Flying to Spain with my Mavic Air

NL-pilot · Dec 7, 2019

Hi guys,

I'm flying this month to Spain and I'll take my MA with me in my carry-on baggage. For the battery's I've bought the dji safe bags and they won't be fully charged.

I have also printed the drone laws in Spain.

Has someone any other idea's or would like to share your travel experience with your own drone?

Robert Prior · Dec 7, 2019

Check your airline for their rules. I discovered this summer that Air Iceland wants the drone registered with them and the batteries removed. (No problem doing either, but the registration had to be done ahead of time not at the airport.)

NL-pilot · Dec 8, 2019

Robert Prior said:
Check your airline for their rules. I discovered this summer that Air Iceland wants the drone registered with them and the batteries removed. (No problem doing either, but the registration had to be done ahead of time not at the airport.)

I'm flying with KLM so I'll check that. Thx

Ernie Willey · Dec 8, 2019

When I saw the header I was wondering what sort of battery you had and how was it modified [emoji23]

NL-pilot · Dec 8, 2019

Ernie Willey said:
When I saw the header I was wondering what sort of battery you had and how was it modified [emoji23]

I can imagine ?

Caleb R. · Dec 8, 2019

If you’ll be in the area be sure to visit Seville. I was stationed at Morón Air Base and got the chance to see a lot of different areas, including the Rock of Gibraltar. I’d kill to go back. Enjoy and be sure to share your pics and videos!

NL-pilot · Dec 10, 2019

Caleb R. said:
If you’ll be in the area be sure to visit Seville. I was stationed at Morón Air Base and got the chance to see a lot of different areas, including the Rock of Gibraltar. I’d kill to go back. Enjoy and be sure to share your pics and videos!

I'll be in the north west area of Spain so I don't I have a chance to visit Sevilla. Thx for your suggestion ??

mavicdrvr · Dec 11, 2019

just got back from spain this summer... it was a fun trip and did LOTS of flying..

you need to go to the spanish aviation administrations website, there is one in english.. and print out the rules (and carry them with you)

you need to go to TSA's website and the EU equivalent and print out the RULES and (you guessed it carry it on you with your hardware through the airport)

there are more rules over in spain.. but they were not too painful.. your bird is over weight so you will be restricted, airports, city, flight over people, etc. BE SMART... don't stand out as an easy target.. i.e. don't launch in a crowded central plaza over 100's of tourists and locals sitting in open cafes enjoying a tinto or coffee... BE DESCRETE...

as for travel.. part of the print out rules (FAA/AIRLINE/EU) specify battery sizes.. PRINT OUT the DJI spec page for your batteries.. and (carry it with you) .. YOU ABSOLUTELY CAN NOT CHECK BATTERIES .. PERIOD .. you have to hand carry. the drone can go down below but without batteries.. I hand carried everything .. I didn't need lipo bags either.. in fact, I had my spark batteries sitting in the charging station with the drone. (batteries can't be connected) and nobody batted an eye

basically, when you are challenged, it will be by someone that likely does not know the rules, be the smartest person in the conversation, keep your cool, and show them printed documents.. you win..

keep in mind the spanish have multiple levels of police, local through federal.. the federal guys are not to be trifled with.. be polite with all of them and remember .. speaking louder does not equate to better translation, be calm, quiet, humble, and show them that you have at least tried to do your homework by .. you guessed it, showing them all the printed rules and how you were doing your best to follow them..

I never got hassled ..

a good starting link... Drone Laws in Spain | UAV Coach (2019)

remember that the spoon that feeds you should be in your hands not mine....