Drone regulations in Norway
In this article, we collected all the relevant rules for the use of drones in Norway.
In Norway, drones used for leisure activities belong to model aircraft. For all other multicopters there is a subdivision in three categories in Norway:
- RO 1: drones up to a take-off weight of 2.5 kilograms and with a maximum speed of 60 knots (111 km/h). Drones of the RO1 category must have a fail-safe function. Pilots only have to make a statement that they adhere to the relevant rules for this type.
- RO 2: flying weight up to 25 kilograms and a maximum speed of 80 knots. This class requires licensing of the pilot.
- RO 3: All maneuvers exceeding previous specifications.
For flights in categories, RO 2 and RO 3 is an Operators License necessary.
Maximum flight altitude: The maximum permissible ascent altitude is 120 meters (400 feet) for drones in Norway.
Maximum horizontal distance and FPV: Drones must always be operated within sight in Norwegian airspace.
Compulsory insurance: A duty to insure your drone exists only for commercial users in Norway. However, the conclusion of a Police is always recommended.
Maximum take-off weight (MTOW): There is no weight limit for private drones. The weight classes mentioned above apply to commercial users.
Distance to airports: Your multicopter must keep a distance of 5 kilometers to Norwegian airports.
Flight Ban: You are not allowed to fly with a drone within 1 mile of the Oslo Castle. To find other No-Fly-Zones, you can use the map on safetofly.no. In particular, you should have “forbudsområder” and “vernesoner” displayed on the map.
Other safe distances: Model aircraft (private drones) must keep a distance of 150 meters to persons, buildings and any traffic. Commercial drones have to maintain 150 meters to gatherings of people (from 100 people) and 50 meters to uninhabited persons, vehicles, and buildings.
Time of operations: Drones flights are allowed at night only under the supervision of a model sports club. Commercial pilots must fulfill special conditions to carry out night flights.
Regulations for commercial pilots: Approvals must be obtained for the individual categories (see above).
Good to know: The same laws apply in Svalbard as in Norway.
Helpful links: FAQs of the aviation authority, the text of the law, graphics with rules for leisure flights
We have researched the listed drone regulations for Norway 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 Norway!
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!
From looking this up online, I have been under the impression that for Norway, even if non-commerical, you still need to follow RO 1 rules and do the whole Operations Manual, flight log, Declaration form, etc.
Never mind, I finally figured out how I was mistaken. Norway does indeed only have those RO1-3 requirements just for Commercial usage. Private/hobby fliers don’t have to worry about all that stuff.
This is an excellent blog! I’m impressed by all the work laid down to write about the drone regulations in so many countries. I’m from Norway myself and this looks absolutely right. 🙂 But I guess you knew that. A great resource for drone pilots.. Now I’m going to read about Spain which I’m going to this summer. Andreas
Hello,
I’m a private person and I would like to make a travel to Norway this year with my drone. I found the “Declarationform RPAS-operator 1” but I do not have a company and I am not a manager. Do I need to send the Declaration form?
Hello Andreas,
Thank you so much for your lovely feedback. We’ll continue the work 😉
Best regards, Francis
Where can we get the flight permit?
kindly is there any rules or instruction in the fjords or sea cruise
Also I’m planning to go to Preikestolen, is it allow to fly with Mavic Pro?
since this year (2018) it is not allowed to fly drones at preikkestolen any more. 200M before you reach preikestolen a sing tells you that there are no drones allowed from this point.
I can confirm. There’s a sign forbidding drone from that point.
Drones are however allowed BEFORE the sign (the start of the narrow path), so you can still take nice videos in the area 🙂
Besides, the rock itself is usually full of people, so the use of a drone would have been impossible/forbidden anyway.
Hello Ali,
This is certainly dependent on the Cruise operator. At most instances, you’re not allowed to launch your drone from the ship as it has the potential to damage important navigational aids. I would recommend checking with the ship operator as it depends upon the master (and will mostly NOT allow it).
I am from the shipping business, working part time on Expedition Cruises.
Best regards,
Hello, this is a great blog! Thanks for the good post. I’m a private person and I’ll go for a holiday trip to Bergen, Norway. Do you know that I need to fill the form on the following link (my drone is under RO-1 category) to get the flight permit or not? Thx, Daniel
# link removed / no longer available #
Hi Daniel,
Thank you! The RO1 category is only applicable for non-private drone flights.
Cheers, Francis
Please note that there are no-fly zones over many national parks for example nesting areas for birds etc.
This website has all the info but only in Norwegian
https://www.safetofly.no
Click the “forbudsområder” and the “vernesoner” boxes. That will show you all the protected areas as well as no fly zones. Some of the protected areas are still allowed to fly in but you have to do some digging in the particular regulation text of that area to 100% make sure its legal to fly in that area. Easiest way: avoid all protected zones.
Hello Halfdan,
Thank you for your support and the valuable link. I added the source to the article. Happy flying!
Hi Francis
I hope you could help me please.
I am due to go on a Cruise to the Fjords in 2 weeks time and would like to know when i am on land (not at sea) if i am able to use my DJI spark drone ? Are there any rules, instruction or even licenses required for Norway?
Thank you
If you read the article above, you will find the answers 😉
I am hoping to take pictures of the railway between Flåm and Myrdal, strictly for private use, (although I have passed the PfCO) next year. Under 2.5Kg (Mavic pro). All this area is shown on ‘safetofly.no’ as restricted K6 or K6Z. Can anyone enlighten me? National Park? Military? Is one allowed to fly in this area?