Check2FlyEuropean drone flight rules at a glance

Southern Europe

Spain

Spain applies the common EASA framework but combines it with extensive national restrictions on controlled airspace, urban areas, nature zones and the coast. In practice, before each flight you must check ENAIRE Drones, the AESA requirements and whether the flight still falls within the open category.

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 for drones fitted with a sensor able to collect personal data, e.g. a camera. The AESA operator number must be placed on all of the operator's drones. The operator certificate is valid for 3 years from issue or from the last change to the entry. Foreign persons can use e4F identification in the AESA procedure.

Local points to double-check

Do not fly higher than 120 m, keep VLOS and do not fly over gatherings of people. The minimum pilot age is generally 16, but under Real Decreto 517/2024 it is lowered in the open category to 14 (including C1 in A1 and C2, C3 and C4 in A2/A3) and to 12 for C0 UAS or legacy under 250 g in A1.
In the open category, flying over an urban area, near airports, in a CTR or over sensitive infrastructure may be prohibited or require moving to the specific category in accordance with the ENAIRE Drones map.
In A3, keep 150 m from residential, commercial, industrial and recreational areas; in A2, apply the C2 class requirements and the appropriate distances from uninvolved people.
On the coast, beaches and in national parks, additional local or seasonal restrictions often apply and must be checked before flying.
If a flight does not fall within the open category conditions - e.g. over a city, above 120 m, BVLOS or near an airport - you must move to the specific category and obtain an authorisation or submit an AESA 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 is registered with AESA, whether the registration is still valid and whether the operator number is marked on the drone.Step 2Confirm the required pilot competency and age: A1/A3 for many flights in the open category, A2 for operations in subcategory A2, and generally a minimum of 16, with exceptions for the lightest UAS in A1.Step 3Verify in ENAIRE Drones whether the flight location is in a prohibited zone, a CTR, near an airport or in an area with additional restrictions.Step 4Check local restrictions concerning beaches, parks, protected areas and urban development.Step 5If the flight does not fall within the open category, prepare the appropriate process for the specific category, including a standard scenario declaration or an application for an operational authorisation.

Official sources

Where to confirm current information

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

Authority websiteAESAOpen source Flight mapENAIRE DronesOpen source

Information sources

AESA: open category A1 A2 A3 AESA: rejestr operatora AESA Sede: UAS operator register AESA: pilot training in the open category AESA: 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.