As a professional drone user, you must know that the use of drones in connection with a business activity is allowed in many European countries, but under very strict conditions. In most countries you will need different authorisations/licenses from your National Aviation Authority before you can start any operation. In addition, privacy and data protection may also play an important role and you need to comply with the related European and national rules.
It is therefore your responsibility to inform yourself about the local rules that will apply to your drone activities.
As a professional user what are the most important rules I should be aware of?
- A significant number of National Aviation Authorities have established new aviation safety legislations regulating the use of drones in their national airspace. As a professional drone operator, I am obliged by the law to respect the corresponding national safety and operational rules in order not to interfere with aviation safety, endanger persons or cause damage to property.
- In Europe, every citizen has a fundamental right to privacy and to the protection of his/her personal data. As a professional drone operator, I must always respect these rights and strictly comply with the applicable privacy and data protection legislations.
- In the event of an accident, the person responsible for the drone (pilot, owner, operator, etc.) has to compensate for the damage he or she has caused. Thus, European aviation law requires professional drone operators to be insured. As a professional operator, I should therefore be aware of the applicable insurance and liability requirements and make sure that I am adequately insured for my flight.