Author: Ana Sánchez

The geopositioning system in drones plays an important role, as it allows the drone to perform its functions more accurately and safely. That is why in this article we will discuss everything related to drones with GPS, and its importance for the execution of a wide variety of actions.

What is GPS?

GPS (Global Positioning System) is a satellite system that allows you to determine the precise geographical location of an object anywhere in the world.

Basically, it works thanks to a network of satellites orbiting the Earth that transmits signals to receiving devices, which use these signals to triangulate their exact position.

What does GPS do in a drone?

GPS in a drone allows its precise location to be known at all times. It acts as a navigation and positioning system, providing crucial information to the pilot or flight control software.

With the help of GPS, a drone can fly with complete autonomy, follow predefined routes with precision and maintain a stable position, as it will be able to determine its surroundings in real time.

What is GPS used for in a drone?

GPS in drones has several applications and benefits for navigation. Among the most relevant we can mention:

• Accurate navigation: GPS enables a drone to move precisely and maintain a stable position. This is essential for high-quality aerial drone video or photography, as well as for precise mapping of areas, as in the case of drone photogrammetry.
• Autonomous flight: The GPS signal in drones allows them to follow programmed routes autonomously. This is especially useful in inspection, crop monitoring, search or rescue tasks, as it can follow a specific pattern. This function is essential for irrigation and spraying drones in agriculture.
• Safe return home: If a drone loses connection with the remote control or its battery is low, GPS allows the drone to automatically return to its take-off point.
• Limitations: GPS allows virtual geographic boundaries, known as geofencing, to be set that restrict the drone’s flight area. This is useful to ensure that the drone does not stray too far or enter restricted areas, such as SPAs, SACs and SCIs zones.

Main uses of GPS drones

GPS-equipped drones have a wide range of uses, including:

• Aerial photography and videography:  GPS allows drones to remain stable in the air, resulting in smooth, high-quality aerial shots. This is valuable for cinematography drones, event photography and landscape capture.
• Inspection and monitoring: Drones can perform inspections of infrastructure, such as power lines and pipelines, more safely and efficiently. GPS helps track the location of problems and ensure accurate analysis.
• Precision farming: GPS-enabled drones can collect crop and soil data, enabling more efficient farm management. This includes precise fertiliser application, controlled irrigation and early detection of crop problems, using drones for agriculture.
• Search and rescue: GPS-equipped drones can search large areas and transmit images in real time. This speeds up search and rescue operations, increasing the chances of finding lost people.

What kind of signal do drones use?

Drones use the GPS signal, which is a radio frequency signal transmitted by satellites. This signal contains location and time information. Drones can also use other positioning systems, such as GLONASS, Galileo or BeiDou, for greater accuracy and better coverage in different regions of the world.

Where is the GPS on a drone?

The GPS in a drone is usually located in the GPS receiver unit, which is one of the parts of the drone that is responsible for the navigation system.

In some cases, the GPS receiver may be built into the structure itself, while in others it may be connected via a GPS antenna on drones. The aim is to ensure that the GPS receiver has a clear view of the sky to receive the signals from the satellites without obstructions.

Don’t forget that you can contact us to join the best professional drone pilot course, and obtain all the certifications required by the AESA so that you can perform professionally.

From the entry into force of the European UAS Regulations in 2021, the training required to fly a drone is similar in all EU countries. This means that the training you can obtain in Spain will be recognised in other EU countries, such as France, Italy or Portugal.

There are different certifications or types of drone licenses that you can get, so it is important that before flying a drone, you are up to date with the regulations that allow you to fly drones in Spain and in Europe, and to do so, we recommend you to consult the AESA website where you can check everything you need to have before flying your drone, such as the Operator Registration, the Civil Liability Insurance and identification plates for drones.

The AESA website where you can get an overview of the drone sector is: https://www.seguridadaerea.gob.es/en/ambitos/drones.

What is a drone pilot licence?

A drone licence is the certification or accreditation provided by AESA to UAS pilots so that they can operate legally and safely, following all the established parameters to avoid causing accidents or interfering with air traffic.

What is required to obtain a drone pilot licence?

To fly a drone, whether the purpose of your flight is recreational (to merely enjoy piloting) or to carry out aerial work, you must have a minimum amount of mandatory training.

The new European regulation explains that drone operations are categorised according to the risk that the drone operation itself poses to people on the ground nearby. This means that, depending on the Operational Category into which your flight fits, you must have different training to be able to receive the corresponding drone licence.

Although we are going to talk later about all the categories and types of drone pilot licence that you can obtain depending on the operation you are going to carry out, we recommend that, in order to make sure that your flight belongs to one category or another, to consult the AESA and ENAIRE Drones website to find out all the details of your operation. You will then be able to find out which type of drone certification you need to apply for.

The different drone certificates or licences that exist today

The UAS certifications or types of drone licence in Spain are basically classified into 3 categories, which are:

• Drone Pilot Certificate A1-A3
• A2 Drone Certificate
• STS Drone Certificate

Below we give you more details of each of the types of drone licenses you can get, according to the classification described above and their respective fields of action.

Remot Pilot Certificate or Drone License A1-A3

The A1-A3 drone pilot certificate is mandatory for all those who want to fly a drone, from the most basic to the most complex.

Which drones can be flown with A1 A3?

This A1 A3 UAS certificate allows you to fly drones up to 500 grams Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW) in Open Category A1.

From January 2024, this certificate will also allow you to fly drones with Class C1 Label in the same Category. In addition, it not only includes the benefits of Open Operational Category A1, but also Open Category A3, so you will be able to fly drones up to 25kg in this operational category, and from 2024, drones of any class label, as long as you are in Category A3.

This A1-A3 certificate is a theoretical exam type test that is done in AESA, based on a syllabus that the State Aviation Safety Agency publishes.

A2 Remote Pilot Certificate or A2 Drone License

This UAS certificate will allow you to fly in Open Category A2. To obtain this drone pilot certificate you must complete two parts, the first, theoretical in AESA, a test type exam, and on the other hand, a self-practical part, in which you must practice a series of manoeuvres in a controlled environment and evaluate yourself to confirm that you are qualified.

What drones can fly with A2?

With this certificate you will be able to fly drones up to 2kg in weight, and from 2024, drones with a Class C2 label.

STS Remote Pilot Certificate or STS Drone Pilot License

This drone certificate, the most difficult, but the highest level, allows you to fly under Specific Category, within the Standard Scenarios that are currently published (STS-ES-01 and STS-ES-02).

Which drones can be flown with an STS certificate?

With this professional drone licence you can fly a drone weighing up to 10kg in urban areas and VLOS (Visual Line of Sight) under the STS-ES-01 standard scenario and up to 25kg in BVLOS (Beyond Line of Sight) under the STS-ES-02 standard scenario. From January 2024, you will be able to fly drones with Class C5 and C6 Label respectively for each Scenario. It will consist of a test part to be carried out at AESA, and a practical part to be carried out at a Training Entity recognised by AESA.

How to obtain a drone licence from AESA?

To obtain an AESA drone licence, you need to check which level of the State Aviation Safety Agency’s training scheme your UAS is at. For more details about each corresponding drone pilot certificate according to that classification, we invite you to enter our blog article dedicated to how to get a drone licence, where we explain everything you need to know to get a drone pilot licence.

From UMILES we recommend you to obtain all the certificates to be able to fly in any possible scenario and above all, it is very important that you know the limitations of each operational category (Open, Specific), so that you know what type of flight you are going to do, the limitations, and more importantly, if you have the necessary qualifications to operate in those conditions.

How much does it cost to get a drone pilot licence?

Certification prices will depend on the number of requirements that need to be met. For example, in the case of drones with MTOW of less than 250g, the pilot can register for free on the AESA electronic platform, and that will be enough to fly the drone.

However, in cases where it is necessary to take a professional drone pilot course or training to obtain STS certifications, you will have to pay the price corresponding to each of the modules in which you want to specialise.

