Check2FlyEuropean drone flight rules at a glance

Southern Europe

Bulgaria

Bulgaria applies the common EASA rules, but flight practice relies on the national portal drones.caa.bg and the obligation to check the geographical zones for drones before each flight. In practice, before take-off you must confirm not only the open category conditions but also whether the flight location falls within a restricted zone or one requiring additional conditions.

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 on the drones.caa.bg platform is required for drones of 250 g or more, for drones with a sensor able to collect personal data, and for all operations in the specific category. After registration, the operator receives a unique number that must be placed on the drone; if the drone has Remote ID, the number must also be added to the direct identification system.

Local points to double-check

Do not fly higher than 120 m above the ground, keep VLOS and do not fly over gatherings of people.
Many operations in the open category require an A1/A3 certificate; subcategory A2 requires completion of A1/A3, practical self-training and an additional A2 exam organised by CAA Bulgaria.
Before each flight you must check the geographical zones for drones, as it is the official tool for assessing where you can or cannot fly in Bulgaria.
For private flights, third-party liability insurance is required for drones over 20 kg, and for all professional drone activities the registration platform requires third-party liability insurance to be indicated.
If a flight does not meet the conditions of the open category - e.g. it involves BVLOS, altitude above 120 m, dropping material or a flight in a city with a drone over 4 kg or without an appropriate class - the operation moves to the specific category and requires a permit from the GD CAA or an appropriate STS declaration.

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 must be registered on drones.caa.bg and whether the operator number is placed on the drone.Step 2Confirm the required pilot competency: A1/A3 for many flights in the open category and A2 if the planned operation is to be carried out in subcategory A2.Step 3Verify the geographical zones for drones and local airspace restrictions before take-off.Step 4Make sure the flight falls within the appropriate subcategory of the open category in terms of class, mass, distance from uninvolved people and the type of drone (with or without a class).Step 5If the flight does not fall within the open category, prepare the appropriate process for the specific category, including an STS declaration or an application for an operational permit to the GD CAA.

Official sources

Where to confirm current information

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

Authority websiteBulgarian Civil Aviation AdministrationOpen source Flight mapCAA Bulgaria drone geographical zonesOpen source

Information sources

CAA Bulgaria: drone portal CAA Bulgaria: operator registration service CAA Bulgaria: registration requirements CAA Bulgaria: open category CAA Bulgaria: geographical zones for drones CAA Bulgaria: A2 exam CAA Bulgaria: 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.