Drone regulations in Spain

In this article, we have summarized for you the drone laws in Spain.

Maximum flight altitude: In Spain, drones may climb up to a height of 120 meters.

Maximum horizontal distance and FPV: Drones flights are always to be carried out in direct line of sight, it means that the copter shall not be more than 500 meters away from the pilot. During FPV flights, a second person must monitor the drone with the eye and be in direct contact with the pilot.

Compulsory insurance: As far as I know, aviation liability insurance for drones is only required by commercial pilots in Spain. Nevertheless, I strongly recommend that you take out an appropriate policy!

Maximum take-off weight (MTOW): Commercial pilots can obtain permission up to a weight of 150 kilograms. For private flights, I assume, a maximum weight of 2 kilograms. But ask the AESA, if your copter weighs more.

Distance to airports: Drone pilots must maintain a distance of at least 8 kilometers to airports in uncontrolled airspace (15 kilometers on approved flights out of sight).

Other safe distances: A distance of 150 meters must be maintained to buildings. To persons who are not involved in the flight, maneuver must be kept at a distance of 50 meters.

Flight bans: Flights over buildings, settlements, and gatherings of people are not allowed. Additional conditions may apply in nature reserves. Of course, flights in controlled airspace are also prohibited. Flights over buildings and people are allowed when the drone weighs less than 250 grams and a flight height of 20 meters above ground is not exceeded.

Flight approval: For flights in national parks, you need permission from the administration. The use of drones in no-fly zones must be approved by the Spanish Ministry of Defense (processing time approximately one week).

Time of operations: The use of multicopters is permitted only during the day. For drones with a take-off weight of less than 2 kilograms, flights may also be carried out at night as long as a flight altitude of 50 meters above ground is not exceeded.

Specific regulations: Regional authorities can issue their regulations for the operation of drones. Therefore, it is always useful to ask around for the rules on the spot.

Regulations for commercial pilots: A permit is necessary for business drone flights. The Spanish aviation agency differs in three scenarios.

Good to know: You can contact a partner from AESA at drones.aesa@seguridadaerea.es.

Helpful links: Information from the AESA, Decree of December 2017

We have researched the listed drone regulations for Spain 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 Spain!