š In this blog post weāll share all law links and known rules about recreational and commercial drone use in Belgium (Brussels). Give a š at the end of this post if you enjoyed it & feel free to ask any questions or share your experience in Belgium Drone Discussion Group. Keep in mind that the content below is updated to the best of our ability & does not replace official sources & your own research.
š” This article is also available in French
Recreational vs Commercial drone use in Belgium
Belgium differentiates commercial & recreational drone usage - see our post to differentiate recreational vs commercial drone usage. Both are subject to very strict restrictions and a code of conduct. Additionally, depending on the weight of your drone and where you want to fly your drone, different rules will apply.
ā In Belgium, drone regulation falls under the Federal Public Service Mobility & TransportĀ (FPS) & the Belgian Civil Aviation Authority (BCAA). You can get in touch with this latest one at anytime via:
Email: info@mobilit.fgov.be
Phone: (+32) 02 277 4307
šØ The classification of your drone is fairly complicated in Belgium so you will need to identify firstly in which category your drone flight falls into. Belgium, distinguishes 5 categories of drones flights based on its purpose & your drone's weight (described below).
Private use (recreational use)
Model aircraft use (recreational use)
Class 2 (commercial use)
Class 1b (commercial use)
Class 1a (commercial use)
šØ In any scenario, you're not allowed to:
transport persons, mail or cargo.
carry, drop or tow anything from your drone.
undertake acrobatic & formation flights.
night flights
Can I bring my drone to Belgium?
ā Currently, there doesn't seem to be any restrictions on bringing drones within Belgium as long as your import is considered as legitimate (generally one drone per person).
šØ Be aware of the airline you purchase to travel as some main ones will only accept your drone on-board if its batteries are detached & placed in a firecase during travel time. Most airlines will have a battery voltage limit based on the recommendation of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). You can find more info about a specific airline here.
š” Smart! Get your drone batteries' firecase today and make sure you're complying with aviation safety rules.
Where can I fly my drone in Belgium?
ā Belgium built a detailed drone flight map showing flight restricted areas. The map is organised in a 2 color scheme (Orange results from the mix of Yellow & Red) to help drone owners to fly responsibly and safely within the country (find link at the end of this research):
Red = it regroups no fly, restricted, controlled, danger, helicopter training & low flight, thanks to feedback, it seems to be for flights in class 2, 1b & 1a (with risks).
Yellow = thanks to feedback, we've been told these stand for temporary restrictions based on events, if you want to fly during this time, you will need an authorisation.
ā For any feedback about the map; you can contact droneguide@skeyes.be The map is also available as an app under Android & Apple Stores.
šØ Do not fly above:
industrial sites including but not limited to LNG terminals (gas pipes & productions sites) & nuclear power stations.
public facilities, urban zones & crowds in general.
š« In either case (unless authorisation), you should fly at least 3 km away from airports & 1 km away from heliports whilst giving priority to all other categories of aircraft. If you see a plane or helicopter during your flight, land immediately your drone.
š” Smart! Pack some spare drone batteries, you never know how close is the next power plug overseas. Also make sure you have a travel adaptor for Belgium.
Recreational Drone use in Belgium
ā Good things first, you will not need a license to fly your drone for recreational purposes in Belgium as long as your flight and drone fall in the categories 'private use' & 'model aircraft use' For each of these 2 categories, the below rules will apply
Private use:
fly a drone weighing less than 1 kg.
fly your drone at a maximum altitude of 10 m above private land where you obtained permission from the owner prior taking off.
fly your drone always in sight & only during daytime.
Model Aircraft use:
fly a drone weighing between 1 & 150 kg.
fly your drone only from a BCAA recognised model aircraft field & keep your flight within its authorised airspace specified in the Aeronautical Information Package (AIP).
What do I risk for flying a recreational drone illegally in Belgium?
šØ The amount & scope of the fine will depend on the nature & severity of your infraction. The judges will also evaluate if you intentionally committed the infraction and/or if you had any commercial purposes to do such.
