Open category
Most recreational flights and many low-risk commercial flights take place in the open category. Prior operational authorisation is normally not required if all conditions are met.
Equipment / Drones
Rules & Regulations
The most important basics for safe and legal drone flights in Europe, Spain and Switzerland.
Content reviewed:
July 2026
Basics
EASA categories
The three operating categories
European rules divide drone operations into three categories according to risk: open, specific and certified.
Specific category
If a condition of the open category cannot be met or the operational risk is higher, the flight will normally fall into the specific category. Authorisation or an operational declaration may be required.
Certified category
This category covers operations with particularly high risks, such as certain transport services or complex professional applications. It is rarely relevant for normal recreational flights.
Open category
Basic rules
What applies in the open category?
1. Visual line of sight
The drone must generally remain within direct visual line of sight. A video image on the controller does not replace visual contact.
2. Maximum altitude
In the open category, the general maximum altitude is 120 metres above the closest point of the ground. Local geographical zones may impose lower limits or additional conditions.
General illustration of the 120-metre rule.
3. People and assemblies of people
Flying over assemblies of people is prohibited in the open category. The rules concerning individual uninvolved people depend on subcategory A1, A2 or A3 and the drone class.
A1
For lightweight drones and certain classes. Depending on the class, uninvolved people must not be overflown or may only be overflown unintentionally and for as short a time as possible. Assemblies of people remain prohibited.
A2
For certain flights closer to uninvolved people, but without flying over them. Distances, drone class and competency requirements must be respected.
A3
For flights far away from uninvolved people and at a substantial distance from residential, commercial, industrial and recreational areas.
4. Other basic rules
- Do not carry dangerous goods or drop materials.
- Always give way to manned aircraft.
- Check geographical flight zones and local restrictions.
- Respect privacy, data protection and personal rights.
- Observe manufacturer instructions, weather limits and battery reserves.
- Liability insurance may be required depending on the country and operation.
Registration
Operator
When is registration required?
It is generally the operator who is registered, not each individual drone. In the open category, operator registration is particularly required if the drone weighs at least 250 grams or is equipped with a camera or sensor capable of capturing personal data, unless it qualifies as a toy.
Registration in the country of residence
Within the EASA system, an operator normally registers only once in the state of residence or principal place of business. The operator number is then displayed on the drones or entered into their remote identification system where required.
Moving to another EASA state
An operator registration issued by one EASA Member State is generally valid throughout the other EASA Member States. Additional or duplicate registration is not permitted. After a permanent change of residence, operators should check whether their existing registration details must be updated or administratively transferred to the new state of residence.
Protect your operator number
The required public identifier may be displayed as prescribed. Confidential check digits, complete access details and private information should not be published online or shown in public photographs.
The required public identifier may be displayed as prescribed. Confidential check digits, complete access details and private information should not be published online or shown in public photographs.
Competency
A1/A3 · A2
Which certificate do I need?
The required competency depends on drone class, weight and subcategory. For a C0 drone below 250 grams, reading the manufacturer instructions is often sufficient. Other classes and operations may require A1/A3 or A2 competency certificates.
A1/A3 certificate
The basic online competency certificate for many flights in subcategories A1 and A3. It normally includes online training and a theoretical examination.
A2 certificate
For certain flights closer to uninvolved people. In addition to A1/A3, further knowledge and the required practical self-training are necessary.
Minimum age
Minimum-age requirements may be affected by national rules and exemptions. Always consult the competent aviation authority of the state of registration or operation.
Minimum-age requirements may be affected by national rules and exemptions. Always consult the competent aviation authority of the state of registration or operation.
Spain
AESA & ENAIRE
Flying drones in Spain
Spain applies the European EASA rules together with national provisions and geographical UAS zones. Checking the exact launch location before every flight is therefore essential.
AESA
The Spanish Aviation Safety Agency AESA is responsible for operator registration, competency, authorisations and official information.
ENAIRE Drones
ENAIRE Drones allows pilots to check geographical UAS zones, flight restrictions, controlled airspace, aerodromes, heliports and other warnings for the planned flight location.
Check particularly carefully
- Airports, heliports and controlled airspace
- Cities and densely populated areas
- Beaches and tourist hotspots
- Nature reserves and bird-protection areas
- Critical infrastructure and military areas
- Temporary restrictions and events
- Regional and municipal requirements
An apparently empty area is not automatically legal for drone operations. The current ENAIRE map, operational conditions and any additional local authorisations are decisive.
Switzerland
FOCA & dLIS
Flying drones in Switzerland
Switzerland largely applies the European drone rules. The responsible authority is the Federal Office of Civil Aviation FOCA; registration, training and examinations are provided through dLIS.
Age in Switzerland
According to FOCA information, drones in the open category may generally be operated in Switzerland from the age of 12. Younger persons may fly under the direct supervision of an appropriately qualified person.
No duplicate registration
An operator already registered in an EASA state normally does not register again for a temporary flight in Switzerland. The valid operator identifier and competency documents must nevertheless be carried and used correctly.
Drone classes
C0 to C6
Class identification and older drones
The permitted subcategory depends on weight, class identification and type of operation. Since 2024, older drones without a class label have more limited possibilities in the open category.
Without a class label below 250 g
Such drones may generally continue to be operated in A1 if all other conditions are met.
Without a class label from 250 g
Older drones without a class label may generally only be operated under A3 conditions in the open category, provided they weigh less than 25 kilograms.
Official sources
Check before every flight
- EASA – European drone rules →
- AESA – Drones in Spain →
- ENAIRE Drones – geographical flight zones →
- FOCA – Drones in Switzerland →
- dLIS – Swiss registration and examinations →
Laws, maps and temporary flight restrictions may change. Only the latest official information should be used for an actual flight decision.