Check2FlyEuropean drone flight rules at a glance

Northern Europe

Estonia

Estonia applies the EU EASA framework, but before each flight you must additionally check the restrictions on the Estonian EANS drone map, the geo-zone conditions and current NOTAMs. In practice, the key points are VLOS, the 120 m limit, operator registration in LOIS and appropriate pilot competency.

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 is required for drones of 250 g or more and also below 250 g if the drone has a camera or another sensor that collects personal data. After registration, the operator receives a number that must be marked on all drones; the registration is renewed annually. Registration in LOIS costs EUR 10 and an operator may be registered in only one EASA state.

Local points to double-check

Do not fly higher than 120 m and keep the drone within visual line of sight; the camera image does not replace VLOS.
In the open category the drone must weigh less than 25 kg, and the flight must not create a hazard to people or property.
A remote pilot in the open category must be at least 16, with exceptions including certain drones under 250 g and class C0. Certificates for the open category are valid for 5 years.
Always check the EANS Drone Map at the planning stage and immediately before the flight, and take into account temporary restrictions published in NOTAMs. Near the Tallinn heliports you must notify Tallinn Tower via the app functionality and obtain take-off approval.
The geo-zone map is a supporting source: responsibility for compliance still rests with the operator, and a flight outside the open category requires moving to the specific category. In safety, internal protection and environmental zones the zone manager's consent is required, and for Ämari a permit from the Defence Forces is submitted at least 5 working days before the flight.

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 in LOIS and whether the operator number is correctly marked on the drone.Step 2Confirm the required pilot competency: A1/A3 is needed for many flights from 250 g, and A2 operations require an additional exam and practical training. In Estonia A1/A3 costs EUR 10, and the A2 exam is in person in Tallinn or Tartu and also costs EUR 10.Step 3Verify in the EANS Drone Map and in NOTAMs which restrictions apply for the exact take-off location and the planned altitude; for the Tallinn heliports, Tallinn harbour or airport zones check whether you need additional take-off approval or another required consent.Step 4Make sure the flight falls within the open category; if it does not meet even one condition, prepare for the specific-category procedure and the required consent.Step 5Ensure VLOS, the pilot's age, a safe distance from uninvolved people and the competency document on you during the flight; the Estonian authority explicitly requires the certificate to be shown on request.

Official sources

Where to confirm current information

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

Authority websiteEstonian Transport AdministrationOpen source Flight mapEANS Drone Map / UTMOpen source

Information sources

Transpordiamet: drone flight rules in Estonia Transpordiamet: operator registration Transpordiamet: remote pilot competencies and certificates Transpordiamet: geographical zones and NOTAM EANS: Drone Map / UTM

Report an issue

Found an inconsistency or broken link?

Send the report to the contact email address. The information identified in it will be checked by an automated process and, if found to be incorrect or outdated, corrected or removed.

Email us

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.