Flying a drone? Not near the airport!

More and more people are using drones to make videos or take photos. However, in the vicinity of an airport, drones can pose serious air traffic safety risks. That is why their use is subject to strict regulations. And although the drone legislations does not apply to toy drones, they too  can jeopardise air traffic safety.

Even small and lightweight drones can:

• Distract pilots during the critical phaes of a flight (takeoff and landing);
• Cause damage in case of a collision with an aircraft;
• disrupt operations and even lead to the temporary closure of an airport.

That is why it is absolutely essential to exercise extra caution and comply with the law when flying a drone near an airport.

What does the law say?

In Belgium, the use of drones, including hobby drones, is regulated by law. Anyone flying a drone is responsible for knowing the relevant rules.

The official legislation and references can be found on the website of the FPS Mobility and Transport:

• Dutch version: https://mobilit.belgium.be/nl/luchtvaart/vliegen-met/drones-uas/algemene-informatie/wettelijke-referenties.
• French version: https://mobilit.belgium.be/fr/aviation/voler-en-piloter/drones-uas/informations-generales/references-legales

We’ll summarise it briefly for you:

• Flying drones near an airport is strictly restricted. Would you like to know up to where this restriction applies? Check the map on Droneguide: https://map.droneguide.be;
• Specific authorisation and coordination are required.

Compulsory registration and flight planning

Anyone wishing to fly a drone in controlled airspace, such as around Brussels Airport, must:

• Be registered as a drone operator (including for recreational drone flights). Registration is free and can be completed via the online Drone Portal of the FPS Mobility and Transport: https://drones.mobilit.fgov.be/login. Once you have registered, you will receive an operator number. You will need this number to apply for a drone flight via the DAA Planner;
• Apply for a flight in advance: all drone flights near the airport must be applied for in advance via the DAA Planner application from skeyes: https://www.skeyes.be/en/services/drone-home-page/you-and-your-drone/drone-service-application;
• You may only fly once you have received approval for the requested flight in the DAA Planner.

This application ensures:

• Coordination with air traffic control and the airport;
• Clear information on prohibited and restricted zones;
• A safe environment for both drones and manned aircraft.

Enforcement and possible consequences

Unauthorised drone flights in the vicinity of the airport are taken very seriously. In the event of an illegal flight:

• The police may intervene;
• Heavy fines may be imposed;
• The drone will be seized.

These measures are not intended as punishment, but to ensure the safety of passengers, pilots, airport staff and local residents.

Fly responsibly

We therefore ask all drone pilots to:

• Check the rules before flying;
• Respect restricted and prohibited airspace;
• Make use of official tools and procedures.

Together, we can ensure a safe living and flying environment, while respecting both recreational drone use and air traffic safety.