Rules for flying ‘mini-drones’ are becoming more flexible

The national government intends to relax the rules as of 1 October for commercial pilots who want to launch a ‘mini-drone’ into the air. Drones less than 4kg no longer require a permit and exemption. However, other safety rules are becoming stricter.

Currently, commercial pilots who want to use a drone still need to apply for a waiver and permit, while private drone enthusiasts do not need a permit. According to the national government, this resulted in impractical situations in practice and the rules for commercial flying with so-called ‘mini-drones’ are being relaxed: they no longer have to apply for an exemption for such small drones.

The rules for flying mini-drones themselves have been tightened: the driver must ensure that the drone maintains a minimum horizontal distance of 50 meters from buildings and groups of people, among other things. Also, the mini-drone may not go higher than 50 meters and be no further than 100 meters from the driver. Drones must keep a distance of 50 meters from each other and ‘give right of way’ to other air traffic. Finally, it is not allowed to fly within a radius of 5 km from airports.

Private individuals who want to fly drones heavier than 4 kg, or who want to fly higher or further than is allowed under the new rules, will be subject to the same regulations as commercial drone pilots from 1 October. They then need a certificate and a permit, among other things. These are available from 1 July after passing a theory and practical exam. An exception is if an amateur uses a model airfield at a model flying club.

Before the rules are definitively introduced on 1 October, parties can still participate via an internet consultation. The national government states that the new rules will make it easier to safely conduct commercial flights with unmanned aircraft. In January Minister Wilma Mansveld of Infrastructure already announced that she wanted to ‘streamline’ the rules for professionals and hobbyists.