 meters horizontal distance from uninvolved people (or 5 meters in low-speed mode). This subcategory is relevant for pilots flying 1-3kg FPV quads near, but not over, populated areas.

A3 — Fly Far from People: For drones under 25kg (C2, C3, C4 classes or privately built). Operations must be conducted at least 150 meters from residential, commercial, industrial, and recreational areas. This is the default subcategory for most custom-built FPV drones over 250g. The 150-meter distance requirement effectively limits flying to dedicated model aircraft fields, remote countryside, and designated flying locations.

The FPV-Specific Challenge: Visual Line of Sight

EASA regulations require the remote pilot to maintain visual line of sight (VLOS) with the drone at all times. For FPV pilots flying with goggles, this creates a critical compliance challenge. The regulation explicitly states that FPV flying requires an observer — defined as a person beside the remote pilot who maintains unaided visual contact with the drone and can communicate with the pilot without technical aids.

The observer must be able to determine the drone’s position, altitude, and flight direction at all times. In practice, this means the observer stands next to you, watches the drone, and alerts you to hazards. Some EU countries (notably France and Germany) have issued specific guidance that the observer does not need formal qualification, while others recommend observers complete at least the A1/A3 competency certificate.

Critically, the “first-person view” camera feed does not constitute visual line of sight under EASA rules. Even if your digital FPV feed provides a clear image, you are legally required to have a visual observer. This rule is actively enforced in several EU countries, with fines reported in Austria, Germany, and the Netherlands.

Drone Classification and CE Marking

Since January 1, 2024, all drones placed on the EU market must carry a C-class marking (C0 through C6). For custom-built FPV drones, the situation is nuanced. Privately built drones (not placed on the market) can fly in the A3 subcategory without C-class marking, provided they weigh under 25kg and are operated far from people. However, if you sell a custom-built drone — even a single unit — it must comply with C-class requirements, including CE marking, technical documentation, and conformity assessment.

The transition period for legacy drones (those placed on the market before January 1, 2024) ended on December 31, 2025. As of 2026, legacy drones without C-class marking can only be flown in the A3 subcategory (far from people) regardless of weight. This means that older FPV drones that previously qualified for A1 operations under transitional provisions are now restricted to A3.

Remote ID Requirements in Europe

EASA’s remote identification requirements began phasing in from January 2024. All drones operating in the Open Category (except C0) must transmit:

• The drone’s registration number
• Position (latitude, longitude, altitude above takeoff point)
• Course and ground speed
• Remote pilot position or takeoff point
• An emergency status indicator

For custom-built FPV drones, adding a remote ID module is mandatory when flying in any Open Category subcategory. Approved modules are available from European manufacturers including Dronetag (Czech Republic) and Thales (France). The system uses Wi-Fi Beacon or Bluetooth 4/5 broadcasting — your smartphone can receive nearby drone IDs, and law enforcement routinely uses this capability.

Competency Requirements

All drone pilots in the Open Category must complete:

• A1/A3 Certificate: Free online training and exam covering basic safety, airspace rules, privacy, and insurance requirements. Required for all pilots. Valid for 5 years, recognized across all EU member states.
• A2 Certificate of Competency: Additional theoretical exam covering meteorology, flight performance, and operational risk assessment. Required for A2 operations and recommended for any pilot flying above 250g near populated areas.

The training is available through each member state’s national aviation authority (e.g., DGAC in France, LBA in Germany, ENAC in Italy). The certificates are mutually recognized — a French A1/A3 certificate is valid in Spain, for example.

Country-Specific Variations

While EASA provides the framework, member states retain authority over certain aspects. Key national variations include:

• Germany: Requires drone liability insurance for all operations. Registration mandatory for all drones with cameras regardless of weight. FPV flying explicitly allowed with observer.
• France: No-fly zones around Paris and major cities strictly enforced. Registration required for drones over 800g. FPV flying restricted to designated areas in some regions.
• Italy: Requires a QR code with operator registration number visible on drone. Insurance mandatory. FPV allowed with observer.
• Spain: AESA requires registration for all drones with cameras. Flying in natural parks generally prohibited.

Enforcement and Penalties

EU member states have steadily increased drone enforcement since 2024. Typical penalties include fines of €500-5,000 for unauthorized flights in restricted zones, €1,000-10,000 for operations without required competency certificates, and criminal charges for reckless operation endangering aircraft. Several FPV pilots have been fined in 2025-2026 for flying without observers or in restricted airspace near airports.

Practical Compliance for FPV Pilots

To fly FPV legally in Europe in 2026:

1. Register as a drone operator with your national aviation authority
2. Complete the A1/A3 online certificate (free, 40 questions, available in all EU languages)
3. Install a remote ID module on any drone over 250g or with a camera
4. Always fly with a visual observer who can communicate with you directly
5. Maintain 150m distance from people and buildings when flying custom-built drones (A3)
6. Carry proof of liability insurance (mandatory in most EU countries)
7. Check national no-fly zone maps before each flying session

The European framework is complex but designed with safety as the priority. FPV pilots who take the time to understand and comply with these regulations can enjoy incredible flying locations across the continent — legally and responsibly.

Source: EASA — Civil Drones. Regulations change frequently — always verify current requirements with your national aviation authority before flying.