Łukasz Klupieć - Bezpieczeństwo DRONOWE

How old do you have to be to fly a drone?

Some of you are probably wondering what the minimum age is for a drone operator in Poland. We'll answer that for you – being at least 16 years old is sufficient. This requirement does not apply in three cases:

When flying in subcategory A1 with a class C0 drone, which is considered a toy under the regulations.

If the drone was built for private use and its maximum take-off weight is less than 250 g.

If flying the drone under the direct supervision of a pilot who is properly qualified and at least 16 years old.

Drone Law 2025 – current regulations

The EU body responsible for establishing drone regulations is the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). In Poland, this responsibility lies with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Since drones have become increasingly popular over the years, the European Union has decided to standardize the legal regulations related to their use for all member states – including Poland, of course. To facilitate the implementation of new rules, they have been divided into transitional and specific provisions.

The specific provisions, which entered into force on January 1, 2024, are now in force. Let's see which rules must be followed and what to keep in mind!

Drone classes – what is it and what does it involve?

Currently, European regulations divide drones into different C classes – from C0 to C6. These classes determine where and under what conditions we can fly. Each class has specific requirements and restrictions. Knowing your drone's class can help you more easily comply with applicable regulations.

Do you need drone training?

If you want to fly a drone in the A1 subcategory that has been assigned a C1 class, you will need to complete online training and pass a test. This is free, and all the necessary information can be found at https://drony.gov.pl/e-learning. The final exam consists of 40 questions, and passing requires a 75% score. Pilot qualifications are valid for 5 years.

The online training and test are also sufficient for flying drones with a C3 class in the open A3 category, meaning away from people and buildings.

When is training not needed?

Training isn't mandatory if you're flying a C0-rated drone weighing less than 250g, such as the DJI Mini 4 Pro. Simply register as an operator, add your number to the device, and read the user manual. However, it's still worth taking the course – you'll learn a lot of valuable information, including flight safety.

Can you fly a drone without a class?

If your drone was launched before the end of 2023 and doesn't have a class, you can fly it in the open category A1 or A3, depending on its weight.

Drones weighing less than 250 g – subcategory A1 (flights over bystanders permitted, flights over gatherings prohibited, no training required).

Drones weighing less than 25 kg – subcategory A3 (flights away from people and urban areas required, user manual and free online training required).

Drone flight categories – the most important information

Polish regulations divide drone flights into three categories: open, special, and certified. What are the characteristics of each?

The Open category covers the most common flights, meaning those with an altitude of up to 120 meters and within the operator's line of sight. To fly in this category, the drone must be class C (from C0 to C4) and its weight cannot exceed 25 kg. It comprises three subcategories – A1, A2, and A3:
- A1 – Flights over bystanders are possible (with some restrictions), but flying over gatherings of people is prohibited. This applies to drones assigned classes C0 and C1.
- A2 – Flying over people or gatherings of people is prohibited. The minimum horizontal distance from people is 30 m (or 5 m if the drone has a speed limiter). Includes devices with a C2 rating.
- A3 – do not fly over people and gatherings, and the minimum horizontal distance from urban areas is 150 m. Subcategory A3 applies to devices with the assigned class C3 and C4, and drones with classes C2, C1 and C0 can also fly in it.
Special category – includes flights with drones that are heavier, out of sight, closer to people, etc.
Certified category – a high-risk category. This category applies to large and heavy drones, including flights over crowds, and the transport of people or hazardous materials. Appropriate certification is required.

Now that we've explained the categorization, let's move on to the applicable rules. Since the specific and certified categories typically cover more specialized applications, this article will focus on the open category. This category covers the most common flights, and its regulations will apply to most of us.

What about subcategory A2?

As mentioned earlier, the A2 open category applies to drones with a C2 rating, such as the DJI Mavic 3 Pro. You can also use these devices in the A3 subcategory, but remember that you must fly away from people and buildings. Therefore, if you want to get a little closer to certain objects during your flights (at least 30 meters away), you will need to obtain an A2 subcategory license.