Below are some indicative references:

• Drone pilot certificate A1-A3: The price of the theoretical exam and the issuance of the certificate by AESA is usually around 200-300 euros. In addition, you may have to invest in study material or preparation for the exam.
• A2 drone pilot certificate: For this certificate, the price can be similar to the A1-A3 certificate, as it also involves a theoretical exam and the issuance of the certificate by AESA. In addition, you may need to invest in the practical part of the training by taking a course like the ones we offer at UMILES University.
• STS drone pilot certificate: This certificate, being of a higher level and requiring more specialised training, may have a higher price. In addition to the theoretical exam, you will need to complete practical training at an AESA-recognised entity, such as UMILES University.

What does it take to become a drone pilot?

To become a drone pilot, you need to meet certain requirements and follow a training and certification process. The steps are as followed:

1. Undertake theoretical training: You must complete a theoretical training course that covers the knowledge necessary to operate a drone safely and legally. This training covers topics such as aviation regulations, drone-specific regulations, meteorology, flight principles, navigation and safety.
2. Pass the theoretical exam: After receiving the theoretical training, you must pass a theoretical exam administered by the relevant civil aviation authority in your country, such as the Spanish State Aviation Safety Agency (AESA) in Spain. The exam will test your knowledge of the theoretical aspects related to drones and their operation.
3. Take a course with real drone practice: In addition to theoretical training, some drone pilot certificates require practical training. This involves acquiring piloting skills through supervised flight practice in a controlled environment. During this stage, you will learn how to control the drone, perform basic manoeuvres and become proficient in different flying situations.

Once you have completed these steps and obtained your drone flying certificate, you will be able to operate legally in multiple situations.

Enormously grateful to be able to announce that we performed a light show with drones at the most anticipated wedding of the year.

Tamara Falcó and Iñigo Onieva counted on the UMILES business division that is in charge of performing choreographies with drones in the sky. An innovative, sustainable and noiseless option that makes many companies or individuals have it present in many of their evening events.

The couple along with their 400 guests were able to see first hand a drone light show prepared exclusively for them. They were able to see a combination of abstract figures along with figures representing the relationship and love between the two.

The sky was illuminated with 200 drones and they could see figures such as their initials, the silhouette of El Rincon, a 3D heart palpitating, an infinity representing the love there is, among many others. The drone show not only commemorates their union as a couple, but also the symbolism of the Marquisate of Griñón.

A challenge that for Drone Light Show is always possible. It had the whole team in the creation process. From the proposal to the design, including the tests performed at UMILES private airfield.

If you have thought about buying a drone, either for professional or recreational use, you will surely have many doubts about its operation. One of the first questions that are generated among the students of our drone courses who begin to familiarize themselves with this type of devices is “how high can a drone fly?”

This is a fact that you should know to avoid scares or fines, so that you can get the most out of your new acquisition. That is precisely why this time we will talk about the range of a drone in the different categories of use. However, as regulations can change, we recommend that you always refer to official sources and regulations.

In order to comply with current regulations, it is not only important to know where you can fly drones, but it is also essential to know the maximum height and displacement limits that are allowed when performing this activity.

Drones are considered as aircrafts that move through the airspace, even though they do not carry any kind of crew. Therefore, maximum limits are established for the displacement of these aircrafts, so that their flight does not interfere with other vehicles circulating in the area.

So, what is the maximum height allowed in Spain to fly a drone? In general, the minimum flight height of airplanes is used as a reference, which fly above 150 meters. It is for this reason that it has been defined that drone flight is performed at a height of 120 meters, so that a space of 30 meters of separation can be left between the routes of manned aircraft and UAS.

Precisely to avoid this type of interference, no-fly zones are created, which include the areas near airports, since at these points airplanes are descending and collision conflicts with drones can be created. You can check where you can fly your drone in our blog and in ENAIRE Drones.

What is the range of a drone?

In addition to the maximum height at which a drone can fly, another important aspect to consider is its range, i.e. the distance it can travel from the pilot. The range of a drone can vary depending on the type of flight and the restrictions established by the regulations.

Likewise, each drone can have a different range depending on the transmitter and the type of receiver contained in the drone. There are drones with a range of up to 4 and 8 km, although if you are wondering how much range a specific drone has, we recommend you to read the instruction manual that comes with the device as it says it there.

