Drone legislation in Finland

Finland, with its vast and spectacular landscapes, is an ideal playground for drone pilots. However, as throughout the European Union, drone use is governed by strict regulations designed to ensure airspace safety and respect for privacy. Here is a comprehensive guide to the applicable legislation.

The European Regulatory Framework (EASA)

Since December 31, 2020, Finland has applied the common regulations of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). This harmonization simplifies the rules for pilots flying within the EU. The national authority responsible for implementing these rules in Finland is the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency, Traficom .

Drone operator registration

The first step for any drone pilot is to register as an operator. This registration is mandatory in most cases:

• If your drone weighs more than 250 grams .
• If your drone weighs less than 250 grams but is equipped with a sensor (camera, microphone) capable of recording personal data.

Registration is done online via the Traficom portal. Once registered, you will receive a unique operator number that you must affix to all the drones you own.

Drone Operation Categories

European regulations divide drone operations into three categories: Open, Specific, and Certified. Most amateur and professional pilots operate in the Open category , which is further divided into subcategories based on the drone’s weight and the proximity of the flight to people.

• A1: For very lightweight drones (less than 250g) or C1 certified drones (up to 900g). You can fly over isolated individuals, but never over gatherings of people.
• A2: For C2 certified drones (up to 4kg). You must maintain a horizontal safety distance of at least 30 meters from people (or 5 meters in low-speed mode). An additional theoretical exam is required.
• A3: For heavier drones (up to 25kg) or those without class certification. Flights must take place far from residential, commercial, industrial and recreational areas, and at least 150 meters away from them.

Essential Flight Rules in Finland

In addition to category rules, fundamental principles must always be respected during each flight:

1. Maximum altitude: Never exceed a height of 120 meters above ground or water.
2. Visual line of sight (VLOS): You must always keep your drone in direct visual contact to be able to control its trajectory and avoid obstacles.
3. No-Fly Zones: Flying is strictly prohibited near airports (generally within a 5 km radius), military zones, prisons, certain government buildings, and sensitive sites. It is essential to consult the official map of restricted drone zones, available on the Droneinfo.fi website, before each flight.
4. Respect for privacy: It is forbidden to film or photograph people or private property (such as gardens or the inside of houses) without their explicit consent.
5. Night flights: Night flights are permitted, but the drone must be equipped with flashing green navigation lights to be clearly visible.

Insurance and Additional Requirements

Although liability insurance is only mandatory for drones weighing over 20 kg, it is strongly recommended for all operators. Accidents can happen quickly, and property damage or personal injury can be very costly.

In conclusion, flying in Finland is a rewarding experience, provided it is done responsibly. Registering as an operator, passing the online exam, and having a thorough understanding of flight rules and restricted areas are non-negotiable prerequisites to ensure everyone’s safety.