The short answer. Often it is allowed, but not everywhere and not just like that. Around airports, over nature reserves and over crowds, restrictions apply. A professional pilot checks that in advance and applies for permission where needed. You make sure we can access the location and tell the people who may appear on camera that filming is taking place.
The European rules
Since 2021 the same drone rules apply across Europe, drawn up by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). They classify flights by risk:
- The open category is for low-risk flights: within sight, up to 120 metres high and away from people. Most work falls under this, such as aerial photos of a building or site.
- The specific category is for flights with more risk, for example closer to people. Extra requirements apply, and sometimes permission is needed in advance.
A pilot holds a certificate of competency, and anyone working with drones is registered as an operator. In the Netherlands the RDW keeps that register.
Where the airspace is restricted
Not the whole country is free to fly in. These are the places where something most often applies:
- Around airports. Airports have a control zone (CTR) around them. In the north of the Netherlands those are Groningen Airport Eelde and Leeuwarden Air Base. There you only fly with permission and after coordination with air traffic control.
- Above nature. Natura 2000 areas, such as the Wadden Sea, the Alde Feanen and the Dwingelderveld, have their own rules so as not to disturb wildlife.
- Military areas and temporary restrictions. For example during a large event or when emergency services are deployed.
The current map is in the GoDrone app of the Dutch air traffic control (LVNL). We check it before every flight.
Above people and at an event
Flying over a crowd is not allowed in the open category. At an event we therefore choose a route alongside the crowd rather than over it, or fly when the grounds are still empty. If it needs to be closer, the requirements of the specific category apply, and we work that out with you in advance. Sometimes the event permit also says something about drones; it is worth checking.
Flying indoors
Inside a closed building the European drone rules do not apply: it is not airspace. There it is about permission from the owner and about safety. Indoors we fly a small FPV drone with protected propellers, and walk the route with you beforehand: where are people, where are machines, which doors open.
Privacy
If people are recognisable on camera, privacy law (the GDPR) comes into play. Tell your staff beforehand that filming will take place, and at an event put it in the visitor information or on a sign at the entrance. Anyone who does not want to be on camera can then say so. We keep neighbours' gardens and people who have nothing to do with it out of shot as much as possible.
Permission from the owner and the municipality
We only take off and land on ground we have permission for. If it is your own site, that is quickly arranged. If you rent a location, ask the owner. Some municipalities have their own rules for drones at events; we look into those with you.
What you arrange, and what we arrange
We
- Check the airspace and the rules at your location
- Apply for permission where needed
- Make the route and a risk assessment
- Keep an eye on the weather and reschedule if needed
- Go through the checklist on the day before we take off
You
- Access to the location, and permission from the owner if it is not your own site
- Tell your staff or visitors that filming will take place
- A contact person on the day itself
- Let us know what must be in the footage
This is a general overview, not legal advice. Rules change, and what applies depends on the place and the moment. That is why we check it again for every job.