In visual range flights (VLOS), the pilot must keep the drone within his direct line of sight at all times. According to the regulations, the maximum distance a drone can move away from the pilot in a VLOS flight is 500 meters. This is based on the consideration that this is the maximum distance at which a person can have an adequate field of view. However, it is important to remember that, in any case, it is not allowed to exceed the established maximum height of 120 meters.

There are other flight categories that allow the drone to have a longer range, as long as certain requirements are met and the corresponding authorizations are obtained. For example, in authorized flights performed by certified pilots, in specific areas and with the implementation of additional safety measures, distances of between 1 and 2 kilometers can be achieved.

It should be noted that the effective range of a drone may also depend on other factors, such as atmospheric conditions, signal interference and battery capacity. Therefore, it is essential to take all these considerations into account when planning and operating a drone flight.

How high can a drone fly in Spain?

In Spain, the regulations governing air traffic control and especially drone flight are based on current European regulations. That is why the maximum flight height of a drone in Spain will also be 120 meters.

This height will always be measured from the ground where the pilot is positioned, since it is the reference point for air traffic. Therefore, slopes or hills can be considered as reference points, but the maximum height limit cannot be considered if the pilot is positioned over a building or obstacle of great height.

At UMILES University we offer you the best drone pilot course in Madrid, so you can know in detail all the flight regulations and put into practice your skills within the maximum allowed distance.

Is it possible to fly a drone higher than 120 meters?

As a general rule, all drones must fly at a maximum altitude of 120 meters. Especially those flying in the open category, which includes drones classified in classes 0, 1, 2 and 3.

Although it is important to highlight that there are certain exceptions, which must be considered by the regulatory body and may be presented under strict authorization by the EASA, only in certain geographical areas and especially in emergency or high-risk situations.

Small elevations exceeding this height are allowed only in cases where a high elevation obstacle (exceeding 105 meters in height) must be strictly overcome, and under request of the entity responsible for the obstacle. Although in any case it must not exceed the airspace of airplanes, so an overflight above 30 cm of the established limits is not allowed.

For this type of situations, the most advisable is the use of drones classified in classes 4 and 5, since as a general rule they have detection systems, which allow the pilot to know the height at which the UAS is moving, and which can be programmable with maximum and minimum flight limits to avoid any type of collision.

How far can a drone fly?

It has already been made clear what is the maximum height at which a drone can fly. But if we consider the distance, it varies according to the type of flight allowed for each pilot. The most common are the VLOS flights, which are those included in the open category, in which the pilot must never lose sight of the drone.

In this case, the maximum distance at which the drone can be moved away from the pilot will be 500 meters, since it is considered that this is the maximum distance at which a person could have an angle of view. But in no case it is allowed to exceed the maximum height limit set at 120 meters.

There are other types of flights that allow between 1 and 2 kilometers, as long as the flight has been authorized, is performed by certified pilots and meets the requirements of observers strategically located at equidistant points. In any case, the best thing to do is to refer to the current and most current regulations.

Drones have gone from being interesting recreational objects to important tools for the development of all kinds of activities. From light shows with drones, to aerial filming systems for commercials, movies and series.

Their functionality is such that they have become a growing market increasingly in demand. That is why regulations have been created to regulate the conditions of use of these aerial vehicles, and especially the areas where flying drones is allowed, as well as approved drone courses.

In Spain, the State Agency for Aviation Safety (AESA), ensures compliance with civil aviation standards in all aeronautical activity in Spain, both manned and unmanned aircraft, defining the areas where you can fly a drone.

Regulations governing the use of drones in Spain

As Spain is an EU Member State and belongs to the group of countries under the tutelage of EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency), it must comply with the European Regulations 2019/947 and 2019/945, which establish everything related to the use of drones in the airspace.

This regulation catalogs drones in 3 categories (open, specific and certified), according to the risk of the operation.

• The open category is where most of the operations are included, which are low risk operations.
• The specific category includes those drones that perform medium risk activities.
• The certified category includes drones that perform high-risk tasks and must follow more precise guidelines.

For each of these categories, special norms and rules are established that must be complied with in order to avoid being sanctioned for non-compliance with the law. . That is precisely why it is important to learn which are the zones where drones can be flown and their restrictions.

You can find more information in our article on European drone regulations.

