Barcelona is a city that mixes old and new, with beautiful buildings and the sea. Every part of the city has a story, from busy streets to quiet parks. But amidst this tapestry of culture and history, a question hovers in the minds of many tech enthusiasts and aerial photographers alike: Can you fly a drone in Barcelona? Yes, provided you follow regulations.
Can You Fly A Drone In Barcelona?
Flying a drone in Barcelona is legal and within reach for adventurers seeking stunning aerial views of this vibrant city. Necessary regulations must be followed to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. The UAV must weigh under 25 kilograms and be registered with the appropriate authorities before taking to the skies.
Obtaining flight authorization from local officials and ensuring that your drone activity aligns with established guidelines and safeguards against potential risks is crucial. When navigating the sky with your UAV in Barcelona, avoid flying over houses and congested areas.
Who Is The Governing Drone Body In Spain?
The State Agency of Air Security, commonly known as AESA, is critical in governing drone operations in Spain. This regulatory body plays a crucial role in ensuring the safe and responsible use of drones nationwide. From issuing licenses to enforcing regulations, AESA works tirelessly to maintain order and accountability in Spain’s rapidly growing drone industry.
Are You Legally Allowed To Fly A Drone In Barcelona? | Barcelona Drone Laws
Yes, you can legally fly a drone in Barcelona, but there are strict rules and regulations that must be followed.
You Must Register Your Drone With AESA
Register your drone with AESA (State Aviation Safety Agency) before takeoff. This registration process ensures you know Barcelona’s specific regulations and flight restrictions to avoid any potential mishaps.
You Need A License Through AESA If Your Drone Weighs More Than 2 Kilograms
Obtaining a license through AESA is mandatory for drones weighing over 2 kilograms. However, not all regions in Spain require a license for drones over this weight limit. To ensure compliance, make sure to have your operator number visibly displayed on your drone at all times.
When applying for a drone license in Barcelona, be prepared to provide necessary documents such as the operator number, registration certificate, and identification, such as a passport or ID. In some cases, both forms of identification may be required depending on the region within Spain.
Your Drone Must Weigh Less Than 25 Kilograms
Your drone must weigh less than 25 kilograms, roughly 55.12 pounds. This weight restriction is a safety measure to prevent potential hazards and ensure responsible drone operation within the urban environment.
You Cannot Fly Over Residential Property
Spain requires pilots to respect citizens’ privacy by prohibiting flights over residential properties. This means that capturing aerial shots of charming Spanish neighborhoods might pose a challenge for drone operators looking to explore the city from above.
You Need Local Authorization
According to local laws, you must obtain authorization from the relevant authorities before taking your drone to the skies. Simply purchasing a drone does not grant you permission to fly it in this vibrant city.
You Cannot Fly In Crowded Areas
It is important to note that you are not legally allowed to fly a drone in crowded areas such as parks, beaches, or near busy streets. Flying a drone in these prohibited areas can result in fines or legal repercussions.
You Cannot Fly Near Airports And Other Infrastructure
Avoid flying near airports and other critical infrastructure. Failure to comply with this rule can result in serious legal consequences, as aviation safety is always a top priority.
You Cannot Fly Higher Than 120 Meters
Drones cannot ascend above the 120-meter mark in Barcelona’s airspace. This limitation ensures the safety of air traffic and individuals on the ground, making it essential to adhere to this restriction strictly.
Are Drones Legal In Spain? | Drone Rules In Spain
Yes, drones are legal in Spain. Before you take your drone into the Spanish skies, there are a few rules and regulations to keep in mind.
AESA Permission Is Required Before Flying In National Parks
Permission from the AESA is mandatory before flying a drone in these environmentally sensitive areas, as they aim to protect and preserve the natural habitats and wildlife within these parks.
This requirement ensures that drone operators adhere to specific guidelines regarding flight altitude, distances from animals, and noise levels to minimize disruptions to the ecosystem.
You Must Keep A Reasonable Distance From Airports
When conducting flights approved for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations, it is mandatory to remain 15 kilometers or 9.3 miles away from any airport to prevent interference with air traffic.
This regulation is critical to safeguarding aircraft entering and exiting airports and protecting the integrity of drone operations.
You Must Keep A Reasonable Distance From People And Buildings
It’s mandated that drone operators must stay at least 50 meters (or 164 feet) away from any individual or structure. This regulation is designed not only to ensure the safety of individuals on the ground but also to protect property from potential accidents.
Urban Flights Are Allowed At Specific Altitudes, And Drone Weights
Urban flights are permitted within designated altitudes and drone weights to ensure the safety of both airspace and individuals below. The Spanish aviation authority has established these guidelines to prevent any potential accidents or disruptions caused by drone activity in urban areas.
By adhering to these rules, drone enthusiasts can enjoy capturing breathtaking aerial footage without compromising public safety.
Your Identification Plate Must Be On The Remote And The Drone Itself
Having your identification plate on both the remote and the drone itself is a legal requirement in Spain and a crucial safety measure. This ensures that authorities can quickly identify and locate the owner in case of any incidents or accidents during drone flights.
The registration plate must display your name, allowing for accountability in cases of misuse or violation of drone flight rules.
Commercial Pilots Need Liability Insurance
Commercial drone pilots in Spain must have liability insurance to cover potential damages or accidents during their flights. This insurance is mandatory to ensure the safety of the public and property and protect the pilot from costly legal liabilities.
Liability insurance also demonstrates a commitment to responsible drone operation and compliance with aviation regulations.
You Have To Stay Within The Visual Line Of Sight
Drone operators must maintain a clear line of sight with their drones while flying, ensuring they have complete control and awareness of their surroundings during the flight. Failure to adhere to this rule can pose safety risks for the operator and others in the vicinity.
Spanish regulations mandate that you have a visual observer present during the flight if you are engaging in first-person view (FPV) flying, where you use a live video feed from your drone’s camera to navigate its flight path.
You Often Cannot Fly Your Drone At Night
Drone flights are restricted during the night. There exists a fascinating exception for drones weighing under 2 kilograms, which opens up a new realm of possibilities for aerial exploration after sundown. The caveat, though, is that such flights are limited to an altitude of 50 meters, or about 164 feet above ground level.
Wrapping Up
Can you fly a drone in Barcelona? Flying a drone in Barcelona can be exciting and give you new city views. Follow the rules to stay safe and legal. Get the proper permits and fly in approved areas to avoid trouble. Be careful and considerate when flying your drone. Enjoy the chance to see Barcelona from the sky!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need Insurance to Fly a Drone in Barcelona?
It is recommended to have liability insurance coverage when flying a drone in Spain.
Are there Specific Age Restrictions for Operating Drones in Barcelona?
Minors under the age of 18 must have parental consent to operate drones in Spain.
Can I Fly a Long-range Drone in Barcelona?
Flying long-range drones in Barcelona is possible, but you must ensure that the drone remains within your line of sight at all times and complies with local regulations.
How can I Track my Drone if it Goes Out of Range or Loses Signal while Flying Over Barcelona?
GPS tracking devices or apps designed specifically for locating lost drones if they go out of range or lose signal while flying over Barcelona are recommended.
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