This requires not only completing the training and passing the online test, but also completing a practical self-study course. Then, you must pass an additional theoretical exam administered by a designated entity.

Is it worth getting the A2 rating? It depends on your needs. If you have a C2-rated drone and plan to fly it closer to people and residential areas, this will be essential. Otherwise, the A3 rating and basic online training will be perfectly sufficient.

Drone flights in the open category – general rules

Now that we've gone through all the necessary formalities, let's take a moment to discuss the most important rules for flying drones in the open category in Poland. What should you remember?

Each flight must be reported using the DroneTower app. Information about the app can be found at https://drony.gov.pl/drone-tower.
Keep the drone in your line of sight while flying.
Do not fly near or within areas where rescue operations are in progress.
During the flight, ensure that the drone maintains a safe distance from people and does not fly over gatherings.
It is prohibited to transport hazardous materials by drone.
During flight, the distance of the drone from the nearest point of the ground surface cannot exceed 120 m (unless we are flying over an obstacle).

Drone operator registration – do you need to register?

Registration of a drone operator in the open category is necessary in two cases:

When the drone weight is 250 g or more.
When a drone is equipped with a camera (or other sensor enabling data collection) – this does not apply only to devices that are considered toys under applicable regulations.

This means that registration is required for most DJI drones – regardless of their Class C equipment. Don't worry, though – the entire process is very straightforward. Just visit https://drony.gov.pl/e-registration and fill out the form. After registering, be sure to include your operator number on the drone. You only need to register once – even if you have multiple devices. Just remember that your number must be included on each one.

I've Got a Drone – Now What? First Steps

So you finally have your dream drone and are wondering what to do next? Don't worry – getting started with your new equipment is easier than you think. Where should you start?

Read the manual – After unboxing your equipment, it's often tempting to try it out right away and ignore the instructions. However, this isn't a good approach, especially when it comes to drones. Firstly, reading the manual will help you better understand the device and its capabilities, guide you through its initial start-up, and help you prepare it for flight. Secondly, familiarity with the manual is often required by applicable regulations, as mentioned above.
Download the DJI Fly app and create a DJI account – DJI Fly allows you to conveniently control your equipment and access its features. It's worth familiarizing yourself with the interface before your first flight!
Register at https://drony.gov.pl/e-registration and stick your operator number on the drone.
If necessary, complete the necessary training and pass the exams.
Activate your drone by following the instructions in the DJI Fly app. Also, make sure it's paired with the remote controller and its firmware is updated to the latest version.
Activate DJI Care Refresh – If you've purchased a DJI Care Refresh package, remember to assign it to your drone within 48 hours of activation. And if you forget, don't panic! You can still activate the service – just send the manufacturer a special verification video. For more information on DJI Care Refresh, check out our article.
Charge your batteries and check the weather. If conditions are favorable (it's best to fly on calm days, free from rain or snow), find an open area (free from obstacles and people) to practice flying and get a feel for your equipment's capabilities. And remember to report your flight in the DroneTower app!

What to pay attention to when flying a drone in the city?

Registering a drone, obtaining a certificate, and adhering to the guidelines for a specific subcategory isn't everything. Furthermore, there are several important points to note regarding city flights. Above all, remember that in some areas, flights are prohibited, even if other requirements are met. This is due to air traffic restrictions, which apply, for example, to military facilities and airports, as well as to certain other locations—for example, during rescue operations, accidents, or special events. Some zones, however, will require authorization (for example, sports stadiums and their immediate vicinity) before commencing a flight. In many locations, we may also encounter warnings and temporary flight bans, depending on other air traffic conditions in a given area. You can read more about geographic zones here.

Restrictions in cities most often occur near airports—the zone of heightened flight requirements extends quite a distance from the runways. This means that in some cases, it can also occur within the city limits, as is the case in Krakow or Warsaw, where airports are relatively close.

