Drones and regulations

The classification of drones

Previously, French law grouped the flight of drones into two categories. The leisure category and the professional category.

However, since 1 January 2021, a new European regulation has come into force and replaces the old one. It now groups drones into two categories, the Open category and the Specific category.

The difference with this change in law is that previously the category was determined by the use you had of your drone, now it concerns the level of risk assigned to your drone.

The open category itself includes different subcategories indexed to risk: from A1 to A3. Subcategory A1 makes it possible to fly close to people and represents little danger, on the other hand subcategory A3 indicates a significant risk. This is determined based on the weight of the device, its flight height, and several features embedded in the drone. The manufacturer will have to classify his drone in the category that corresponds to him and instructs the pilot to inquire about the rights, duties and prohibitions that this entails.

The specific category also includes different subcategories based on similar criteria and more complex criteria.

A professional can very well be classified in the open category as specific. It depends a lot on the drones used and the features it is intended for. 

Many steps must be taken to comply with European laws, but also to be in line with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC). It is imperative that each pilot keep himself regularly informed of changes in these laws.

The special character of drone shows brings Allumee into the specific category. An authorization must be filed with the Directorate of Civil Aviation Safety in order to be able to represent oneself in the desired area. This request includes a file called the Operation Context that summarizes the activity we are going to propose, the procedures and the material. In addition, we provide a SORA analysis, which is a risk analysis of the operation. 

Once these files are validated, we have the agreement to perform on the requested ground. 

Allumee works hand in hand with the DSAC to always achieve a maximum level of safety.

Airspace 

Airspace is an integral part of the regulatory factors to consider when flying a drone. A drone like any other flying device must respect flight zones to keep a safety between each device and allow to share the airspace with the others.

The geoportal site is at the disposal of the user to know as well as possible the regulations in his flight area.

Allumee always keeps informed of the areas of flights authorized or not, in order to help you in the best in the choice of the location of the show and always with the aim of offering a quality service.

The administrations – DGAC

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation is responsible for regulating and supervising aviation safety, air transport and civil aviation activities in general.

Concretely, it works to find solutions to guarantee optimal quality and safety of flights. It watches over both passengers and pilots, but also all those involved on the ground.

The missions of the DGAC go even further, the organization reconciles the development of aerial activities with life on the ground. It ensures that an aeronautical project does not harm the houses around but also the fauna present.

It plays a role of matchmaker between aviation and local authorities to obtain the best possible cohabitation.

Allumee had to respond to the DGAC’s requests with files of several hundred pages in order to demonstrate that everything was done to guarantee the safety and comfort of the public. The DGAC has approved our safety devices, which allows us to offer you a show in total compliance with the laws in force both in terms of safety and comfort for the public

Conclusion :

After the pilot inquires about the classification of his drone involving different duties and responsibilities, he must analyze the area in which he will fly his drone.

Pilots must respect the airspace by keeping informed of the geographical area in which they are located, thanks to the geoportal site.

The areas chosen must be compatible with drone flight and in line with the recommendations of the DGAC.

If the following criteria are met, the theft can take place, while maintaining vigilance.