In order to bring more safety to air traffic due to the ever-increasing number of drone owners, the "Ordinance on the Regulation of the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft" governs the operation of drones. We have compiled a brief excerpt of the regulations that private users must observe for you here.

Mandatory labeling

From October 2017, unmanned aircraft systems weighing more than 0.25 kg must be marked with a permanent and fireproof sticker on the aircraft with name and address so that the owner can be quickly identified and contacted in the event of damage. Stickers can be ordered from the BVCP, among others. We have compiled a recommendation of the attachment options for you.

Proof of knowledge

In the future, proof of knowledge will be required for the operation of unmanned aerial systems weighing over 2 kg. A certificate can be obtained from a body recognized by the Federal Aviation Office and is available from the age of 16. The certificate is valid for 5 years.

Permit requirement

Unmanned aircraft systems weighing over 5 kg require a take-off permit issued by the state aviation authorities. For flights at night, an ascent permit is also required for aircraft with a lower weight.

Liability insurance

Liability insurance for the operation of an aircraft or drone weighing 250 grams or more is required by law in Germany. Regardless of whether the drone is used commercially or purely privately as a hobby. Private liability insurance does not usually cover this. Including the drone in normal liability insurance is usually not easily possible or very expensive. It is therefore advisable and necessary to take out additional insurance for model aircraft / multicopter pilots - i.e. drone insurance.

Duty to take evasive action

The pilot of an unmanned aircraft system is obliged to avoid manned aircraft and unmanned free balloons.

Prohibition of operation

It is prohibited to fly the aircraft out of visual range, at altitudes above 100 m from the ground and in or over sensitive areas such as police and emergency services, crowds of people, industrial plants, airports, waterways, traffic routes, etc. The competent authority may grant exceptions to the prohibitions

Video goggles

Wearing video goggles during the flight is permitted if the aircraft does not weigh more than 0.25 kg and climbs higher than 30 m. Or if another person ensures that the aircraft always remains in sight and can draw the pilot's attention to the dangers.

This summary has been prepared to the best of our knowledge. There is no claim to error-free and complete content Further information can be found on the website of the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure.