Drone regulations in Belgium
In this article, you will find the current legislation for the use of drones in Belgium.
In Belgium, the use of multicopters is divided into several categories:
- Private use: This category includes all drones up to a take-off weight of 1 kilogram. In this category, the drone must not fly higher than 10 meters above ground.
- Use as a model airplane: Model airplanes with a mass of 1 kg to 150 kg may only start for private purposes on an official model airfield and have to maintain their flight altitudes.
- Class 2 drone flights: This class includes maneuvers with a maximum altitude of 45 meters (150 feet) outside of cities and towns and outside controlled airspace. Drones may weigh a maximum of 5 kilograms in this category and must always be controlled in direct view of the pilot.
- Class 1b drone flights: Class 1b drone flights may be held up to a height of 90 meters above ground outside the controlled airspace. For people and objects on the ground, a distance of 50 meters must be maintained.
- Class 1a drone flights: Class 1a drone flights may be held up to a height of 90 meters above ground outside the controlled airspace. In this class, persons may be flown over.
Based on the planned maneuver, various regulations must be adhered to, which can be found in the table below.
| Private use | Modell aircraft | Class 2 | Classe 1b | Classe 1a | |
| Max. Altitude | 10 m | depends on the modell airfield | 45 m | 90 m | 90 m |
| Max. Takeoff-weight | <1kg | 1-150kg | <5kg | <150kg | <150kg |
| Minimum age | – | – | 16 years | 18 years | 18 years |
| Registration | no | no | yes | yes | yes |
| Qualification | – | – | Certificate of Competence | Remote Pilot Licence | Remote Pilot Licence |
| Max. distance | Nur in Sichtweite | line of sight | line of sight | line of sight | |
| Other regulations | Only in daylight | Only in daylight | Only in daylight, Min. 50m distance to people and objects |
Only in daylight |
For the registration of a drone, this form is available.
As a commercial pilot, you must complete a theory course and pass a practical flight test. Depending on the class of operation, you will receive a Certificate of Competence (class 2) or a Remote Pilot License (class 1b and 1a). In classes 2 and 1 drone insurance is required. But even with private drone use, we recommend corresponding coverage.
For flights in class 1b and 1a, an operating manual and a risk analysis must also be prepared. Flights in these categories must be announced in advance to the BCAA.
Performed flights must be documented in classes 2, 1b and 1a in a logbook.
Distance to airports: You must be 1.5 nautical miles (2.8 km) away from airports and helicopter landing sites.
Helpful links: MOBILIT, Royal Decree RPAS
We have researched the listed drone regulations for Belgium to the best of our knowledge. We can not guarantee the correctness of the information. If you want to be on the safe side, please contact the competent aviation authority. Alternatively, you can also ask the embassy in your country for further information about the regulations. Please leave us a comment when you receive news and/or gain experience with your copter in Belgium!
Who wrote this?
Francis
Since January 2015, we travel around the world. In our backpack we carry a camera drone which we use to capture the best places from a bird’s perspective. First we travelled with a DJI Phantom 2. But now we use a Yuneec Typhoon H. On our blog we share the best tips for you about travelling with a copter. If you have questions about this article or new information, don’t hesitate to leave us a comment!
Summary of Belgian rules
https://mobilit.belgium.be/en/resource/asil_drone_flying
please correct the information on Belgium:
private use: 10m high only on personal property of property where you have a permission to fly
certificate class 2: 45 meters, <5kg
certificate class 1: 90 meters, <150 kg
for certificates class 1 & 2 you have to pass exam + registration of drone
Hi! Please help me. I just want to know if i can fly in fpv my 500g quadcopter. I practice freestyle flights.
these rules r wrong , get the official rules here ( pdf )
https://mobilit.belgium.be/sites/default/files/resources/files/asil_2017_01_drone_flying.pdf
o Private use: you do not want to fly your drone higher than 10m (32.8ft) above a private terrain and the
drone – weighing less than 1 kg (2.2lbs) – must be within line of sight at all times. These flights can
only happen during daylight.
o Use as model aircraft: A model aircraft is an aircraft with a take-off weight between 1 kg (2.2lbs) and
150 kg (330lbs) and used only for recreational purposes that is used above a model aircraft terrain
recognised by the BCAA. The drone must be kept within the airspace that is reserved for that model
aircraft terrain as specified in the Aeronautical Information Package (AIP).
o Class 2 operations: you do not want to fly your drone higher than 150ft (around 45m) above ground
outside controlled airspace and outside cities or communities. Operations can only occur in daylight
conditions and the drone – weighing less than 5 kg (11lbs) – must remain within the pilot’s line of sight
at all times.
o Class 1b operations: you want to fly your drone up to 300ft (around 90m) above ground outside
controlled airspace. Moreover, you stay more than 50m (164ft) clear from people and/or goods on the
ground. Operations can only occur in daylight conditions and the drone – weighing less than 150 kg
(330lbs) – must remain within line of sight at all times.
o Class 1a operations: you want to fly your drone up to 300ft (around 90m) above ground outside
controlled airspace. Moreover, you will come closer than 50m (164ft) from people and/or goods on the
ground or even overfly them or you will fly around an obstacle closer than 30m. Operations can only
occur in daylight conditions and the drone – weighing less than 150 kg (330lbs) – must remain within
line of sight at all times.
All operations that are not covered under the previous categories are to be considered as Class 1a operations.
Hi! Thanks for keeping us updated!