Zones allowed to fly drones in Spain – Guidelines to apply

Drone flight zones are defined according to the basic guidelines that these unmanned aircraft must comply with. For the particular case of Spain, in addition to the European regulations already mentioned above, a national regulation (RD1036/2017) must be followed, which is partially repealed, but for the time being must be partially complied with.

In a general sense, the regulations for flying drones define that all UAS used in Spanish airspace must comply with the following rules, regardless of whether they are used for recreational or professional purposes:

• The pilot must have visual contact with the drone, except for those drones that are included in the specific category with permission to perform BVLOS operations (beyond the visual range of the pilot).
• The flight may not exceed 120 meters in altitude.
• It is not allowed to fly the drone near any airport or airfield except in coordination with the infrastructure manager.
• It is only allowed to fly in Controlled Airspace or Flight Information Zone to professional aircraft, after coordination of an Operational Risk Assessment with the Air Navigation Service
• Provider of the area and a subsequent operation request.
• All drones must have a fireproof identification plate, indicating the manufacturer’s name, model, serial number and operator’s data, in addition to the operator’s registration number.
• Devices that include cameras or microphones must respect people’s right to privacy, so care must be taken not to violate the Data Protection Law in case of disclosing images of people without their authorization.
• The respective flight certificate must be held according to the category in which the operation is located.

Remember that with our professional drone pilot course you will obtain the official certifications necessary to be a competent pilot at a technical level anywhere in Europe and operate in a safe environment.

Where can I fly my drone?

Among novice pilots it is common to have doubts such as: where can I fly my drone? or how do I know where can I fly my drone?

If you have doubts about the places to fly drones allowed in Spain, you can consult the ENAIRE Drones website. This is the entity in charge of managing air navigation in Spain, and they have taken the time to mark the flight zones for drones allowed in the country.

Using ENAIRE’s web service, you will be able to get accurate and updated information about the places near your location that you should avoid, as well as those areas where you can fly a drone, or the places where you will require special permissions.

You will only have to provide certain information requested by the platform, and you will be able to obtain precise and very useful data so that you can know in advance the areas allowed to fly drones, as well as the restrictions of your aerial operation.

Where can a drone weighing less than 250 grams be flown?

Drones weighing less than 250 grams enjoy certain freedoms when it comes to flying, as no drone license is required, nor is prior authorization required as per Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947. However, even for this type of small drone, there are certain requirements when flying:

• The pilot has the responsibility to ensure that the drone is kept at a safe distance from people and to avoid flying over crowds.
• Throughout the flight, the pilot must maintain constant visual contact with the drone (VLOS), except when in “follow me” mode or using an intermediate observer.
• The maximum allowable altitude must not exceed 120 meters at any time.
• In addition, it is forbidden to transport dangerous goods or throw any kind of material from the drone.

Map for flying drones in Spain by ENAIRE

ENAIRE Drones offers you a map that shows you the areas where you can fly your drone and the restrictions they have. It is also an ideal tool for planning your routes, as it allows you to draw guidance patterns and measure distances to be flown.

Thanks to the information shown on this map where you can fly a drone, you can plan your routes safely, without exposing yourself to penalties for violating airspace restrictions in Spain.

So if you want to fly drones in Madrid or anywhere else in Spain, you can use the ENAIRE Drones service where you can fly a drone safely and freely according to the regulations in force.

How much is the fine for flying a drone?

In Spain, penalties for violating the rules on the use of drones can result in fines of varying amounts. These penalties range from €60 to €225,000 for the most serious cases.

It is important to take into account that the infractions may be related to flying in restricted areas, exceeding the permitted height limits, flying over crowds of people or not complying with the requirement to maintain visual contact with the drone, among others. Therefore, we always recommend you to consult the ENAIRE map attached above in this article updated to 2023.

As we have mentioned in previous articles, the uses of professional drones have been expanding more and more thanks to the wide range of advantages they offer. One of the most outstanding features of drones is that they allow to adapt different elements to improve their performance, and multispectral cameras are an important part of these components.

In this article we will explain what a spectral camera is and how it works, and its different uses and applications for drones.

What is a multispectral camera?

