Unmanned aircraft; application for permission to operate in a geographical UAS area

For the operation of an unmanned aerial vehicle in a geographical area in accordance with Section 21h (3) and (4) of the Aviation Ordinance, you can apply for deviations from the specified operating conditions in justified cases.

The generic term "unmanned aircraft" covers unmanned aerial systems (colloquially known as "drones") and model aircraft. Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) are unmanned aircraft, including their control station, which are not operated for the purposes of sport or leisure. These include, for example, quadro/hexa/octocopters for commercial photography, advertising airships, but also model airplanes if they are used for commercial purposes.

If they are used for sport or leisure purposes, they are considered model aircraft. Legally, model aircraft and unmanned aerial systems are largely treated equally as unmanned aerial vehicles.

Since December 31, 2020, the Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947 on the rules and procedures for the operation of unmanned aircraft has generally applied to the operation of unmanned aircraft. In addition, some provisions of national law for the operation of unmanned aircraft must also be observed. In justified individual cases, exemptions from the provisions of Section 21 h LuftVO may be granted in accordance with Section 21 i (1) LuftVO. The corresponding application can be found under "Forms".

Under "Further links" you can find information on the current legal situation for the operation of unmanned aircraft.

Administrative court action

At least 10 working days before the planned take-off date (permit in accordance with Section 21 i (1) LuftVO)

Individual permit according to § 21 i para. 1 LuftVO: EUR 50.00 - 3,500.00

You can register as a UAS operator on the online registration portal of the Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (LBA) (see "Related links").

The online course and the online theory test for the open subcategory A1/A3 certificate of competence can be found on the LBA learning portal (see "Related links").

You can complete the open subcategory A2 certificate of competence at one of the test centers for remote pilots (PStF) designated by the LBA (see "Related links").

The Federal Aviation Office is responsible for licensing procedures in the special category. If you have any queries about this and the certificates of competence for remote pilots, please send an e-mail to uas@lba.de.