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What are the rules for using drones in Germany? You should pay attention to these things before buying DJI Mavic Air 2 and Co.
Whether it’s technical innovations or the urge to finally get out again – the launch of the new DJI Mavic Air 2 sparks many people’s interest in getting their own camera drones. After all, high-tech aircraft are getting cheaper, easier to fly, and come with powerful camera features. What looks promising on paper is limited in Germany by a number of rules.
The Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure (hereinafter: BMVI) published new regulations in this regard in March 2020, which I have summarized below. In addition, we also take a look at the manufacturers software and finally draw a conclusion on whether the investment in a drone is worth it.
Requirements for drone flight
Civil liability insurance for drones.
Insurance is mandatory for drones in Germany. In addition to the purchase price, the operating costs of a liability insurance for drones are added. The HDI insurer already insures drones on its private liability insurance, but notes that you must carry the certificate of insurance with you when you fly. Otherwise, you are committing an administrative crime.
In addition, special insurance for drones may be required when flying commercial drones and devices over 5 kilograms. Here you should contact your insurer and request said insurance. The same applies to your liability insurance when it comes to flying with drones.
Badges for badges for drones
Every drone and model weighing more than 0.25 kilograms must be provided with a fire resistant sticker in Germany. You can get them from various online stores and pay around 10 euros for the printed metal label with the shipment. Most of the camera drones available on the market are heavier than 250 grams and therefore a sticker must be provided.
With the DJI Mavic Mini, the maker DJI has a camera drone in its range that weighs exactly 249 grams. In theory, you can fly this drone without a license plate. Many drone owners still recommend attaching a badge, as it increases the likelihood that someone will return your drone to you if it is lost or crashed. Toy drones are also often lighter than 250 grams and therefore can be used without a badge. If they are heavier, a badge is also mandatory here.
Examination service for drone pilots
If a drone weighs more than 2 kilograms, you must pass an exam next to the insignia as a pilot. The test, also known colloquially as a “drone driver’s license,” must be performed by an agency recognized by the Federal Aviation Office. A look at the internet reveals: To buy a drone, you may have to wait an additional cost of 200 to 500 euros for the drone’s driver’s license. According to Drohnen.de, three subjects are examined on the exam. Before driving, you should prepare for the exam questions in the categories “Flight and Navigation Operations”, “Meteorology” and “Aviation Law”.
There are facilities throughout Germany where you can get your driver’s license. There are no minimum flight hours or proof of your flight knowledge. If you stay in the hobby range when buying drones, you don’t need to worry much about the drone license. The DJI Phantom 4 Pro II weighs approximately 1.3 kilograms and is one of the largest aircraft for amateur pilots. There are hardly any more than 2 kilogram drones from other manufacturers.
However, if you plan to teach how to fly your own camera, or if you want to record professional movie recordings from the air, your driver’s license will be relevant again. With its “Inspire” series, DJI sells drones that can take off with a total weight of up to 11 kilograms. If you want to take off with such a total weight in Germany, it will be difficult.
Permission to fly drones of more than 5 kg.
If the drone and camera equipment weigh more than 5 kilograms, you must obtain a climb permit from the state aviation authorities. Depending on the authority, this can cost another 100-200 euros per flight, unless you get a general permit that is valid for several years. Required documents include a data sheet for your drone, proof of insurance, proof of knowledge, your drone license that includes other personal data, a description of the purpose of your flight, and owner approval.
Requirements fulfilled? Flying with drones is prohibited here
If you have met all the above conditions, you can take off with the drone. If you already whistle “Above the Clouds” by Reinhard Mey, you may slow down quickly. Because freedom in drone flight is anything but infinite, because here you can expect a series of no-fly zones. According to the BMVI, these include:
- The airspace over 100 meters high.
- Natural reserves
- Residential land
- People meetings
- Police and rescuers locations.
- Federal or state authorities and constitutional bodies
- Aerodrome control areas
- Industrial plants
- Out of sight
For guidance, there are detailed maps for drone pilots on the Internet or via the smartphone app. If you want to see your place of residence, you can visit the Map2Fly website. I gave you a brief impression in the following screenshot:
The best way to break free from exclusion zones is to leave cities entirely. For commercial purposes, there are also special permits in cities that you can obtain before the flight. Here, however, applying your drone will probably frustrate you at the last minute.
“No-fly zones” in smartphone apps
To fly your drone, you generally use a supplied controller along with a smartphone app. Here you can not only see the live camera image of your drone and useful information, the drone and smartphone are also found through the GPS module. Drone manufacturers like DJI give their applications so-called “no-fly zones” and this can become a problem despite special permission.
A video from the YouTube channel “Andreas Abb” illustrates this quite well. Despite permission to fly on private property, the DJI app prevented a departure, and therefore also planned video recordings. A double-edged sword: The app protects you from unwanted violations of the law, but it takes away a lot of freedom of choice and personal responsibility.
Freedom vs. Privacy: a conflict
Camera drones are becoming more powerful and easier to use. Perhaps with a little knowledge, everyone can put together the latest DJI model, turn it on, and, theoretically, film it in an open window in the neighboring city ten kilometers away – stabilized, high-resolution 4K image. This is a disaster for all of us, of course, and I think nobody suddenly wants to see a drone outside the window while showering.
Therefore, drone flight in Germany is subject to strict requirements that must be observed and incorporated by the drone pilot and also by the manufacturers. These restrictions make the hobby of being a good drone pilot and professional use very complicated. Furthermore, the creative potential of modern drones is severely restricted.
Drones like the DJI Mavic Air 2 are technically sensational! In milliseconds, they recognize the gusts of wind and compensate for them. They communicate with their mobile phone for miles and allow configurations for which a helicopter had to fly a few years ago. For photographers, every idea of a new drone is a little bump to the stomach – you want a lot and you get it, but most are banned.
conclusion
Let’s start with good news: Most of you who buy a drone won’t have to get a driver’s license. This is only necessary for drones that weigh more than 2 kilograms. However, everyone is required to have appropriate liability insurance and a fire resistant decal, including their name and address. Drone pilots, depending on where they live, have to adjust to the fact that drone flights include car travel and finding suitable flight areas; therefore, drones as a hobby are associated with operating costs.
The Map2Fly website that includes the app of the same name is a real relief when flying, but it’s just for guidance. The fact that your camera’s drone must remain in view is also a legal requirement. You need to pay attention to this yourself, which can be quite difficult while browsing and filming at the same time. A co-pilot gives you extra security here and avoids multitasking a bit.
What do you think of the regulations for drone flights in Germany? Are they a reason for you to refrain from buying a drone or a sensible and necessary regulation?
Sources | BMFI | Drones.de | Youtube
