Drone legislation in Austria: The complete guide

Flying a drone in Austria, whether for leisure or professional purposes, is a fantastic experience offering breathtaking views of its Alpine landscapes. However, it is crucial to know and respect the applicable legislation. Like all European Union member states, Austria has adopted the European drone regulations established by EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency). The competent national authority that oversees this implementation is Austro Control .

The European Framework: The Open Category

The vast majority of recreational drone flights and many professional flights fall into the “Open” category. This category covers low-risk operations and does not require prior authorization, provided strict rules are followed. It is subdivided into three subcategories (A1, A2, A3) based on the drone’s weight and proximity to people.

• Subcategory A1: This category applies to drones weighing less than 250g (such as the DJI Mini) or C1 certified drones (up to 900g). You can fly over isolated individuals, but you must avoid flying over gatherings of people.
• Subcategory A2: For C2 certified drones (up to 4 kg). You must maintain a horizontal safety distance of at least 30 meters from people (or 5 meters in low-speed mode).
• Subcategory A3: For heavier drones (up to 25 kg) or uncertified drones. You must fly away from residential, commercial, industrial and recreational areas, and at a distance of more than 150 meters from any person.

Essential Obligations for Pilots in Austria

Before you can take off with your drone, several steps are mandatory. These procedures are mainly carried out online via the official Austrian portal.

1. Operator registration: If your drone weighs more than 250 grams or is equipped with a camera (which is the case for almost all drones), you must register as a drone operator with Austro Control on their platform dronespace.at . You will receive a unique operator number that you must display visibly on all your drones.
2. Online Training and Exam: To fly a drone weighing more than 250g, you must pass an online exam to obtain the A1/A3 drone pilot’s license ( Kompetenznachweis ). This consists of a 40-question multiple-choice test covering aviation safety, regulations, and operational procedures. For category A2, additional theoretical training and an in-person exam are required.
3. Liability Insurance: Having liability insurance that covers potential damage caused by your drone is mandatory in Austria for all drones, regardless of their weight. Check that your insurance policy is valid in Austria.

Specific rules for Austria: Flight zones and restrictions

In addition to European regulations, Austria has defined geographical areas where drone flights are restricted or prohibited (geo-zones). It is your responsibility to check these areas before each flight.

• Airports: Flying near airports and airfields is strictly prohibited. A typical exclusion zone is approximately 5 to 6 km around these facilities.
• Military and government zones: Military installations, prisons, and sensitive government buildings are no-fly zones.
• National parks and nature reserves: Flying over most national parks (such as Hohe Tauern) is prohibited to protect wildlife and the tranquility of the area.
• Cities and populated areas: Specific restrictions may apply in large cities like Vienna. Special permission is often required to fly there.
• Gatherings of people: Flying over crowds (concerts, sporting events, demonstrations) is prohibited in the Open category.

To view these areas, it is strongly recommended to use the interactive map provided by Austro Control on its Dronespace website or third-party applications such as DroneMap.

Summary of General Flight Rules

In conclusion, here is a reminder of the golden rules to always follow during your flights in Austria:

• Always fly within visual line of sight (VLOS).
• Do not exceed the maximum altitude of 120 meters above the ground.
• Respect people’s privacy . Do not film or photograph people without their explicit consent.
• Never endanger people, animals or property.
• Always check flight restriction zones before taking off.

By following these rules, you can fully and safely enjoy the Austrian landscapes from the sky. The key is to always plan your flights and fly responsibly .