Introduction
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) continues to set the global standard for drone regulation. With the Open Category framework now fully mature and the Specific Category gaining traction, 2026 brings several important updates that every European FPV pilot needs to know.
This guide covers the latest EASA regulations affecting FPV drone pilots across EU member states, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland.
The Three Categories: A Quick Refresher
EASA divides drone operations into three categories:
Open Category (A1, A2, A3)
Low-risk operations that don’t require authorization. Subcategories are determined by drone weight and proximity to people.
Specific Category
Medium-risk operations requiring operational authorization from your national aviation authority (NAA). This covers most commercial FPV work.
Certified Category
High-risk operations (package delivery, flying over crowds) requiring drone certification and licensed pilots — essentially treating drones like manned aircraft.
Open Category Updates for 2026
A1 Subcategory: Fly Over People
For drones under 250g (C0 class) or under 900g with C1 marking. 2026 update: C1 drones can now fly closer to uninvolved people — the minimum distance has been reduced from “no expected overflight” to 5 meters, provided the drone has low-speed mode enabled. This is significant for FPV cinewhoops operating near subjects.
A2 Subcategory: Fly Close to People
Requires A2 Certificate of Competency (A2 CofC). Drones up to 4kg can fly as close as 30 meters from uninvolved people (or 5 meters in low-speed mode for C2 drones). The 2026 update introduces a simplified A2 CofC renewal process — valid for 5 years instead of needing re-examination every 3 years.
A3 Subcategory: Fly Far from People
For drones up to 25kg, minimum 150 meters from residential, commercial, industrial, or recreational areas. Minimum 30 meters from uninvolved people. This is the subcategory most long-range FPV flights fall under.
C-Class Drone Labels for FPV
All new drones sold in the EU from 2024 onward must carry a C-class label. For FPV pilots building custom quads, this presents a challenge — homebuilt drones initially fell into a gap. The 2026 EASA update clarifies that privately built drones can be operated in the Open Category A3 subcategory (and A1 if under 250g) without C-class marking, provided they comply with the relevant technical requirements.
Remote ID: EASA’s “Direct Remote Identification”
Europe’s equivalent of FAA Remote ID is called Direct Remote Identification (DRI). As of 2026:
- All drones with C-class marking must broadcast DRI
- Privately built drones under 250g are exempt from DRI when flown recreationally
- Privately built drones over 250g technically require DRI — but enforcement varies by member state
Practical reality: most custom FPV pilots in Europe have not yet adopted Remote ID modules at scale. However, France and Germany have begun active enforcement, with fines up to €1,500 for non-compliance. Expect wider enforcement across the EU through 2026 and 2027.
FPV Spotter Requirements
EASA maintains a strict visual line of sight (VLOS) requirement for all Open Category flights. FPV flying is permitted only with a competent observer who:
- Maintains unaided visual contact with the drone at all times
- Stands close enough to communicate directly with the pilot
- Can warn the pilot of approaching hazards (aircraft, people, obstacles)
- Does not use binoculars or other vision aids (with some exceptions)
Solo FPV without a spotter is technically illegal under EASA Open Category rules, though enforcement varies significantly by country. Germany has been particularly strict on this point.
Registration and Competency
All drone operators (not pilots — the person who owns the drone) must register with their NAA. Additionally:
- A1/A3 Certificate: Free online training and exam, required for all Open Category pilots
- A2 Certificate of Competency: Required for A2 subcategory, involves theoretical exam at recognized entity
- STS (Standard Scenario): For Specific Category operations, requires practical assessment
Insurance Requirements
Liability insurance is mandatory across the EU for all drone operations, including recreational FPV. Most national model aircraft associations (like the BMFA in the UK, DMFV in Germany, FFAM in France) include insurance with membership. Standalone drone insurance policies are also available from providers like Coverdrone and Flock.
Cross-Border Operations
Your EU drone operator registration is valid in all EU member states under mutual recognition rules. However, local restrictions (no-fly zones, altitude limits, privacy laws) vary by country. Always check the local NAA’s drone portal before flying in a new country. The EASA DroneZone app provides a good starting point.
Sources: EASA Easy Access Rules for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Regulation EU 2019/947 and 2019/945, as amended), EASA Opinion No 03/2023, EASA AMC & GM to Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947.