General drone Rules in Latvia as per EU
This is a straightforward list covering all the updated rules for Latvia in 2020. The drone registration process is quite simple, but you pretty much need to register every drone you fly.
400ft max height
Don't fly over people
Don't interfere with aircraft
Only inline of sight
This is a guide covering the drone laws in Latvia for 2021 (updated every year) where you'll get a clue about what you can or shouldn't do while flying a quadcopter anywhere in this country.
Usually, the countries that come under the EU, abide by the set of rules and regulations provided by the EU. In addition to those regulations, some countries have their national restrictions and requirements as well. Latvia is one of them.
Drones are legal in Latvia and fall under the arm of the Latvian Civil Aviation Authority, LCAA. Drones have increasingly grown in popularity prompting the Latvian Civil Aviation Authority to draft new laws back in 2016 aimed at streamlining the growth of this new form of air traffic. As more drones and RC aircraft rise, so do the recordings of accidents.
Can I fly to Latvia with my Drone?
Yes. Just ensure you abide by the rules laid out by the airline.
This is a straightforward list covering all the updated rules for Latvia in 2020. The drone registration process is quite simple, but you pretty much need to register every drone you fly.
Based on general interpretation and research, mentioned below are a few laws and regulations by the European union that you must know to fly the drones in Latvia.
In addition to the general European Union rules and regulations, Latvia has its own national rules for drone operations, that you must abide by:
Age Limit:
The minimum age limit for the drone pilot is 16 years.
Drone Insurance:
Drone Liability Insurance is mandatory to fly a drone heavier than 1.5 kilograms in Latvia under national regulations. The liability insurance limits are based on your drone starting mass.
Safe Distance:
A distance of 5km must be kept from the airports to avoid any sort of accident.
Also, the drone cannot be flown over several infrastructures, such as buildings, railways, motorways, prisons, public places, etc.
As per the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) regulations, you cannot fly a drone without registration, except for the ones that weigh less than 250g and are NOT equipped with data-collecting sensors such as cameras or microphones.
All the countries under EU regulations recognize the registration.
For registration, the operators can register themselves on an online platform provided by each state member of the EU for information exchange within the European Union. For Latvia, you will have to register in the system of Latvia
For corporate purposes, the company or the business is responsible for the registration.
The following information must be provided for the registration:
Private Drone Registration:
Corporate Drone Registration:
Once you get yourself registered, you’ll be given a registration number which will be attached to the aircraft.
Yes, you do! A license is mandatory for every drone pilot depending upon their drone’s category.
Since the license is mandatory for drones in Latvia, the next question comes in that how to get one?
To obtain an EU drone license, you must take an online training program administered through each member state for your drone category. All the drones that fall under the open and specific category should have an EU license to operate.
In case you live in a non-EU country and want to fly your drone in Latvia, then you must obtain a remote pilot certificate issued by an EU country.
To obtain the certificate, you just have to register with an online remote pilot school.
Based on drones’ weight and operations, they are categorized under three different categories.
You can identify yours through the detail given below.
Each category has its exemptions and operational regulations as per European Union.
The open category drones must weigh less than 25 kg and carry less risk. The drone must not carry or drop any material and has to keep a maximum altitude of 400ft.
The open category is then further subcategorized into three more categories based on class identification labels and the weight of drones. These subcategories hold additional rules and regulations.
The specific category of drones is riskier than the open category. You must have an authorization certificate to operate drones under this category.
The certified category drones carry high operational risks. This category is for large drones.
The drone under this category involves the transport of humans and dangerous materials which can cause more trouble in case of an accident. The operation is conducted over a large group of people which increases the risk as well.
Are there any training requirements for these drone categories while flying in Latvia?
Yes, there are. You can only get a license for flying a drone in Latvia, after going through a proper training program for your specific category.
Once you’ve got your documents done, you can easily fly your drone in Latvia keeping your category-related rules and restrictions mentioned above, in mind.
But still, for your ease and guidance, Latvia has built an online map to help you track the no-fly areas in the region. The map is updated regularly as the new amendments in the area and infrastructures happen. It helps you to fly your drone without any hindrance.
