Do you fly drones? Here are the new rules that you should know

EU regulations

The new regulations will enter into force on 31 January 2021 and will be common across Europe with certain national differences. It is risk-based, which means that the requirements for you as a pilot and operator depend on how much risk your flight entails. It is divided into three categories: open, specific and certified, where the open category is the most basic while certified the most advanced. Many of today's drone flights, for both private individuals and companies and self-employed people, will fall into the open category or the specific category.

The background to the new regulations is to ensure a high level of safety as drone technology develops and becomes increasingly used. What many people may not think about is that drones are counted as unmanned aircraft and thus, as a drone pilot, you should be well acquainted with the rules and laws that apply.

Open the category - most basic

In the open category, there are three subcategories (A1, A2 and A3) with clear requirements for everything from training to safety distances that must be observed. The subcategories are just like the rest of the regulations risk-based and the requirements for you as a pilot are highest in category A2 where the risk is highest. Regardless of subcategory, here are four basic components that must be met:

Do not fly higher than 120 meters

Flights within sight

Never fly over crowds

Drones may weigh a maximum of 25 kg

In addition, you should never fly in such a way that it poses a risk to other aircraft, people, animals, the environment or property.

Slightly simplified, subcategory A2 can be said to include relatively heavy drones that fly close to humans, while category A1 concerns lighter drones and category A3 applies to drones that fly with a large safety distance to humans. Subcategory A1 applies to drones up to 900 grams, subcategory A2 for drones up to 4 kg and subcategory A3 for drones up to 25 kg. Please note that there are special transitional provisions which, among other things, mean that category A2 applies up to 2 kg instead of 4 kg.

New certificate of competency introduced - Drone card

Simplified a bit, you can say that a driver's license is introduced to fly drones in Sweden. Both companies and individuals are affected by this training requirement. The cost of writing the test for a drone card with the Swedish Transport Agency is SEK 130 and the cost of registering as an operator is SEK 50. Once you have taken the drone card, it is valid for five years before it needs to be renewed.

Drone training online

The Swedish Transport Agency has produced a basic training material linked to the new test that is being introduced to get its Drone Card. However, the Swedish Transport Agency does not offer training but refers to external actors for this.

The drone assignment is the first in Sweden to have developed a comprehensive online training based on the Swedish Transport Agency's training material. It is aimed at both companies and individuals. The education consists of 13 different chapters where text and images are interspersed with audiobooks, knowledge tests and educational films - all for increased pedagogy. You can complete the training whenever you want, wherever you want via your computer, mobile or tablet. Read more here.

As a self-employed person at Frilans Finans, you also get a 25% discount on the training at Drönaruppdraget.

Other

Something that already applies is the distribution permit. A simplified rule of thumb is that when you have taken a photo or film with your drone that contains the horizon, which is intended to be spread, for example, via social media, you need to apply for a distribution permit at Lantmäteriet. It is done easily electronically via this link and answers are usually received within a couple of working days. This is so that you as a drone pilot do not accidentally accidentally spread sensitive information such as on protected objects.

Always take the opportunity to look at the Swedish Civil Aviation Administration's drone map before you fly. It is an excellent tool for seeing the restrictions that apply at the place you intend to fly.

This film from the Swedish Transport Agency explains in general what the new regulations mean.

Marcus Olsson
Drönaruppdraget.se