Check2FlyEuropean drone flight rules at a glance

Central Europe

Austria

Austria applies the common EASA rules but combines them with national Austro Control requirements and the obligation to check geographical zones in Dronespace before flying. In practice, particular attention is needed around airports, controlled zones, restricted areas and other places that require approval.

Altitude: 120 m AGLRegistration: May be required depending on the operation or aircraft.

Flight rules

Quick overview for this country

This is a short overview of the most important requirements. Always confirm details and exceptions in official sources.

Registration requiredYes, depending on the operation or equipment.

Training requiredYes, often needed for compliance in the open category.

Maximum altitude120 m AGL

Camera / registration noteOperator registration in Dronespace is required for drones of 250 g or more, for drones with a camera or another sensor that collects personal data, and for light high-speed drones. In Austria, an operator aged 18 or over whose main address or registered office is in Austria, or a third-country operator planning their first flight in Austria, can register. Registration is tied to the operator, the number must be placed on all drones used, and the insurance policy number must be provided during registration. Registration costs EUR 46.80 and is valid for 3 years.

Local points to double-check

Do not fly higher than 120 m above the ground, keep VLOS and do not carry dangerous goods or drop anything. The minimum remote pilot age in the open category is 16.
Many operations in the open category require an A1/A3 certificate; Austro Control provides a free online course and a 40-question test. You must carry the certificate during the flight, electronically or as a printout.
Subcategory A2 requires a prior A1/A3, practical self-training and an additional theoretical exam at Austro Control. The A2 exam has 30 questions, requires 75% correct answers, costs EUR 69.60 and you must register at least 10 working days before the date.
Austria requires appropriate insurance for all drones used; Dronespace states a minimum coverage of 750,000 SDR and validity of the policy in Austria.
Before flying, check Dronespace, because in controlled zones, airport zones, restricted areas and some military zones prior approval or a separate permit may be needed. In a CTR, drones under 250 g used up to 30 m AGL are exempt from obtaining ATC approval, but Austro Control still recommends using Dronespace.
If a flight does not meet the conditions of the open category - e.g. it requires BVLOS, exceeds 120 m or goes beyond the relevant subcategories - the operation moves to the specific category and requires an STS declaration, PDRA or an operational authorisation from Austro Control. Even after obtaining specific approval, some areas still require separate consent from the authorities or Austro Control.

Pre-flight checklist

Check everything before takeoff

Tick off the steps to verify the most important points before the flight.

0/5 done

Step 1Check whether the operator should be registered in Dronespace and whether Austria is the correct country of registration based on the place of residence, registered office or the place of the first flight as a third-country operator.Step 2Confirm the required pilot competency: A1/A3 for many flights in the open category and A2 if the planned operation falls within subcategory A2.Step 3Verify in Dronespace the UAS geographical zones, controlled airports, restricted zones and any required approvals before take-off. If you are flying a drone under 250 g in a CTR, check whether you fall within the exemption up to 30 m AGL.Step 4Make sure the operator has valid insurance in line with Austrian requirements and that the operator number is placed on the drone.Step 5If the flight does not fall within the open category, prepare the appropriate process for the specific category, including STS, PDRA, SORA or another required Austro Control authorisation.

Official sources

Where to confirm current information

Open the authority or official flight map to confirm zones and current restrictions.

Authority websiteAustro ControlOpen source Flight mapAustro Control DronespaceOpen source

Information sources

Dronespace: drone flying in Austria / open and specific Dronespace: registration - general information Dronespace: registration requirements and insurance Dronespace: A1/A3 competencies Dronespace: A2 competencies Dronespace: geographical zones - control zones Dronespace: specific category

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Important

Check2Fly provides a simplified overview and does not replace official aviation regulations or current airspace data. Always verify local restrictions in official sources before flying.