As its name suggests, it is a type of camera that has the ability to capture different spectra or images beyond the range visible to the human eye. This is because they can detect radiation in different wavelengths or spectral bands, such as near infrared (NIR), mid-infrared (MIR) or thermal infrared (TIR).

How do multispectral cameras work?

Multispectral cameras work by using specialized sensors that can detect radiation in different bands of the electromagnetic spectrum. The multispectral sensor is composed of several pixels sensitive to different wavelengths, meaning that each pixel is designed to detect the amount of radiation in a specific band of the spectrum.

Because each pixel records different information, a variety of data can be captured and results can be obtained for specific analyses, which can be useful for a variety of purposes.

Uses of multispectral cameras on drones

Multispectral cameras on drones are used for a wide range of applications, including the following:

• Precision agriculture: these cameras are valuable tools for assessing crop health, detecting diseases, pests and nutritional deficiencies.
• Environmental monitoring or remote sensing: multispectral cameras help in monitoring water quality, detecting oil spills and assessing vegetation in hard-to-reach areas.
• Mapping and surveying: these cameras are useful for creating detailed maps and generating high-resolution three-dimensional models, so they are highly used in drone surveying.
• Fire detection: multispectral cameras can detect heat emitted by fires, analyze near-infrared smoke characteristics, calculate vegetation indices to identify affected areas, and generate thermal and fire spread maps. This has made firefighting drones a fundamental tool for prevention.
• Security and surveillance: drones with multispectral cameras provide a more complete and accurate view, allowing the detection of hidden objects and the identification of potential risks.

Multispectral camera for precision agriculture

Precision agriculture is one of the most relevant uses for drones with multispectral cameras. By having a multispectral camera for environment and agriculture, they offer farmers the ability to manage their crops, soil, fertilizer and irrigation more efficiently.

Benefits of multispectral camera use

Drones in agriculture with spectral cameras are a valuable tool for farmers in making the right decisions in the management of their crops, as they offer the following benefits:

• They allow detecting pests, diseases, nutritional deficiencies and other conditions that could affect plant health.
• They provide accurate information on each stage of the crop, to adjust fertilizer and pesticide applications more precisely, identify areas of water stress and improve irrigation efficiency.
• They are ideal for managing plant distribution and evaluating crop yield.
• They help reduce chemical use, water wastage and at the same time increase crop yields.
• Thanks to their efficient results, you can save time, money and reduce the use of pesticides.

Differences between multispectral camera and thermographic camera

Multispectral cameras and thermographic cameras are two types of cameras used for different purposes, so the main difference between them is the type of information they capture.

A multispectral camera captures images in different bands of the light spectrum, beyond what our eyes can see. This means that it can capture information in colors that we cannot normally perceive.

On the other hand, a thermal imaging camera captures infrared radiation emitted by objects. This makes it possible to visualize temperature differences and create thermal images.

Becoming a professional drone pilot with a multispectral camera

At UMILES University we give you the opportunity to train professionally through our complete drone pilot course, but you can also specialize through the course of precision agriculture with drones, so you can master everything related to the use of drones and their various components, such as multispectral cameras that have become essential elements for this field of application.

One of the most interesting developments related to drones is the geocaging system, which is presented as a versatile tool that can be used in different fields of work. Its main advantage is that it allows to define specific routes and limit the path of a drone in a precise way, so it has taken great relevance among the different uses of professional drones.

Continue reading this article where we will explain everything related to the geocaging system in UAS, and its main applications for the operation of a drone.

What is Geocaging drones?

Geocaging is a system that allows drones to fly within a predefined geographical area and restrict their movement outside of it. This technology is based on the use of precise geographic coordinates, together with a combination of software and hardware to establish flight limits. It will therefore make it possible to delimit the space in which a drone can operate.

This is essential in different fields of application, and especially to prevent these aircraft from entering restricted airspace for drones, such as SPA areas. Also when we want to make a recording with drones in a specific place and we do not want the drone to leave that specific area.

How does the geocaging system work in drones?

The functioning of the geo-caging system will depend on three main elements: the drone, the positioning system and the geocaging software.

