All Drone Laws in Belgium (updated for 2023)

• Line of sight
• Keep your done within the visual line of sight of an observer who is next to you or in direct communication with you
• Don't fly over crowds
• You cannot fly over people, whether by a beach, park, sporting oval, or a random public event.
• No flying near airports
• Keep away from restricted airspaces 3km and 1km away from helipads and helicopter training areas.
• Keep away from industrial installations
• Do not operate under the influence of drugs or alcohol

How are drones classified in Belgium?

So where does my drone lie according to Belgian law? In which category? The criteria that determine your drone is dependent on the weight and purpose of use.

Private use (Recreation)

• You should not exceed 10 meters (32.8 ft) high. 
• Only fly on private terrains such as your farm, backyard, or property.
• The drone must weigh less than 2.2 lbs (1 Kg). 
• Remain within your line of sight 
• Fly during the day.
• Open to all ages

Model aircraft (Recreation)

• Model aircraft have a take-off weight between 1 Kg (2.2lbs) and 150 Kg (330 lbs)
• Remain within line of sight. 
• Open to all ages

Class 2  (Commercial)

This is the low-risk category for users:

• Limit their drone flight to 45 meters (150 ft) outside controlled airspace or residential communities. 
• Fly the drone during the day
• Remain within line of sight
• The pilot must be at least 16 years old.

Class 1a operations (Commercial)

This is the moderate-risk drone category where users:

• Fly their drones in controlled airspace up to 90 meters (300 ft).
• If your flight path comes within 50 meters of goods and people. 
• The pilot must be 18 years old
• Need a certificate of competence

Class 1b operations (Commercial)

This category is of high risk. That being so, users:

• Fly their drone 90 meters (300 ft) above ground.
• Do not go anywhere 50 meters(164 ft) from people/goods
• Limit operations to daytime. 
• Weigh less than 150 Kg (330 lbs)
• Maintain a direct line of sight
• The drone pilot must be 18 years old.
• Need a drone pilot license
• Need a drone conformity certificate

Any other operation missing from this list should be regarded as a class A operation.

Is FPV legal in Belgium?

It's still not clear at the moment given conflicting opinions. 

Can I fly over private terrain?

Yes. This is regarded as private land. However, you must ensure you are in adherence to other BCAA flight requirements. 

Can I drop off an object such as a parcel using a recreational or commercial drone?

Whatever your criteria for drones, the transport of mail, cargo, and people is prohibited.

Can a pilot fly a recreational drone over a populated beach, recreational stadium, or sporting event?

Unless you have the right authorization and are operating under the right class of drone classification, this is not allowed.

How can I register my drone for commercial use in Belgium?

 Fill out this registration form online and submit it to bcaa.registration@mobilit.fgov.be. 

How do I get a remote pilot license in Belgium? 

Apply for a remote pilot license from BCAA. You will undergo a test consisting of a theoretical and practical course conducted by a licensed examiner from BCAA. This license is meant for remote pilots within the class 1a and b categories.

Eligibility criteria are simple. Are you over 18 years old? Have you undergone a medical evaluation from the following facilities? If the answer to both questions is yes, then you can apply for a drone pilot license.

What does the drone pilot license comprise?

A 50-question theory test on Metrology, Belgium Air Laws, Aircraft Technology, General Flight Operations, and Privacy rights. 

You must select a certified RPAS flight school operating in Belgium that offers training. Here are some of the top selections.

As soon as you are ready to register, proceed to rpas.exam@mobilit.fgov.be and pick a suitable exam day. The exams are normally done at DGAS. 

What is the required pass score?

Score anything above 75 percent and you are good to go. 

How do I get the certificate of competence in Belgium?

A certificate of competence is a license for any pilot within the class 2 category. It is also issued by BCAA and requires the user to pass a theoretical exam and a practical skill test issued by the same body. A certificate of competency comprises:

1. Personal theory and basic knowledge of Metrology, Belgium Air Laws, Aircraft Technology, General flight information, and privacy rights.
2. Practical exam conducted by a registered and certified RPAS flight school
3. On completion, the school gives you a number which is your certificate.

How long does the certificate of competency last?

The certification lasts for a lifetime. However, if you lose it, you have to repeat the whole process once more. 

For further exam-related information, reach out to rpas.lic@mobilit.fgov.be

Do I need to express authorization from BCAA before flying my drone

Not always. For instance, operating a drone on private terrain or model aircraft terrain exempts the user from registering the drone or seeking flight approval from BCAA.

All other cases of drones particularly class 2, 1a, and 1b need to adhere to the Royal Decree requirements of:

• Register your drone at BCAA
• Have a certificate of competence for class 2 operations 
• Have a remote pilot license for class 1 operations
• Have the organization you represent make a declaration that they are in full compliance with national class 1b requirements or 1a of BCAA.

What are the restricted areas for flying drones in Belgium?

Belgium has specific drone-exempt areas that have been expressed on a flight map. Before flying, run a check to avoid flying your drone in a restricted area. You can find out more about that  by contacting droneguide@skeyes.be 

Get the maps here on Apple and Android.

Keep away from:

• Controlled airspaces
• Low flying areas
• Steer 1 Km away from Helipads and helicopter training areas
• Industrial installations
• Military zones
• Nuclear power plants
• Around an aerodrome (not close than 1.5 nautical miles) 3 Km

As a remote pilot you should ensure:

• The take-off area, flight path, and landing area should be on the path of people, obstacles, or property on the ground.
• Your drone flight path is devoid of obstacles that can hinder a direct line of sight view by the remote pilot.
• You fly in areas accessible for drones and remain in accordance with the Royal decree of April 10, 2016.
• If you spot a plane or helicopter approaching your flight path, land immediately.

Can I travel with my drone to Belgium via plane?

Yes, but check with the airline to find out what their flight requirements are. For instance, some do not allow carrying a drone on board if the batteries are not detached and placed in a special fire case.

If the airline has a battery voltage limit, you will be forced to abide by it. More information on this can be found here 

What are the rules around recreational drones?

No license is required provided your operation falls within the Private use and Model aircraft designations.

Can I be penalized?

Absolutely. The severity of the penalty or punishment relayed for contravening the drone laws will depend on just how off you missed the mark. The judge will try to ascertain whether you committed the offense deliberately or within your scope of commercial operation.