100m max height
100m away from crowds
1.5km from airports
insurance over 250g
All Drone Laws in Germany in 2020 (Ultimate Guide)
This is a guide for German drone laws in 2020 (updated every year) where you'll get a clue about what you can or shouldn't do while flying and travelling through this country.
Table of Contents
Are drones legal in Germany?
Yes. Drones are legal in Germany.
Germany’s drone laws can be bulked into two main categories, commercial and recreational. Both categories are subject to a strict code of conduct and restrictions that govern their operations. The weight of the drone is key when arriving at their classification.
Who do I contact?
Drone regulations and management falls under the German Federal Aviation Office and can be reached anytime through:
Mail Luftfahrt-Bundesamt-38144 Braunschweig
Phone: +49 531 2355 115 (Monday to Thursday)
Contact form
What are the rules governing recreational drone use in Germany?
Germany has made it easy for recreational drone users and hobbyists to have a good time. Provided you do not fly your drone close to a restricted zone, you are good to go. Here are rules governing the recreational use of drones:
Line of sightYou must maintain a visual line of sight with the drone.- No flying near airportsMaintain an operational radius of 1.5km away from any airport or airstrip.
- 100m from crowdsFly the drone at least 100m away from a large crowd of people.
- 100m height limit
- Do not fly close to a natural disasterOr any other type of emergency
- InsuranceDrones weighing over 250g need to be insured
- No night flyingDo not fly at night
- 2kg weight limitAnything over that needs to be registered.
What are the rules for flying a commercial drone in Germany?
A commercial drone user must have a permit and a license to operate in Germany. It does not discriminate on the weight of your drone.
How do I get a commercial drone license in Germany?
- You must be over 16 years old
- Have German drone insurance
- A certificate of good conduct
You must then take a theory exam that qualifies you on the underlying rules given by the certifying body, Luftfahrt-Bundesamt Authority. More information available here.
What is the validity of my drone flying license?
The license to fly my drone remains valid for a period of 5 years.
What is the penalty for illegally flying a drone?
The punishment is guided by the severity of your infraction with the laid out drone laws.
Can I travel with my drone to Germany?
You should be able to travel with your drone within Germany as long as you own the rightful owner.
Can I travel with my drone via an airline?
Contact the airline you will be traveling in and inquire about their drone policy. Check whether they have special rules that govern battery storage.
1.Dji Mavic Mini - The best international travel drone (under 250g)
I have covered it much more in depth in my article review and even compared it with the DJI Spark and Mavic Air.
Advantages
- 30 min battery life
- under 250g
- super portable
- 4km range
- can edit videos in the app
DISAdvantages
- no obstacle avoidance
- no settings for iso and shutter speed
2.Dji Mavic Air 2 - My favorite drone overall
DJI lowered it's price since it was first released.
Advantages
- 3 way sensors
- 68kph (fastest among the 3)
- follow me mode(quite a few options)
- 8gb internal storage
- ISo & shutter speed settings
- 6 photo modes
- takes RAW photos
- 100mbps bitrate
DISAdvantages
- battery life ins't that amazing
Restricted Areas and Geofencing (drone FLying map)
The best way to figure out what areas you can fly in, while you're here is by consulting DJI offilicial map.
They do a great job mapping the places that one should avoid while flying in every country:
- airports
- military bases
- prisons
- power plants
- any high risk areas