• The drone: it must be equipped with a GPS receiver that allows it to know its exact location at all times. This is essential to ensure that the drone stays within the established limits.
• Positioning system: this is used to determine the precise location of the drone in real time. This information is used to compare it with the established coordinates of the permitted geographic area.
• Geocaging software: it is responsible for establishing and managing the geographical limits where a drone can fly. Thanks to the software, the operator can define a specific area using geographic coordinates or by drawing a custom shape on a map. In addition, it also notifies the operator if the drone approaches or crosses the established limits.

What are the advantages of geocaging in drones?

Drone geocaging offers a number of significant benefits, such as those listed below:

• Safety: By restricting the drone’s flight to a specific geographic area, the risk of the drone invading restricted or hazardous areas, such as airports, controlled airspace or private areas, is reduced.
• Regulatory compliance: Geocaging helps to comply with regulations and restrictions set by authorities.
• Privacy protection: By preventing drones from flying over private property without authorization, it therefore helps protect people’s privacy and prevent misuse of the technology.
• Precise flight control: Geocaging allows precise control over the area in which the drone can operate. This is especially useful in applications such as mapping, industrial inspections or precision agriculture, where it is necessary to cover specific areas. This is why drones in agriculture are becoming essential tools.

Where can’t a drone be used?

In Spain, the use of drones is regulated by the Spanish Aviation Safety Agency (AESA) and there are some restrictions on where a drone cannot be used.

• Controlled airspaces: Drones cannot be flown in airports, heliports or areas where there is controlled air traffic. The minimum distance is usually 8 kilometers.
• Urban areas and agglomerations of people: It is forbidden to fly over urban areas with a large population or where there are agglomerations of people, such as sporting events, concerts, demonstrations or other public gatherings.
• Military and security zones: A drone may not be used near military installations, military bases, restricted areas or any place where there are national security activities.
• National parks and nature reserves: In national parks and other protected areas, there are restrictions on the use of drones to avoid disturbing wildlife and the natural environment. Each park may have its own specific regulations.
• Private spaces without permission: You cannot fly a drone over private property without the owner’s permission. It is important to respect the privacy of people and their property.

On the other hand, you can fly a drone on the beach as long as you respect the privacy rules for people and the distances allowed by the drone regulations in Spain. Otherwise its use will be restricted.

Now that you know what geocaging is and its importance in drone flight, you can’t hesitate to start using this system in your controlled flights.

Do you want to work as a drone pilot?

If you want to specialize in the world of UAS and work as a professional drone pilot, we recommend you to take one of our drone courses. We invite you to take a look at our professional drone pilot course, through which you can get certified according to the current AESA drone regulations in Spain. Don’t wait any longer and request information now!

The AESA drone regulations have been undergoing a series of updates and adjustments, following the consolidation of the European regulations to govern the use of UAS in the country, which came into force from 31 December 2020. Since then, some deadlines have been set to comply with the new UAS requirements, so it is important to know the new adjustments to the 2023 drone regulations in Spain, and the changes that are going to be applied in the coming months.

Drone legislation in Spain

The AESA is the regulatory body for all drone activity in the country, and is responsible for issuing authorisations or permits to fly a drone in accordance with the new UAS regulations in Spain.

At the moment, the new classification according to the types of drones and their characteristics has already come into force, which is defined according to the risk involved in the activity to be carried out with the drone. This groups drones into 6 classes ranging from C0 to C6, which can fly in three different categories: open, specific and certified. The latter is for higher risk flights and is currently under development at European level. However, all of them will require the pilot to be certified and have a drone licence.

Changes to AESA drone regulations for 2023 and 2024

The drone law in Spain currently has several deadlines to make the necessary adjustments to comply with the new European regulations. Specifically, there are several changes that must be taken into consideration.

