Drone legislation in the Czech Republic: The complete guide

Flying a drone in the Czech Republic, whether for leisure or professional purposes, is a fantastic experience that offers unique perspectives on the country’s urban and natural landscapes. However, as throughout the European Union, drone use is strictly regulated to ensure airspace safety and respect for privacy. Since December 31, 2020, the Czech Republic has been applying the common European regulations established by EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency). Here’s everything you need to know to fly legally.

The European Framework: The Basis of Regulation

Czech drone legislation is based entirely on the European regulatory framework. This framework classifies drone operations into three categories according to the level of risk:

• Open Category: For low-risk flights. This category applies to the majority of recreational pilots and many professionals.
• Specific Category: For flights with moderate risk that do not fall under the Open category (e.g., flights beyond the pilot’s visual line of sight). It requires authorization from the national authority.
• Certified Category: For high-risk flights, such as the transport of passengers or dangerous goods.

For most users, the Open Category applies. It is itself divided into three subcategories (A1, A2, A3) based on the weight of the drone and the proximity of the flight to people.

Essential Steps to Flying a Drone in the Czech Republic

If your drone weighs more than 250 grams or is equipped with a camera (which is the case for almost all recreational drones), you must follow these mandatory steps:

1. Operator registration: You must register as a drone operator with the Czech Civil Aviation Authority ( Úřad pro civilní letectví – ÚCL ). Registration is done online at the portal dronereg.rlp.cz . Once registered, 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 complete free online training and pass an exam (40 multiple-choice questions) to obtain the A1/A3 competency certificate. This certificate is valid throughout the European Union.
3. Liability insurance: While not always explicitly mandatory for smaller drones in the Open category, liability insurance is strongly recommended . It is essential for any commercial use and for heavier drones, as you are responsible for any damage caused by your device.

General Flight Rules to be Observed

Once registered and trained, you must adhere to strict flight rules to ensure everyone’s safety:

• Maximum height: Never fly higher than 120 meters above the ground.
• Visual Loss (VLOS): You must always keep your drone in direct visual contact. First-person view (FPV) flight is permitted provided that an observer next to you keeps the drone in sight.
• Safety distance: Maintain safe distances from people not involved in the incident. In subcategory A3, you must fly at least 150 meters from residential, commercial, industrial, and recreational areas.
• Respect for privacy: It is forbidden to film or photograph people without their consent in private places.
• No flying over crowds: Flying over gatherings of people is strictly prohibited in the Open category.

Czech Specificities: Geographic Zones and Restrictions

In addition to European regulations, the Czech Republic has defined its own geographical zones where drone flights are restricted or prohibited. It is essential to consult the official map before each flight. The reference tool is the map accessible via the Czech AIS (Air Navigation Services) website: dronview.rlp.cz .

Typical restricted areas include:

• Airports and airfields (usually within a 5.5 km radius).
• Military areas and sensitive government buildings.
• Nuclear power plants.
• National parks (like Krkonoše or Šumava) to protect wildlife.
• Certain parts of Prague’s historic center, particularly around Prague Castle.

Conclusion

Flying a drone in the Czech Republic is accessible to everyone, provided they act responsibly. The key is to understand that the regulations, while they may seem complex, are based on common sense and safety. By registering, passing the online exam, and, most importantly, checking the flight zone map before each takeoff, you can fully and legally enjoy the magnificent Czech landscapes from the sky.