Drones as an indispensable tool
Unmanned aerial systems have become a key tool for authorities and security organisations in recent years. Whether searching for missing persons, reconnaissance after accidents, or police operations – drones enable rapid, flexible, and often risk-reduced deployments.
Especially in time-critical situations, they are often the only way to quickly get an overview from the air. This growing importance makes it necessary to clearly regulate their use, even in complex airspaces such as control zones.
Specific legal framework for sovereign tasks
Fundamentally, drones are legally considered aircraft and are therefore subject to general air traffic regulations. However, there are important exceptions for operations in sovereign areas. Activities carried out by the police, military, rescue services, or disaster relief fall into a domain that remains a national responsibility.
This gives Member States the opportunity to create their own regulations for security-relevant operations. This national competence is now being used to specifically enable and at the same time structure the use of drones in control zones.
Operations in control zones under clear conditions
The new regulations fundamentally permit the operation of drones by government bodies and commissioned third parties, even within control zones. The prerequisite is that the deployment serves the fulfilment of sovereign tasks, such as hazard prevention or public safety.
A distinction is made between different types of deployment: training, exercises, mission preparation, and actual mission execution. In all cases, operation is possible, provided that the relevant legal bases and organisational prerequisites are met.
The commissioning of external service providers is also permissible, provided that they demonstrably act on behalf of an authorised organisation.
Coordination with air traffic control remains central
Despite the expanded capabilities, close coordination with air traffic control remains a central component of regulation. Especially in the inner area of the control zone or during flights at higher altitudes, prior case-by-case coordination is required.
This regulation ensures that drone operations do not interfere with the flow of manned air traffic. At the same time, it allows for flexible adaptation to the specific traffic situation.
Furthermore, before the initial use of an operational concept, fundamental agreement with the responsible air navigation service provider is planned. The relevant agreements must also be reported to the responsible aviation authorities.
Technical and operational framework
The regulation defines clear limits for drone operation. Generally, flights up to a height of 100 metres above ground are permitted, with operations beyond this requiring separate co-ordination.
Operation beyond the direct line of sight of the operator is also fundamentally possible, provided that control over the aircraft is maintained at all times. This opens up new possibilities, particularly for larger-scale operations.
At the same time, certain restrictions remain in place. Fully autonomous flights are still not permitted. Even though swarm flights are generally allowed, the responsibility for collision avoidance lies entirely with the operator.
No air traffic control staggering
A key element of the new regulation is the clear demarcation of responsibilities. Air traffic control will not be responsible for separation between drones and manned air traffic. Traffic information will also generally not be passed on to drone pilots.
Instead, the responsibility for the safe operation of the flight lies entirely with the operator of the unmanned system. Manned aviation is merely informed generally about possible drone activities in the lower airspace.
This regulation underlines that drones can be used in controlled zones, but they are not integrated into traditional traffic management.
Operator Qualification and Responsibility
Another important aspect is the qualification of the personnel deployed. Drones may only be operated by appropriately trained personnel. This ensures that the special requirements in controlled airspace are understood and adhered to.
Furthermore, the responsibility for any damages remains with the operator. Appropriate liability regulations must be in place, particularly when external service providers are involved.
Significance for aviation as a whole
The new regulations clearly show how the airspace is increasingly changing. Alongside traditional manned air traffic, unmanned systems are gaining ever more importance – including in sensitive areas.
For general aviation, this means that the environment is continuing to evolve with new airspace users. At the same time, it is clear that the integration of these systems must be carefully managed to maintain safety at its existing high level.
Conclusion: Balance between operational capability and safety
The new regulation marks a significant step towards making the use of drones by authorities in controlled airspace both legally sound and practical. The combination of expanded operational possibilities and clearly defined frameworks creates a balanced equilibrium between operational flexibility and air traffic safety.
The development shows that airspace in the future will become more diverse. It will be crucial to design this diversity in such a way that all users can operate safely and efficiently alongside each other.
Source references:
NFL
