Drone regulations in Belgium

Flying drones in Belgium

In this article, you will find the current legislation for the use of drones in Belgium.

The EU Drone Regulation has been in force in Beglium since December 31, 2020. This has largely harmonized the rules for remote pilots. You only have to register as an operator in one European country and your EU drone license is also recognized across countries.

If you want to register in Belgium, you can do so via this link.

Overview of the European rules that apply in Belgium

In Belgium, the regulations of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) apply. The following is a summary of the key facts. For a complete overview, read our article on the new EU drone regulation.

Is registration necessary? Registration is mandatory for all drone operators, unless the drone weighs less than 250 grams and is NOT equipped with sensors to collect personal data (e.g. camera, microphone). Drones that fall under the EU Toys Directive are also exempt. The registration is recognized in all countries that have also introduced the EU Drone Regulation.
LabelsAll drones must be visibly marked with the individual registration number (e-ID). If available, the number must also be loaded into the drones remote identification system. More info on drone badges
Drone licence:Depending on the category, pilots must take exams to obtain the EU drone licence. These are recognised in all countries that have also introduced the EU Drone Regulation.
Differentiation by category: Open Category (with three subcategories), Specific Category and Certified Category; no distinction between private and commercial pilots.
Maximum Altitude:120 Meter in uncontrolled airspace in Open Category.
Keep distance to airports
Respect the privacy of other people

National peculiarities in Belgium

Each country can define certain aspects of its drone regulations. For Belgium, the following requirements apply in addition to the European regulations.

Is drone insurance mandatory? Yes, for private and commercial drone flights. Learn more about drone insurance here.
Minimum age for remote pilots14 years

Further rules in Belgium

The minimum age for remote pilots in Belgium is not uniformly at 14 years. You have to be 16 years old to perform risky maneuvers. This includes flights in the sub-category A2 and the special category.

If you already have an old class 1 or class 2 permit in Belgium, these are still valid until January 1, 2022. The BCAA is responsible for new licenses under EU law.

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!

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About the author

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 several drones like the DJI Phantom 4 Pro+ or the DJI Mini 3 Pro. On our blog we share the best tips for you about travelling with a drone. If you have questions about this article or new information, don’t hesitate to leave us a comment!

Discussions

  • Stefan | 14.05.2017

    Summary of Belgian rules

    https://mobilit.belgium.be/en/resource/asil_drone_flying

  • John | 02.07.2017

    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

  • Vicente | 04.09.2017

    Hi! Please help me. I just want to know if i can fly in fpv my 500g quadcopter. I practice freestyle flights.

  • DezX | 22.10.2017

    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.

    • Francis Markert | 15.02.2018

      Hi! Thanks for keeping us updated!

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