New regulator framework for the realization of activities with drones in Spain

The new regulation approved expands the previous regulation for professional use of drones, something that significantly affects audiovisual filming.

The use of drones in audiovisual filming is becoming more frequent. Its use was regulated by a regulation of 2014 and many operators had already requested a series of changes that would improve the possibilities of working with these devices.

The Council of Ministers approved, in December 2017, the Royal Decree that develops and expands the previous regulatory framework for the realization of activities carried out with remotely piloted aircraft (drones), all in accordance with air safety criteria and public security.

By the end of 2017, the State Aviation Safety Agency (Agencia Estatal de Seguridad Aérea AESA) had 2,728 operators, 3,693 pilots and 4,283 drones, which highlights the growing importance of this activity, which also includes 74 training schools and a twenty manufacturers in Spain.

The new regulation establishes the requirements for drone operators to safely develop activities in environments where it was not possible to do so, such as overflight in buildings, open-air gatherings and night flights, for this, it is necessary to conduct a safety study of the operation and have a prior authorization from AESA, among other requirements.

Operations in controlled airspace are also allowed, although in this case, training requirements for personnel and equipment will be required, as well as an aeronautical safety study coordinated with the air traffic services provider and the prior authorization of AESA. It also establishes training requirements for piloting, all in terms equivalent to the regulatory frameworks existing in other European countries.

During the first quarter of 2018, the Ministry will complement the new framework with the publication of the Strategic Drone Plan.

In this link of AESA you can consult frequently asked questions about the new regulation: https://www.seguridadaerea.gob.es/lang_castellano/cias_empresas/trabajos/rpas/faq/default.aspx.