New rules on drones

Registering drone operators

The new EU regulations on the operation of unmanned aircraft (drones) have been implemented in Iceland. Regulation 1360/2024 implements EU regulations 2019/947 and 2019/945 with amendments. These new rules introduce significant changes for drone operators.

Operator Registration and Pilot Competency

Mandatory Registration: All drone operators must register on
flydrone.is and pay a registration fee. The registration is valid for five years.
Proof of Competency: Remote pilots must demonstrate their competency. Online exams for A1/A3 categories are available free of charge. For the A2 category, exams must be taken at the Icelandic Transport Authority or approved institutions.

Operational Categories

The regulations classify drone operations into three categories based on risk:

Open Category: For low-risk operations with drones weighing less than 25 kg, kept within visual line of sight, and flown at an altitude of up to 120 meters. This category is divided into:
- A1: Permits flying over people but not over assemblies.
- A2: Allows flying close to people while maintaining a safe distance.
- A3: Requires operations to be conducted far from people.
Specific Category: For medium-risk operations not covered by the Open Category. Requires authorization based on a risk assessment.
Certified Category: For high-risk operations, such as large drones or drones carrying passengers. Certification is required for both the drone and the operator.

Drone Classification

Drones are classified into categories from C0 to C6, which determine operating conditions and requirements:

C0: Drones under 250 grams, permitted in the A1 category.
C1: Drones under 900 grams, permitted in the A1 category.
C2: Drones under 4 kg, permitted in the A2 and A3 categories.
C3 and C4: Drones under 25 kg, permitted in the A3 category.
C5: Drones designed for operations under STS-01.
C6: Drones designed for operations under STS-02.

See more information about the European drone regulation on the EASA website.

Further information

Regulation (EU) 2019/947 allows each country to establish specific rules for drone operations to address areas not covered by the EASA regulation. Regulation 1360/2024 outlines the following restrictions.

It is prohibited to fly unmanned aircraft within 150 meters of sensitive sites such as power plants, substations, Parliament, the Presidential residence, ministries, embassies, police stations, prisons, and hospitals, unless authorized by the property owner or operator.
General rules regarding the protection of property rights, privacy, and personal data apply when flying near residential areas or places where people are present.
Flying unmanned aircraft without permission from airport operators is prohibited on airport premises and within restricted zones around scheduled flight airports. Flying is allowed within restricted zones without specific permission if done below the height of the highest obstacles and within 50 meters of the drone’s flight path.
Maximum caution and safety must be exercised near runways of non-scheduled flight airports.
Drones must always give way to all other air traffic.
Instructions from air traffic services, police, the Icelandic Coast Guard, the Icelandic Transportation Authority, and other authorities must be followed.
Restricted zones and limitations for unmanned aircraft are announced on the Icelandic Transportation Authority website and in the Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) Iceland.