Euro-trippin

[RT23]

Hi ya'll. New to the web site and I KNOW there's a thread out there that can explain to me how to get the European registrations, training certificates, insurance, etc, etc... and the A1-A3 and A-2 certificates, so I can take my little Air 2S with me when I go on a European river boat cruise. Now, I've contacted EASA for info., but it looks like the biggest issue is trying to obtain a European ADDRESS or European CONTACT, where they can mail all the documentation. I don't have an address or a contact. Plus, it looks like you might only be able to take their tests in Europe as well. Anybody "been there, done that"? Any info. would be greatly appreciated. Thanks folks

 

[GFields]

Greetings from Birmingham Alabama USA, welcome to the forum! We look forward to hearing from you!

I'm sure that there's some that can help you here

 

[DARKSeifer]

Depends on the country you pretend to fly, every country can adapt the main rules as they want, so that's what they did. In Spain, for example, drones are banned between the lines, so hit&run is the only safe approach.

If you fly an Air2S, flight time is around 15 minutes or so, so it's pretty unlikely you get caught if you fly a battery taking off from a hidden place and move away, even with Aeroscope listening on every major city.

 

[PHZ]

One thing to consider is the fact that rules are more favorable to sub-250 gram drones.
Also, check with your cruise provider. Some do not allow take offs or landings in the vessel.

 

[GFields]

Depends on the country you pretend to fly, every country can adapt the main rules as they want, so that's what they did. In Spain, for example, drones are banned between the lines, so hit&run is the only safe approach.

If you fly an Air2S, flight time is around 15 minutes or so, so it's pretty unlikely you get caught if you fly a battery taking off from a hidden place and move away, even with Aeroscope listening on every major city.

Poor advice.

Depends on the country you pretend to

Pretend?

 

[RT23]

Poor advice.

Pretend?

Yeah, I'm aware the laws are more lenient on drones under 250 grams, but I want the video quality of the 2S or a Mavic 3 (recently purchased). However, the "launch from the boat" might be a new issue; I might be able to launch during a land excursion... In the meantime, I've found a couple countries who offer the registrations and training in English, but they only mail the certifications and test results to European addresses, and I don't have a European address or contact. They also state you have to report to an approve testing location, in country, to take their tests!? And that's turning into my biggest issue right now; how to get all this accomplished stateside, before I go to Europe. That's another reason I've written directly to EASA, for help/guidance (no response yet). C'mon, somebody out there has gone to Europe and taken a drone over 250 grams with you. How'd you do it??? Thanks. And any response I get from EASA I'll let ya'll know.

 

[PHZ]

I registered my Mini 2 and then a Mini 3 Pro with an EASA registration, no in-person requirements. Then registered in the UK, no in-person requirements. Flew legally in several countries, getting some terrific shots. Going to the heavier drone categories seemed a little too problematic, as you are experiencing.
In my situation, that advantage along with the very low noise level on the Mini 3P was awesome. I did not fly in anybody’s face, but no one ever noticed the innocuous little drone.
Just another POV to consider as you navigate your trip
Have fun and share your photos here when you get back.

 

[RT23]

I actually got a response back from EASA ( the European Aviation Safety department). I'll post the link and play around with it myself for a while. The first step was to create an account with them. They claim all registrations and training can be done online... we'll see. And you'll have to watch which country you try to get all your paperwork done in, cause not all of them carry the info in English. It'll be a challenge, I'm sure, but I'm just trying to keep it legal, so my drone doesn't get confiscated or I got to jail... ARGH!!

In order to conduct UAS operations in Europe you have to register as an UAS operator in the first Member State where you want to operate. For more information about the website of the civil aviation authorities in Europe please the following link: (Drones - National Aviation Authorities resources - Information on: registering as drone operator; remote pilot training and where you can fly your drone | EASA (europa.eu).

If anybody else is thinking about doing the same, hope this helps you out (but it's probably already too late for Paris... just sayin. lol)