Open category

In open category, these common rules apply:

• The drone must weigh less than 25 kg
• The pilot needs to maintain visual line of sight (VLOS) with the drone.
• The drone must always fly within 120 meters from the closest point of the earth.
• No carriage of dangerous goods.
• No dropping of items.
• The drone must be marked with the operators' registration number.

The open category is divided into three subcategories: A1, A2 and A3. These are the main differences:
A1- Fly light drones with few distance limitations to uninvolved persons.
A2 - Fly drones in built-up areas with a minimum of 50 meters from uninvolved persons. (30 meters with a C2-class drone).
A3 - Fly drones up to 25 kg, minimum 150 meters from residential, commercial, industrial or recreational areas.

Max altitude

The new regulations change the old rule of flying the drone maximum of 120 meters vertically from the ground. Instead, it is a maximum of 120 meters from the nearest point of the earth that is the limit. It is also possible to fly even higher if you fly within 15 meters from an artificial object and have the owners approval.

Night flying

It is allowed to fly at night, as long as you can see the drone (VLOS). In order to do that, some lights on the drone will be necessary. From 1. July 2022, it will be required to have a green flashing light when flying at nighttime.

Operation manual requirement

If you are one person that acts both as operator and pilot, no operation manual (OM) is required.

If you are an operator with several pilots, it is minimum required that you:

• Have procedures for the operations.
• Have a list of all personnel with responsibilities.