The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has built the world’s most comprehensive drone regulatory framework. Whether you’re flying a 2-inch whoop in a Berlin park or a 5-inch freestyle quad in the French countryside, understanding the EU drone rules is essential to avoid fines, drone confiscation, and legal trouble. This guide covers everything FPV pilots need to know about EASA drone regulations in 2026.
1. The Three Categories: Open, Specific, Certified
EASA divides all drone operations into three regulatory categories based on risk:
| Category | Risk Level | Requirements | Example Operations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Low | No authorisation required; follow subcategory rules | Recreational FPV, hobby flying, basic photography |
| Specific | Medium | Risk assessment (SORA) + operational authorisation from NAA | BVLOS, flights over people, beyond visual range |
| Certified | High | Aircraft certification, pilot licensing, operator approval | Package delivery, passenger transport, urban operations |
Most FPV pilots will operate in the Open Category. This is the default for recreational and low-risk flying, but it comes with strict limitations on where, how high, and near whom you can fly.
2. C-Class Drone Markings (C0–C4)
The EU introduced mandatory C-class markings to simplify compliance. Every drone sold in the EU from January 1, 2024 must carry a CE class label indicating its operational limitations:
| Class | Weight | Max Speed | Key Features Required | Subcategory |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C0 | <250g | 19 m/s | None mandatory (toy-like) | A1 (fly over people, not crowds) |
| C1 | <900g or <80J impact | 19 m/s | Remote ID, geo-awareness, lights | A1 (no flight over assemblies of people) |
| C2 | <4kg | N/A | Remote ID, geo-awareness, low-speed mode | A2 (30m from uninvolved people, 5m in low-speed) |
| C3 | <25kg | N/A | Remote ID, geo-awareness | A3 (far from people, 150m from urban areas) |
| C4 | <25kg | N/A | No automation (traditional model aircraft) | A3 (far from people) |
Critical for DIY FPV builders: Home-built FPV drones do NOT have a C-class marking. Under the transitional provisions (extended through at least 2026), privately built drones under 250g can operate in A1, and drones under 25kg can operate in A3. However, once the transitional period ends, all drones will need C-class certification — a major concern for the FPV community.
3. Open Category Subcategories: A1, A2, A3
The Open category is split into three subcategories. Which one applies depends on your drone’s weight and where you’re flying:
- A1 — Fly Over People: For C0 and C1 drones. You can fly over uninvolved people, but not over assemblies/crowds. C1 requires the A1/A3 competency certificate.
- A2 — Fly Close to People: For C2 drones. Must maintain 30m horizontal distance from uninvolved people (reduced to 5m in low-speed mode). Requires A2 Certificate of Competency (theory exam at NAA).
- A3 — Fly Far from People: For C3 and C4 drones. Must fly at least 150m from residential, commercial, industrial, and recreational areas. No uninvolved people in the flight zone. Requires A1/A3 competency certificate.
4. Competency Requirements
Every drone pilot in the EU must have proof of competency:
| Certificate | Required For | How to Get | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1/A3 | All Open category pilots | Free online training + exam at NAA website | 5 years |
| A2 | A2 subcategory operations | Additional theory exam + practical self-training declaration | 5 years |
| STS | Standard Scenario operations (Specific category) | Practical training + theory exam | 5 years |
The A1/A3 exam is a 40-question multiple-choice test covering meteorology, flight performance, privacy, safety, and airspace. It’s free and available online through your National Aviation Authority (NAA) — for example, the LBA in Germany, DGAC in France, or ENAC in Italy. You cannot fail permanently; you can retake until you pass.
5. Registration and Remote ID
Operator Registration: If your drone has a camera or weighs over 250g, you must register as an operator with your NAA. You receive an operator ID that must be displayed on every drone you own. Registration costs vary by country (typically €20–€50) and is valid for 1-5 years depending on the member state.
Remote ID: C1, C2, and C3 drones must broadcast identification and location data. The system transmits the drone’s serial number, position, altitude, speed, and the operator’s registration number. For DIY FPV pilots, a standalone Remote ID module (similar to the FAA broadcast module) is the practical solution — though regulatory clarity on retrofitting DIY builds is still evolving.
6. Operational Limits
- Maximum altitude: 120 meters (394 feet) above ground level — strictly enforced across all Open category flights. Many drones now come with firmware altitude limits.
- Visual Line of Sight (VLOS): Required at all times. For FPV, this means you need a visual observer who maintains unaided eye contact with your drone.
- No-fly zones: Airports (5km), military installations, prisons, nuclear facilities, nature reserves. Check your NAA’s official drone app or map.
- Privacy: GDPR applies. Recording people without consent can result in complaints and fines. Avoid flying over private property where possible.
- Insurance: Mandatory in most EU member states. Standard liability insurance is typically €3-8 million coverage. Check your country’s requirements.
7. U-Space and Future Developments
The EU is rolling out U-Space — a digital airspace management system for drones. In designated U-Space airspace (initially around major airports and urban centers), drone operators must connect to a U-Space Service Provider for flight authorization, real-time traffic information, and conflict resolution. By 2027, U-Space is expected to cover most controlled airspace in the EU, requiring network Remote ID connectivity for all drones.
8. Penalties
Penalties are set by individual member states and vary significantly:
- Germany: Fines up to €50,000 for operating without registration, flying in no-fly zones, or privacy violations.
- France: Up to €75,000 and 1 year imprisonment for flying in prohibited areas.
- Spain: Fines from €60 to €225,000 depending on severity.
- Italy: Up to €15,000 for unregistered operation; criminal charges for airport proximity flights.
Additionally, your drone can be confiscated and your operator ID revoked. EU member states share enforcement data, so a violation in one country can affect your ability to fly in others.
Sources
- EASA — Civil Drones Regulatory Framework
- EASA — Open Category Operations
- EASA — Drones Regulatory Framework Overview
- EASA — UAS Operator Registration
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and reflects regulations as of June 2026. EU drone laws vary by member state and change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your National Aviation Authority before flying. This does not constitute legal advice.