Operators are required to register for:
- ‘open’ category operations of unmanned aircraft, which have a maximum take-off mass of 250 g or more or which, in the case of impact, can transfer to a human a kinetic energy above 80 joules;
- ‘open’ category operations of unmanned aircraft equipped with a sensor able to capture personal data (unless it complies with Directive 2009/48/EC);
- ‘specific’ category operations of unmanned aircraft irrespective of the mass of the aircraft.
No registration is required in the ‘open’ category if:
- the drone weighs less than 250 g and has no camera or other sensor able to capture personal data;
- the drone weighs less than 250 g and is considered a toy within the meaning of Directive 2009/48/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the safety of toys, even if it has a camera.
Kinetic energy can be calculated here.
Please note: Operators must renew their operator registration number every year. If the operator’s registration number is not renewed, it will become invalid. When you want to extend your UAS operator registration number, you don’t need to make new application. You need to find your old registration number and there is an opportunity to extend your registration number. Instructions can be found on the opening page of LOIS when you have done the log-in.
A UAS operator registers in the Member State where they live (a natural person) or have their principal place of business (registered office, a legal person). The correct registration details must be provided. A UAS operator cannot be registered in more than one Member State simultaneously.
Each operator will be assigned a unique registration number, which the operator must display on all their unmanned aircraft.
The operator registration number consists of 16 digits, followed by 3 secret digits. In the example EST87astrdge12k8-xyz, the secret digits are xyz, so only EST87astrdge12k8 should be displayed on the drone.
The operator registration number can be marked on the drone using a sticker or marker. It is important that the number is clearly legible. If the size or design of the drone does not allow the operator registration number to be displayed on the drone, the number may be marked inside the drone, for example on the battery. QR codes are currently not issued in Estonia.
A registered operator can then fly the drone in all EU Member States as well as in Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland.
Operators are registered in the Aviation Safety Information System (LOIS2). The operator registration number is valid for one year and can be renewed annually.
You can apply for operator registration in the “Applications” module -> “Create new application”. You then need to select “Aviation certification” -> “Unmanned aircraft operator registration”. After submitting your application, you must pay the state fee. You can pay the state fee by clicking on the “Pay state fee” button in the top right corner. No operator registration number will be issued until the fee has been paid.
As a legal person you need to log into LOIS with your personal information and then click on your name in the table on the left. Then from a drop-down menu you will see all legal persons that you have representation rights.
The state fee for issuing a UAS operator registration number is 10 euros.
The operator registration number can be renewed from the “Authorisations/Certificates” module by clicking on your operator registration number. You then need to click on the “Renew” button in the top right corner and “Submit application”. A state fee has to be paid after applying for renewal. The operator registration number will be renewed from the date of the renewal application for a period of one year minus one day.
A state fee of 10 euros has to be paid for the renewal of an UAS operator registration number.
Operator’s responsibilities in the ‘open’ category:
- The operator must ensure that the drone displays the operator registration number (e.g. on a sticker) and that the same number is uploaded to the remote identification system;
- develop operating procedures (in writing if the drone operator uses more than one remote pilot, otherwise it is sufficient for the remote pilot to follow the procedures defined by the manufacturer in the user manual);
- ensure the absence of radio interference that could affect the connection to the drone command and control system;
- designate a remote pilot for each operation; it is important that it is clear who is responsible for each flight (it is recommended to complete flight logs);
- ensure that the remote pilots and the personnel supporting the drone operations are familiar with the user manual and the drone operator’s procedures, have appropriate competencies and are provided with relevant information published by the Member State on geographical zones;
- ensure that the maps in the geo-awareness system are updated, unless flying in a geographical zone where geo-awareness is not required;
- ensure that the drone has a declaration of conformity for a class C identification label and that the class label (1 to 4) is displayed on the aircraft, unless the operator uses a privately built drone;
- ensure that persons involved in the operation of the drone are aware of the risks associated with operations in subcategories A2 and A3.
In the ‘specific’ category, the operator is additionally required to:
- comply with the restrictions specified in the declaration or in the operational authorisation;
- develop procedures to ensure the safety of operations;
- put in place measures against illegal interference and unauthorised access;
- ensure that people’s privacy is protected and conduct a data protection impact assessment if requested by the national aviation authority;
- provide guidelines to the remote pilot on how to minimise nuisances, including noise and other emissions-related nuisances;
- ensure that the operating pilot and other personnel in charge comply with all the conditions applicable to ‘specific’ category operations;
- store information on the operation of the drone;
- maintain the drone in a condition suitable for safe operation.
Some drones are classified as toys. These are generally products designed or intended for children and comply with Directive 2009/48/EC on toys. The compliance of the drone with this Directive is declared in an EU declaration of conformity.
Manufacturers generally include clear indications on their products (packaging, user manual) as to whether or not the product is a toy to avoid potential confusion.
If there is any doubt as to whether or not a product is a toy, market surveillance authorities (Consumer Protection and Technical Regulatory Authority) assess the product on the basis of several characteristics.
Last updated: 25.11.2024
