France Categories of Drone Operations- What Are They?

In France, drone operations are categorized based on the level of risk, the drone’s weight, and the purpose of the flight. These categories determine the specific rules, certifications, and permissions required to ensure safe and compliant use of drones. Understanding the France Categories of Drone Operations allows operators to determine the appropriate requirements for their specific activities, whether they are flying recreationally, commercially, or conducting advanced missions.

Recreational vs. Commercial Use

Recreational Use

Recreational drone operations are flights conducted purely for personal enjoyment. While recreational operators have fewer requirements than commercial users, they must still comply with specific regulations set by the Directorate General for Civil Aviation (DGAC):

• Drone Registration: Any recreational drone weighing more than 800 grams must be registered with the DGAC. This helps authorities monitor drone usage and maintain accountability.
• Visual Line of Sight (VLOS): Recreational operators must keep their drones within visual line of sight at all times, and they cannot fly higher than 150 meters above ground level without special permission.
• Respect for No-Fly Zones: Recreational drones are prohibited from flying in restricted areas, such as near airports, over densely populated regions, and in sensitive locations like nature reserves and historical sites.

Commercial Use

Commercial drone operations involve flights for profit-making activities, such as aerial photography, surveying, real estate inspections, or agricultural monitoring. Due to the increased risks and responsibilities, commercial operators face stricter regulations:

• Certification Requirements: Commercial operators must obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate specific to the type of drone and operation. This includes completing training and passing exams to ensure they are knowledgeable about safe and compliant drone use.
• Insurance: Liability insurance is mandatory for all commercial drone operators, covering potential damages or injuries caused by the drone.
• Operational Approvals: Certain commercial flights, especially those conducted in restricted or urban areas, require additional approvals from the DGAC. Operators may need to submit a detailed risk assessment and operational plan.

Specific Use Categories of Operations in France

France further categorizes drone operations based on the level of risk and the operational environment. These categories help determine which permissions, safety protocols, and equipment are necessary.

1. Open Category:
   • Low-Risk Operations: The Open Category is primarily for recreational drones and low-risk commercial flights using drones weighing less than 25 kilograms. Operators in this category must follow basic safety rules, such as VLOS and altitude restrictions, without requiring specific DGAC approvals.
   • Subcategories: The Open Category includes subcategories A1, A2, and A3, which regulate flights based on proximity to people:
     • A1: For lightweight drones, allowing flight over people but not over large gatherings.
     • A2: For drones flying near people, requiring operators to maintain a safe distance (generally 30 meters).
     • A3: For drones flying in remote areas, requiring operators to avoid populated areas and remain far from people.
2. Specific Category:
   • Medium-Risk Operations: This category includes medium-risk commercial operations such as flights near populated areas, Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations, or those using drones over 25 kilograms. Operators in the Specific Category must complete a risk assessment and may require additional approvals or safety measures.
   • Authorization Required: The Specific Category requires operators to obtain authorization from the DGAC. This includes presenting a detailed operational plan and risk mitigation strategies.
3. Certified Category:
   • High-Risk Operations: Reserved for the highest-risk operations, the Certified Category is for advanced drone activities that pose significant risks, such as carrying passengers or transporting hazardous materials. Operators must follow rigorous safety protocols, similar to those in manned aviation, and receive extensive certification.
   • Special Certification: Drones in this category require certification that meets stringent safety standards, and operators must hold qualifications equivalent to those required for manned aircraft.

Summary

Understanding the Categories of Drone Operations in France is essential for both recreational and commercial operators. Each category determines the specific requirements and regulatory obligations based on the type and risk level of the drone activity. By complying with these categories, operators can ensure their flights are safe, legal, and within the framework set by the DGAC and European Union regulations.