Commercial Drone use in Belgium
ā You will need a license as a drone pilot & your drone has to be registered before being able to undertake any flight for commercial purposes in Belgium. The country also distinguishes 3 categories of drone commercial use flights based your drone's weight & where you want to fly. For each of these 3 categories, the below rules will apply:
Class 2: "low risk"
be at least 16 years old.
fly a drone weighing less than 150 kg.
fly your drone at a maximum altitude of 45 m & respect individuals' privacy.
fly your drone always in sight & only during daytime.
have a insurance covering your professional drone activity
+ have a certificate of competence
Class 1a: "moderate risk"
be at least 18 years old.
fly a drone weighing less than 150 kg.
fly your drone at a maximum altitude of 90 m & away from people (50 m) or large crowds & respect individuals' privacy.
fly your drone always in sight & only during daytime.
have a insurance covering your professional drone activity
+ have a drone pilot's license
Class 1b: "high risk"
be at least 18 years old.
fly a drone weighing less than 150 kg.
fly your drone at a maximum altitude of 90 m & respect individuals' privacy.
fly your drone always in sight & only during daytime.
have a insurance covering your professional drone activity
+ have a drone pilot's license
+ obtain a drone conformity certificate.
How to obtain my certificate of competence or pilot's license for commercial use in Belgium?
š If you hold a foreigner drone pilot license, you may be able to make it valid by contacting bcaa.registration@mobilit.fgov.be (more info). If you're a local or intend to live for the longer run in Belgium, then you will to apply for a local license.
As described above, based on your flight category you will either require a certificate of competence or a full drone pilot's license depending on the weights of your drone and your flight's intentions or purposes.
To obtain a certificate of competence (for class 2 flights only)
ā First things first, you will need to be eligible by:
being at least 16 years old
The certificate of competence has 3 parts:
A personal theory knowledge about Belgium's Air Laws, Meteorology, General Flight Operations, Aircraft Technology & Privacy rights.
A practical exam to learn all about the rules up there; to be valid, this exam needs to be undertaken by a certified & registered RPAS flight school in Belgium (see here).
If you succeed, the flight school will give you a number which is your certificate.
ā It is valid for life but if you loose it, you will need to redo the whole process as no duplicates are given. For more info prior or after your exam, you can contact relevant authorities at anytime via this email: rpas.lic@mobilit.fgov.be
To obtain a drone pilot's license (for class 1 flights only)
ā First things first, you will need to be eligible by:
being at least 18 years old
you will need a medical exam delivered from one of these facilities
The drone pilot's license has 2 parts:
A 50 Q/A theory knowledge about Belgium's Air Laws, Meteorology, General Flight Operations, Aircraft Technology & Privacy rights. You will need to choose a certified and registered RPAS flight school in Belgium to train you (see here). Once ready, register via email at rpas.exam@mobilit.fgov.be to choose an exam day. The exam will happen at DGTA, Rue de ProgrĆØs 56, in Bruxelles. Score 75%+ & its yours šš
If you succeed, a practical exam to learn all about the rules up is your next step. This exam needs to be undertaken by a certified & registered RPAS flight school in Belgium which will be designated for you. You can set preferences via this form.
ā If you hold a JAR-FCL, PART-FCL or a Milititary flight certifcate, you're exempt from the theoretical exam (part 1).
ā It is valid for life. For more info prior or after your exam, you can contact relevant authorities at anytime via this email: rpas.lic@mobilit.fgov.be
How to register my drone for commercial use in Belgium?
The registration process is an easy 1 step; complete this online form & send it to bcaa.registration@mobilit.fgov.be
What do I risk for flying a commercial drone illegally in Belgium?
šØ The amount & scope of the fine will depend on the nature & severity of your infraction. The judges will also evaluate if you intentionally committed the infraction and/or if you had any commercial purposes to do such.
Once you got everything in order, you can start flying above Belgium's awesome landscapes and create videos like this one:
ā Please leave a comment when you receive news and/or gain experience with your drone in Belgium! Have fun and safe flight! #belgium #belgian #regulation #rule #rules #law
š” You're a local, have a question or want to share a travel experience? Head to our Belgium Drone Discussion Group
Disclaimer: Although greatĀ care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information researched, we take no responsibility for any loss, harm or damage caused as a direct or indirect consequence of relying on this information. It is your responsibility to seek advice from qualified local & relevant authoritiesĀ for needed information about local drone rules and regulations.
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