Obtain your drone license
Trainings and exams
Are you looking to acquire a drone and fly it? I will explain the licenses and training required to legally and safely operate your drone.
Do you lack the time or resources to capture your own aerial photos or immersive videos?
Licence to Drone will handle the photography for your private or professional events.
Whether for capturing aerial images or for the enjoyment of flying, drone piloting is subject to strict regulations in Belgium and Europe. The level of competence required to pilot depends on the weight of the drone and a risk factor.
The European regulations no longer differentiate drones based on their usage (recreational or commercial) but based on the risk they pose to air safety. This distinction takes the form of three distinct categories (Open, Specific, and Certified), each with remote pilot skill requirements adapted to the type of operations being conducted.
Since 2021, drone pilots must be registered with the General Directorate of Civil Aviation (DGTA), except for owners of a toy drone without a sensor (class C0, weighing less than 250 grams) for whom no training is required other than having read the drone’s user manual and respecting certain limitations such as a maximum flight altitude of 12 meters and exclusive use on private property.
Training requirements for the category:
- Open
The use of drones in this category is considered low risk, only in authorized airspace, max 120 m high, and the drone must always remain in the pilot’s line of sight. Drones weighing between 250 g and 25 kg may be used according to the categories.
There are 3 subcategories,
- Open A1: flying over people (but not above a gathering or crowd). Drone up to 900 g.
- Open A2: flying close to people, >30 m (or 5 m at low speed). Drone up to 4 kg.
- Open A3: away from populated areas (>150 m). Drone up to 25 kg.
Restrictions and obligations are imposed on these categories. More information on the dedicated page of SPF mobility and transportation.
- Specific used by professional pilots to fly under all circumstances.
This license is the most comprehensive, including the Open A1/A3, Open A2, and Specific/EUSTS certifications. Compliant with European standards, it allows professional pilots to access all geographical areas in Europe, without weight limit.
It requires completing specific theoretical and practical training with DGTA/EASA accredited organizations to obtain European licenses and master the specificities of Belgian airspace and necessary Belgian IT tools to perform flights legally.
The theoretical exam at the DGTA focuses on aeronautical regulations, meteorology, human performance and limitations, as well as communication. Knowledge in other subjects, notably provided in the framework of obtaining the certificate (aircraft technology, navigation, and privacy protection), is tested during the practical exam.
Whether it is for the certificate or the license, the drone pilot must maintain a flight log that allows the examiner to verify their experience with drones. The log includes, among other things, the date of each flight, the areas, and the times of takeoff and landing, flight duration, and type of activities.
What are the most important rules to follow before flying a drone in Belgium?
- Never fly higher than 120 meters above the ground (12 meters for “toy” models weighing less than 250 grams).
- Respect people’s privacy.
- Ensure the drone is always within your line of sight.
- Register with the DGTA.
- Take into account restricted airspace.
- Get insurance.
- Do you have a drone over 250 grams? Make sure you hold at least the EU certificate for drone A1/A3.
Should one take out insurance?
Proper insurance is required for professional use.
For recreational flying, liability insurance (RC) is mandatory.
Note that the legal minimum age for a drone pilot in Belgium is 14 or 16 years, depending on the category of flight.
Can I bring my drone on vacation?
Transporting a drone on an airplane is regulated. Most airlines allow drones to be carried as carry-on or checked baggage upon request. A prior request must be made before departure specifying the type of drone and batteries used.
Spare batteries or unused lithium batteries must be carried as carry-on luggage. For safety reasons, they are not permitted in checked baggage. Additionally, these batteries must be individually packaged in their original packaging or, if that is not possible, each separately in a plastic bag to prevent any potential short circuit.
Another factor to consider is your travel destination. While drone piloting regulations are standardized at the European level, other countries have their own regulations. Some countries limit or ban the use of drones by vacationers. Make sure to inform yourself before leaving to avoid having your equipment seized at customs.
How to prepare your drone flight?
Before flying your drone, make sure to research the area where you will be operating. This is important for your safety and that of others! Certain zones, such as near airports or military installations, may have specific restrictions (for example, allowed flight times, height limits, or the need to notify someone about your flight).
To learn about all these zones, feel free to visit the Droneguide platform developed by Skeyes, which ensures the safety of air traffic in Belgium: https://map.droneguide.be/.
Before each flight, remember to check your equipment (the condition of the blades, battery level, etc.) and ensure you have all the necessary documents (license or certificate, insurance). It’s always better to be well-prepared!
Once on site, take the time to identify obstacles and check if there are any uninvolved people nearby. In some areas, you may need to notify your flight online before taking off, so make sure to check that!
In summary, flying a drone should be done in accordance with a few simple rules. Nothing is left to chance, and if you are a beginner, why not consider taking a course at a recognized drone flight school in Belgium? It could really help you!
I hold the Open A1/A3, Open A2, and Specific/EUSTS licenses. Compliant with European standards, these certifications grant professional pilots access to all geographical areas of Europe and enable them to manage the specificities of each region.
(DGTA, Skeyes, EASA).
DJI Inspire & Mavic Cine
With my years of experience in drone photography and the use of state-of-the-art equipment, I offer you breathtaking images and immersive high-resolution 4K videos.
