Flying in Other European Countries

In light of the implementation of the new EU legislation on unmanned aircraft, national regulations governing the operation of model aircraft are currently being amended in most European countries.

Model aircraft pilots must therefore familiarize themselves with the applicable national regulations well in advance of their trip. A good place to start is the website of the European Model Flying Union (EMFU). At www.emfu.eu/regulation, the national associations that are members of the EMFU (including the SMV) publish brief summaries of the rules in their respective countries (in English). This website is still under construction and is regularly updated and expanded to include new countries. Pilots should also visit the website of the national authorities in the country they intend to visit, as well as the website of the national federation, or—better yet—speak with clubs or club members with whom they will be flying. The EMFU website is also a good starting point for finding the relevant links.

In July 2020, the new EU regulations for unmanned aircraft—which include model aircraft—will take effect. Most EU countries are still in the process of implementing the new regulations. The Swiss Federal Office of Civil Aviation has announced that it intends to apply these rules in Switzerland as well. It is already clear that not all countries will be ready by July 2020. The new EU rules define a strict framework for the operation of unmanned aircraft in the so-called “open category.” Fortunately,

they allow member states to establish special rules for the operation of model aircraft “within the framework of clubs and associations.” Which activities fall under these special rules and what those rules are is a matter for the national authorities.

The special national rules for the operation of model aircraft will likely apply to members of national clubs and associations, but may also apply to guests and other pilots. The SMV is working with partner associations in other EU countries and through the EMFU to ensure that our members can benefit from these less restrictive rules without requiring full membership in an association in the country where our members wish to fly.

As national regulations governing the operation of model aircraft are revised, it is not unlikely that these regulations will become more restrictive in a number of European countries. The new requirements will include a requirement for pilots to register themselves, but they may also include requirements for online training and an online test, altitude limits, and technical requirements such as electronic identification.

Although the new EU regulations are intended to establish a common framework for the operation of unmanned aircraft throughout the EU, some countries are already taking stricter measures. France, for example, requires most unmanned aircraft operations to be equipped with electronic identification and mandates the registration not only of pilots but also of each individual aircraft.