Show drone flight

The use of airspace by unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) is free in the "open" category, provided that the flight complies with the legal requirements. Depending on the certification of the drone, the "open" category is divided into the following subcategories:

A1 - Flights are permitted in residential and commercial areas

• C0 Drones and existing drones under 250 g (no permit required), overflight of individual persons is permitted
• C1 Drones 250 g - 900 g (EU proof of competence A1/A3 required), overflight of individual persons should be avoided

A2 - Flights are permitted in residential and commercial areas, overflight of individual persons is prohibited (lateral distance at least 30 m, in slow flight mode at least 5 m)

• C2 Drones 900 g - 4 kg (only with EU remote pilot certificate A2)

A3 - Flights are only permitted in open areas (lateral distance to residential, commercial, industrial and recreational areas at least 150 m), danger to uninvolved persons must be excluded at all times

• Existing drones over 250 g, without certification (even with EU remote pilot certificate A2)
• C2 Drones 900 g - 4 kg (if only EU certificate of competence A1/A3 is available)
• C3 Drones 4 kg - 25 kg

Further requirements

Furthermore, drone operators/pilots must take the following things into account:

• the drone operator must be registered with the Federal Aviation Office in accordance with Section 66a LuftVG, the electronic identification number (e-ID) must be affixed to the drone and additionally entered in the app for take-off weights of 250 g or more
• the drone operator must have taken out valid aircraft liability insurance for the drone
• the drone pilot must be at least 16 years old or be under the direct supervision of a remote pilot who is at least 16 years old
• the drone pilot must be familiar with the user manual provided by the drone manufacturer
• the maximum flight altitude is 120 m above the nearest point on the earth's surface
• flying beyond visual range is prohibited unless the UAS is flying in follow-me mode
• flying over crowds of people is strictly prohibited
• no transportation of dangerous goods or dropping of material is permitted
• Respect for the right to one's own image (Section 22 of the Art Copyright Act - KUG) and the right to informational self-determination
• Flight ban and recording ban in front of homes or offices without the consent of the people inside
• Flight ban over residential properties without the consent of the owner
• Flight ban in the so-called geographical UAS areas without fulfilling the necessary requirements of Section 21h (3) of the German Air Traffic Regulations (LuftVO)

Information on the geographical UAS areas in accordance with Section 21h (3) LuftVO can be obtained, for example, via the map tool from the Federal Office for Digital and Transport Affairs on the digital platform for unmanned aviation (dipul).

The operation of an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) over nature conservation areas , for example, requires the express consent of the Lower Nature Conservation Authority (Environmental Protection Department of the City of Jena) in accordance with Section 21h (3) No. 6 LuftVO, even in the "open" category.

Corresponding requests should be sent to: umweltschutz@jena.de.

Special features

In justified cases, an exemption permit for the operation of a UAS in a geographical UAS area within the meaning of Section 21h (3) LuftVO can be applied forfrom the Thuringian State Administration Office, over and above the regulations specified there.

If not all requirements of the "open" category can be met, the operator operates in the "special" or "subject to approval" category. Before starting operations in the "special" or "subject to authorization" category, an operating permit or LUC certificate in accordance with Art. 5 i. In conjunction with Art. 12 or UAS.LUC.060 of Regulation (EU) 2019/947, unless the use of a standard scenario can be declared in accordance with Annex 1 of this Regulation. The competent authority for accepting the declaration of use of a standard scenario and issuing an operating license for the special category or an LUC certificate is the Federal Aviation Office.

Reporting a drone flight - required documents

To report a flight with an unmanned aircraft system (e.g. drone), please submit the following data in writing in advance:

• Date, time and location of the planned flight
• Proof of aircraft liability insurance
• e-ID (electronic registration number of the drone) - without the last 3 digits!
• Proof of competence of the drone pilot (if required)
• Declaration of consent from the landowner (if required)
• Declaration of consent from the operator or a competent authority in accordance with Section 21h (3) LuftVO (if required)
• Consent of the environmental protection department (if required)

• Air Traffic Regulations - § 20 ff
• Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947