For more information on drones, check with the IAA.
- 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
- No flying near airports
- Don't fly closer than 3 km from any aerodrome.
- Don't fly over crowds
- Drones should not exceed 30 meters from any crowds, vehicles, people, or buildings.
- 150 meters height limitations
- Do not fly your drone above 150 meters. Fly within the airport control zone but maintain a 3 Km distance away from the runways. The maximum distance of flight is 50 meters. Do not fly your drone above a crowd of people. Always maintain a 50-meter gap.
- Registration past 15m flight
- Register your drone if you'll be flying past 49 feet (15 meters). Also, register your drone if it weighs more than 1kg.
- Don't fly over national monuments
- Limit operations to daytime hours
Is there a minimum age for flying a drone?
The IAA is guided by the drone age specified by drone manufacturers. However, you must be over 16 years old to register a drone. For those under 16, a guardian or parent can do the registration on their behalf.
How are drones classified in Ireland?
Drones are generally classified as unmanned aerial vehicles.
How can I register my drone in Ireland?
Drone registration is mandatory for all unmanned aircraft that fall under the Small Unmanned Aircraft (Drones) and Rockets Order passed in 2015.
Can I fly a drone in Ireland without applying for authorization?
If you own a drone less than 25 Kg, you must seek authorization for flying the drone.
What happens if my drone isn’t licensed?
The laws in Ireland are quite lax given a 2017 publication of only one prosecution since the introduction of the new laws back in 2015. The IAA considers the judiciary to be the sole issuer of penalties after prosecution and examination of the argument of the prosecution.
Can I travel with my drone to Ireland by Airplane?
Yes, however, you must abide by the laws stated in the Small Unmanned Aircraft (Drones) and Rockets Order.
What are the interdictions of flying a drone?
According to the 2015 order a drone should not be operated under the following conditions:
- Poses a threat to other oncoming aircraft
- Over a dozen people are assembled
- A distance of over 300m from the person operating it
- 30m from any person, structure, or vessel involved in its operations.
- A distance of 5 Km from an aerodrome.
- A dangerous or negligent manner that can harm others
- A distance of 120 m off the ground
- Flight over urban areas
- In military and civilian-controlled airspaces
- A demarcated restricted area
- The drone operator has permission to land or takes off
If anyone flies the drone outside the prescribed regulations, they get a special Operating Permission (SOP) from the IAA. This is conducted by IAA registered training facilities.
To get the special operating permit, the pilot must have attended a drone safety training course and presented an operational manual that meets the IAA standards.
The Special Operating Permission also requires a pilot competency certificate.
Privacy is treated with utmost importance in Ireland. The drone operator must get permission from the persons whose private data will be captured before.