Croatia, with its spectacular Adriatic coastline, countless islands, and lush national parks, is a dream destination for drone pilots. However, before taking off to capture these breathtaking landscapes, you must understand and comply with the applicable regulations. While the European Union is harmonizing drone regulations, significant local specificities apply in Croatia.
The European Regulatory Framework (EASA)
As a member of the European Union, Croatia applies the regulations established by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). These rules divide drone operations into three main categories:
- Open Category: For low-risk flights. This category applies to the majority of tourists and enthusiasts. It does not require prior authorization, but imposes strict rules.
- Specific Category: For flights with moderate risk that exceed the limits of the Open category. The operator must obtain authorization from the national aviation authority.
- Certified Category: For high-risk flights, such as the transport of passengers or dangerous goods. This category follows procedures similar to those for manned aviation.
Most pilots will focus on the Open category , itself subdivided into subcategories (A1, A2, A3) depending on the weight of the drone and the proximity to people.
Operator Registration and Training
One of the first mandatory steps to fly a drone in Croatia is registration. European legislation requires you to register as a drone operator if your device:
- Weighs 250 grams or more.
- Is equipped with a camera or other sensor capable of collecting personal data (which includes almost all recreational drones).
You must register with the Croatian Civil Aviation Authority (CCAA – Hrvatska agencija za civilno zrakoplovstvo ). After registration, you will receive a unique operator number that you must clearly display on all drones you operate. Additionally, to fly drones in subcategories A1 and A3, you must pass a simple online exam and obtain a training certificate.
Essential Flight Rules in Croatia
When flying your drone in the Open category, you must strictly adhere to the following rules:
- Maximum altitude: Never exceed 120 meters above ground level (AGL).
- Line-of-sight flight (LOF): Always keep your drone within your direct line of sight to maintain control and avoid collisions.
- Avoid crowds: It is strictly forbidden to fly over gatherings of people.
- Respect for privacy: Do not film people without their explicit consent.
- Safety distances: Maintain a safe distance from people, vehicles, and buildings. The exact distance depends on your drone’s subcategory.
- Airports: Stay at least 5 km away from any airport or airfield.
A crucial local rule concerns National Parks . Croatian authorities strictly prohibit flying over national parks (such as Plitvice, Krka, and Paklenica) without special prior authorization from the park administration. Attempting to fly over them without permission can result in heavy fines and the confiscation of your equipment.
The Essential Tool: The AMC Portal
Before each flight, consulting the Croatian Airspace Management Portal is mandatory. The AMC Portal (available online) provides an interactive map of flight zones (geo-zones) in Croatia. This map shows you where you can and cannot fly. The zones are color-coded:
- Red zones: Flight prohibited (airports, military zones, critical infrastructure).
- Yellow zones: Restricted flight. You often need to request permission to fly there.
- Green zones: Flight generally permitted, provided that all other rules of the Open category are respected.
You must create an account on the portal to register your flight intentions. This step is a legal requirement. Check the AMC Portal before each flight to ensure your flying area is safe and authorized.
In summary, flying a drone in Croatia offers incredible opportunities but requires serious preparation. By registering, understanding the basic rules, and consistently using the AMC Portal, you ensure a legal, safe, and respectful flying experience in this beautiful country.
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