Drone under 250 g: rules

Small drones, also known as multicopters, weighing less than 250 g are very popular among beginners and experienced
drone pilots alike, and for good reason.

They are often equipped with high-quality cameras and are easy to take along anywhere. While you cannot simply buy one
and take off immediately, the regulations governing these small drones are straightforward.

You need:

1. Drone liability insurance that expressly covers both strict liability (liability regardless of fault) and fault-based
   liability, with a minimum coverage of 750,000 SDR (Special Drawing Rights).

2. Registration as a UAS operator (if the drone has a camera) in your country of residence.
   In Germany, the LBA (Federal Aviation Office) handles this; in Austria, it is Austro Control.

3. The e-ID obtained during registration marked on the drone itself. If you own multiple drones or other flying models,
   mark each one with the same e-ID, as it is linked to the individual, not the specific aircraft.
   There are no strict rules on how to write the e-ID on the model; it simply needs to be easy to find and accessible.

That’s all there is to it! An EU proof of competency—often called a "drone license"—is not mandatory for drones
weighing less than 250 g. However, we recommend familiarizing yourself with the A1/A3 course content to gain
a basic understanding of the rules. The online training is free, and taking the paid exam is not required.

So, where exactly may I fly my small drone?

In Germany, you can find answers to this question for free using resources like Dipul or apps such as
fly DMFV or TraX. There are now other apps available as well, some of which require payment.
Similar information resources exist in other EU countries; EASA provides comprehensive information on this topic.

However, what all these tools have in common is that responsibility for a safe flight ultimately lies
solely with the drone pilot.