Flying Drones in Estonia

Who is an operator?

The operator is the owner of the drone. An operator can also be the remote pilot — the person flying the drone.
You must register as an operator in the aviation safety oversight information system LOIS. 

• All operators of drones weighing over 250 grams must register.
• Operators of drones weighing under 250 grams must register if the drone is equipped with a camera.

After registering, each operator will receive a registration number, which must be marked on all drones owned by that operator. The registration must be renewed annually.
More information and applicable exceptions can be found here.

Who is a remote pilot?

The person flying the UA is called a remote pilot. They are responsible for operating the drone during a specific flight and must ensure they have all necessary authorizations.

It is important for the remote pilot to hold an initial competency certificate — the A1/A3 certificate. To obtain it, one must review the study materials on the Transport Administration’s website and complete a multiple-choice test in the LOIS system.

To obtain an A2 certificate, you must study the relevant materials, complete independent practical training, and pass a supervised exam at a Transport Administration office. Exam registration is done via the LOIS system.

What important rules must be followed?

Drone flights can take place under the open or specific category. Most drone operations fall under the open category.

Main rules of the open category:

• The drone must be flown within visual line of sight (VLOS) or with the help of an unmanner aircraft observer. Seeing the drone through a camera does not count.
• The drone must weigh less than 25 kg.
• The maximum allowed flight altitude is 120 m. In some areas, lower altitude limits apply — these are indicated on the drone map.
• Transporting dangerous goods or causing harm to people or property is not allowed.

The remote pilot must be at least 16 years old to operate in the open category. This age restriction does not apply in the following cases:

• The drone is self-built, weighs less than 250 g, and flies under 19 m/s.
• The drone has a C0 class marking.
• The drone is flown under the supervision of a qualified individual.

More information is available here.

The specific category applies if even one of the open category conditions is not met. To fly in the specific category, a specific category operational authorization must be obtained. More information is available here.

Where can I find information about flight zones and restrictions?

The most accurate information about zones and restrictions is available in the map application.

What do I need to know before flying?

1. Do I need to have pilot competence? The A1/A3 basic certificate is mandatory if the drone weighs 250 grams or more. We recommend obtaining the certificate even for lighter drones to ensure better situational awareness and safety. More details on competencies and exams can be found here.
    
2. How close can I fly to people? The allowed distance depends on the drone’s class marking or, if absent, on the drone’s weight. In the open category, flying directly over people is not allowed. More info can be found here.
    
3. Where can I fly my drone? There are temporary and permanent restricted areas. These may limit flight altitude or require permission from the area authority. Always check the map application both during planning and just before flying. More details are available here.

FPV flights 

FPV, or first person view, is a method of flying an unmanned aircraft by which the remote pilot does not see the aircraft but flies it using special goggles, a phone, a computer or another device.

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