Drone Laws in Kosovo

Last update on 01.10.2021 | 0 Kommentare

In this post, you will find the legal regulations for the use of drones in the Republic of Kosovo.

In Kosovo, the use of drones is strictly regulated. However, toy drones that meet all of the following conditions are excluded from the regulations below:

• Drone weighs less than 500 grams.
• The drone can not develop kinetic energy of more than 79 joules.
• The maximum speed is not more than 20 m / s.
• The maximum flight distance is 15 meters.
• The maximum altitude is 30 meters above ground.

For such copters, no permission from the Kosovo Aviation Authority is required. However, toy drones must also receive an AIS notification 72 hours before a flight (see below).

For all other drones, there is a division into four classes. All four classes require registration with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). After registration, you will receive an identification number, which you must affix with a sticker as a QR code.

If an aircraft fall into several categories, the higher category applies. For Category 3 and 4 flights, you must pass a theory test and meet additional requirements.

In all four categories, you need a permit from the CAA. The permission must be requested at least five working days in advance and is valid for up to two years. The following information must be provided in your application:

• Name and address of the copter pilot
• Copy of the passport
• Description of the intended flight with location information
• Type of unmanned aerial vehicle
• Photos of the drone
• Flight manual or user manual
• Signed declaration

For a permit, it may be necessary for you to demonstrate your skills as a pilot in advance to the authorities. After obtaining the permission, you must register each flight 72 hours in advance with the Aeronautical Information Service (AIS).

In addition to the categories, maneuvers are additionally divided into classes that depend on the surroundings of the ascent location:

• Class 1: An Undeveloped area without people
• Class 2: Built-up area that is not used as a residential area and in which there are no people.
• Class 3: An inhabited area for residential, commercial or recreational purposes (offices, residential buildings, parks, schools, etc.)
• Class 4: Densely populated zones in cities

All drone flights must be documented in a flight log. Per flight, you must perpetuate the pilot in charge, the date, take-off and landing times, times, the total time of flight, purpose of the operation, and signature of the controller.

If you have obtained the permissions mentioned above, you have to comply with the following requirements.

Overview: Drone rules in X

Further rules for drone pilots in Kosovo

For drone flights over 150 meters above ground, a permit from the CAA is required.

Drone flights may only be performed within visual line of sight with a maximum distance of 500 meters.

For your flights in Kosovo, you need drone insurance that is valid in the country and is liable for third-party damages.

Safety distances and flight bans

Near airports, a minimum distance of 2 kilometers must be observed.

Drones must be at least 1 kilometer away from the national border. Two kilometers distance must be considered to military bases. Also, drones cannot fly closer than 30 meters to people, animals, buildings, vehicles, other aircraft, roads, rails, waterways, or power lines. For crowds, a distance of 150 meters is defined.

Please note that Kosovo is located in a militarily sensitive region. Under no circumstances may you photograph or film state facilities, government buildings, military installations, law enforcement agencies, offices of international authorities, and embassies with a drone. In case of violations, you have to expect that your equipment will be confiscated and further penalties will be imposed.

Drones can only be used in daylight in Kosovo. Also, a cloud cover must be kept 300 meters away. The visibility must be at least 5 kilometers.

Special legislation: During a drone flight, you must be reachable via radio for air traffic control.

We have researched the listed drone regulations for Kosovo to the best of our knowledge. We cannot guarantee the correctness of the information. If you want to be on the safe side, 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 Kosovo!