Drone license required for drone pilots

In addition to taking many photos with a Nikon D500 and Z6 II, I also fly a DJI Mavic Mini.

Since January 1, 2021, the European drone license is required to operate a drone weighing more than 250 grams. No drone license is required for a drone weighing less than 250 grams. Knowledge of the drone is then sufficient.

Although the DJI Mavic Mini does not require a European drone license according to the guidelines. However, two years ago, I still took an online basic certificate (A1-A3) course at an accredited flight school, where I learned a lot. Last year, I also obtained my additional certificate (A2).

So, if you regularly fly a drone that does not require a European drone license, I still recommend taking an online course at an accredited flight school. Having a good basic knowledge of the drone and the laws and regulations is a must-have and contributes to overall safety.

Certificates

The European drone certificate consists of the basic certificate and optionally the additional certificate. With the European drone certificate, you are allowed to fly your drone in all countries of the European Union.

Basic certificate (A1-A3)
The basic certificate is mandatory if you want to fly a drone weighing from 250 to 500 grams or from 2 kilograms to 25 kilograms in the open category and outside built-up areas.

Additional certificate (A2)
The additional certificate is mandatory if you want to fly a drone weighing from 500 grams to 2 kilograms. If you want to fly within a built-up area, you must possess this additional certificate.

Applying for the European drone certificate

The European drone certificate can be requested from the RDW (Netherlands Vehicle Authority) after passing an online exam with a positive result at an accredited flight school.

The drone certificate costs €10 and is valid for 5 years. Renewal costs €10 and requires you to retake the online exam.

Drone registration

If you own a drone that weighs less than 250 grams and has a built-in camera, or if you have a drone that weighs more than 250 grams, it must be registered with the RDW. The registration fee is €23 for the first year, and €13 per year thereafter.

The operator number received after payment to the RDW must be visibly displayed on the drone and programmed into the software. This ensures that the drone always transmits the operator number.

Where am I allowed to fly?

You have a drone license and an operator number, and you would like to fly your drone, but where are you actually allowed to fly? The Dutch airspace is filled with areas where drone flights are prohibited, such as near an airport or in a restricted zone.

Be careful not to (unintentionally) fly in a prohibited airspace or an airspace with restrictions, as this can be dangerous and is punishable by a hefty fine.

Fortunately, there are plenty of tools available on the internet to assist you with this. The DJI drone brand has its own app with a built-in map that contains all the necessary information about the airspace before, during, and after flying.

Additionally, I also use the Drone Buddy app (iPhone). With Drone Buddy, you can see on a map which airspace has restrictions and what those restrictions are. With the pro version, you can also find out why certain restrictions are in place.

More information

Do you want to know more about the European drone license? Then I would like to refer you to the website of the Dutch Government and the RDW.

Useful links

Website of the Dutch Government
Website of the RDW

Comment

I am curious if you have already obtained your drone license and which apps you prefer to use while flying. Let me know in a comment.

Picture of Stanley

Stanley

Stanley Siousias has a deep passion for nature and macro photography. With his camera in hand, he immerses himself in the beautiful world of nature. He finds satisfaction in capturing the smallest details and discovering the hidden beauty around us.

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