It's worth noting that the regulations in force in Poland don't directly address this issue. However, individual categories impose certain restrictions regarding distance from buildings and bystanders. As a result, flying a drone in the city is impossible in many places, and in others, it may require notification. However, there are still numerous locations where you can freely operate a drone and capture stunning aerial footage.

We also remind you that flying a drone over 250 g or with a camera requires operator registration and completion of training. Tests are available online on the Civil Aviation Authority website. The Civil Aviation Authority portal also offers a wealth of additional information related to flight permits – a good place to delve into the current regulations regarding drone use.

DroneTower – convenient zone verification and easy flight registration

The rules for different drone categories and restrictions for specific city zones can be confusing – especially since the zones themselves can change. Dedicated apps come in handy, allowing you to quickly and efficiently check flight regulations. Since mid-April 2024, the DroneTower app has been available in Poland, which also allows for flight reporting. Its functionality is intended to replace the previously popular DroneRadar app. DroneTower is the official tool of the Polish Air Navigation Services Agency, providing up-to-date data aligned with Polish regulations.

Rely on Geo-Fencing technology

Drone safety begins with awareness and compliance with regulations. Designated flight zones, also known as geo-fencing, are an advanced tool that helps drone pilots avoid areas where flights are prohibited or restricted. This technology uses GPS signals and mapping data to define areas that should be avoided. This technology allows you to avoid flights over airports, private property, nature conservation areas, and other areas where a drone could pose a threat or violate regulations.

Remember, designated flight zones not only protect your environment but also help you avoid potential legal issues related to violations. As a responsible drone operator, using this technology is crucial to the safety and legality of your flights.

Use obstacle detection technology

Drone flight safety isn't just about protecting the device, but also protecting other people and property. One of the most important advanced safety measures is the use of obstacle detection technology. Modern drones equipped with cameras, ultrasonic sensors, and lasers can identify obstacles in their path and automatically change their flight trajectory to avoid collisions.

This advanced solution allows for safe flying in various conditions, even in areas where there's a risk of collision with obstacles such as trees or buildings. For advanced drone pilots, this tool significantly increases safety and confidence during flight. However, remember that even with obstacle detection technology, it's important to exercise caution and avoid risky maneuvers.

Respect the privacy of others

When using a drone, especially in public places, always remember to respect the privacy of others. Recording or photographing others without their consent can be considered an invasion of privacy and lead to potential legal conflicts. Therefore, always respect the privacy of others and avoid taking photos or videos of people who have not given their consent.

If you plan to record or photograph people in public places, ensure that it complies with applicable privacy laws and regulations. Some locations have restrictions on the use of drones for commercial or entertainment purposes, so always check and comply with local regulations.

Secure your data on your drone

If you store videos and photos on your drone, ensure appropriate data security. Use data encryption technologies or apply device passwords. This protects your content from unauthorized access in the event of drone loss or theft. Data encryption ensures that even if someone gains physical access to the device, they won't be able to read the content without the encryption key.

Be careful in public places

When flying your drone in public places, exercise extreme caution to avoid invading the privacy of others. Avoid taking photos and videos in areas where privacy may be infringed, such as near beaches, pools, or parks. Respect other people's space and avoid posting content that could violate their privacy.

Remember that not only the technology but also your own actions play a role in protecting the privacy of others. Therefore, always be a responsible drone operator and adhere to the ethics and regulations of your location.

Drone safety is a matter of responsibility and awareness. Advanced technologies such as designated flight zones and obstacle detection significantly improve the safety of drone flights. However, respecting the privacy of others, protecting your data, and adhering to regulations and ethical principles are equally important. With the right precautions, you can enjoy drone flights while ensuring your safety and privacy.

At first glance, drone regulations may seem a bit complicated, but we hope this article has shed some light on them and cleared up most of your doubts. It's worth remembering that some regulations change rapidly, so it's a good idea to check them regularly.

Safe flights!

Ł.K. Źródło: https://dji-ars.pl/

https://megadron.pl/

https://antywirus.com/

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