UAS that are going to operate in open category and that do not belong to any of the classes established in the EU Delegated Regulation 2019/945 (C0, C1, C2, C3 or C4) may be used until 31 December 2023, under these conditions:

• If its take-off mass is less than 500 grams and it is to operate in subcategory A1, it must be flown by a pilot who is familiar with the manufacturer’s instructions.
• If the drone has a MTOW of less than 2kg and is used at a distance of at least 50 metres from people, the pilot must have a basic or advanced drone operating certificate and must have completed self-practical training.
• In case of a drone with MTOW less than 25kg that will operate in the A3 subcategory, the pilot must hold a basic or advanced certificate according to Law 18/2014 or Royal Decree 1036/2017.
• UAS that comply with the marketing directive but do not belong to classes C0, C1, C2, C3 or C4 set out in EU Delegated Regulation 2019/945, may continue to be used only if they have been entered into the EU before 1 January 2024, and if they comply with the following conditions:
  • Their MTOW is less than 250 grams, including their payload, and they will operate in subcategory A1.
  • If its MTOW is less than 25kg, including fuel and payload, it will operate in subcategory A3.

Other important changes to the regulation on drone flying in Spain by 2023

• From 1 January 2024, drones used in the open category must belong to one of the classes C0, C1, C2, C3 or C4 set out in Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945.
• From 1 January 2024, operations in the European standard scenarios must be conducted with drones having a Class C5 or C6 identification label, according to the standard scenario ‘STS-ES-01’ or ‘STS-ES-02’ respectively.
• From 1 January 2023, all UAS operations of model aircraft clubs and associations shall be based on EU standards.
• Depending on the operational characteristics, from 1 January 2023, model aircraft clubs or associations will have to apply to EASA for authorisation to conduct UAS operations.
• From 1 January 2023, privately built UAS will be able to operate in compliance with an authorisation granted to a model aircraft club or association.

What do I need to fly a drone in Spain?

According to the new regulations, the drone pilot must meet certain requirements to fly a drone safely. In this case, a 4-level training scheme is taken into consideration that defines when a drone licence is required, and in which cases a certificate is needed or just familiarity with the manufacturer’s user manual.

Basically, drones weighing less than 250 grams have the fewest restrictions, as they are categorised in EASA Class C0. In this case, the pilot is only required to be familiar with the drone manufacturer’s manual, and to register as a drone operator with AESA.

For more information, please refer to our blog article on how to get a drone licence in 2023, so that you know exactly what is required to fly a drone in Spain according to each of the AESA categories.

Which drones need a licence in Spain?

The airspace in Spain is structured within the AIP-SPAIN, and is divided into Controlled Airspace and Uncontrolled Airspace. ENAIRE, one of the providers of air traffic management and air navigation services in Spain, makes available to all pilots the ENAIRE Drones web service, a map for flying drones your drone and which offers all the relevant information on the areas permitted for flying your drone, as well as NOTAMs and other data that may be important for operating drones safely.

Where can I fly a drone weighing less than 250 grams in Spain?

According to a statement from the AESA, people who want to fly a drone weighing less than 250 grams must do so under the standards of the European UAS regulation, if the drone has a sensor capable of capturing personal data such as camera or microphone, as well as when it is a drone that exceeds 80 joules of kinetic energy for its maximum speed, as is the case with racing drones.

This means that you must comply with all the guidelines established by the EASA, unless the drone is classified as a toy. If you want more detailed information, you can go to our specialised article where we tell you where to fly drones in Spain.

¿Qué drones necesitan licencia en España?

Depending on the type of drone and the activity to be carried out, the new drone regulations require the pilot to be certified in certain types of operation by means of a drone pilot course carried out through an organisation validated by the AESA, i.e. an ATO or Approved Training Organisation.

At UMILES University we give you the most complete range of drone pilot courses, with the different certifications required by the AESA so that you can become a professional, and thus be able to obtain all the permits or licence required by the Spanish Aviation Safety Agency, depending on the type of flight you wish to perform.

What will be required for UAS operations under the certified category in Spain?

Although it is currently under development at a European level, we can be aware of the limits and stipulations that drones operating in the certified category will need and, due to the complexity it shows, it will require certification of the UAS by EASA. These types of drones are the ones that mainly comply with these characteristics:

• Size of 3 metres or more.
• Certified design to carry out operations involving the transport of dangerous goods and/or people.

It should be noted that according to the type of activity that the drone is going to carry out, it is possible that the EASA may demand greater requirements, and even that a licence may be requested for drones and operations with different characteristics to those previously mentioned, so if you are going to operate in the certified category, you will always have to corroborate the viability with the approval of the EASA. Check their website for more details and updated information before flying your drone.