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Drone Operator Registration/UAS

With the entry into application of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947, all UAS operators intending to conduct UAS operations (including model aircraft operators) shall be registered as an operator* when using any of the following types of UAS:

  • Use in the ‘open’ category any unmanned aircraft:
    • With an MTOM of 250 g or more, or which, in the event of a collision, is capable of transferring to a human a kinetic energy greater than 80 joules;
    • equipped with a sensor capable of capturing personal data, unless it complies with Directive 2009/48/EC (“Toys Directive”).
  • Use an unmanned aircraft of any mass in the ‘specific’ category.

In clarification of the above points of registration requirements as an operator for low weight UAS, further information is provided in the following document: Information on drones of less than 250g.

A UAS operator is any natural or legal person who uses or intends to use one or more UAS (including model aircraft operators).

Registration must take place in the Member State of residence or where the economic activity takes place, it being not possible to be registered in more than one State at a time.

Registration as a UAS operator with AESA is free of charge and is done through its website (linkto the procedure). This procedure will be automatic and immediate if a digital certificate is used.

The UAS operator registration number generated shall be included in all drones of the operator.

Only in the case that it is going to carry out operations in the ‘specific’ category under operational declaration, operational authorisation or LUC, it is necessary to enter the UAS in the profile of the UAS operator. There is an explanatory video that guides the UAS operator in the section Operations with UAS/Drones - Specific Category.

You must have an insurance policy that covers civil liability against third parties for damages that may arise during and because of the execution of each flight that is made. For more information on insurance, see the section on UAS/drones regulations.

The following guide and video details the instructions to follow to register as a UAS operator:

Important note: User registration ‘APROBADA’ does not imply registration as a UAS operator. It is necessary to access the UAS application and register as a UAS operator within a maximum period of 90 days after user registration; otherwise the system will eliminate the user having to perform this procedure again.

 

Access to the UAS application for foreigners

In the event that a Community or non-Community foreign natural person acts as a legal controller, as an authorised representative or constitutes the UAS operator itself, in order to be able to interact electronically with AESA, he must: 

1. Register in the e4F (eSignature for Foreigners) system. 
2. Create your account (User Login) in the UAS application with “Option 1.b. UNCERTIFIED”
3. Login to your account with ‘Option 2. Login to your account’ using the e4F identification system. 

With the e4F option, foreign natural persons at the end of the procedure will obtain a concerted key that together with their passport number will allow them to access the UAS application of the State Aviation Safety Agency under the same conditions as if they had an electronic DNI and / or digital certificate. 

For more information, see the Guide to Identification, Authentication and Electronic Signature for Foreign Individuals with e4F. Ed.01

Validity and renewal of the operator register

All operator certificates issued prior to 25/06/2024 are valid for 3 years from that date, i.e. 25/06/2027. Operator certificates issued after 25/06/2024 have an expiry date (included in the certificate itself) of 3 years from the date of issue of the certificate. 

To renew the UAS operator certificate, you must access its website and submit an amendment to the operator register. With each change to the operator register, this expiry date is updated for a further 3 years.

Contact AESA UAS Division:

In case of doubt or special situations related to the registration of UAS operator, you can direct your query to the drone mailbox (drones.aesa@seguridadaerea.es).

 

* or if you have been hired as a remote pilot or you fly for another person, in which case the operator of the drone must register.

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