How to (Legally) Fly Your Drone in France and the Rest of the EU

I'll be visiting France and Spain and unraveled the rules and procedures to register myself as a drone operator and my drone in compliance with French and EU rules.
Here are the steps I followed and a review of the process. Helpful links include:
Summary of drone laws for France: drone-laws.com/drone-laws-in-...
AlphaTango, the CRITICAL French government website for all things drone: alphatango.aviation-civile.go...
The drone I'll bring to France: amzn.to/3Ix4Y3r
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[@runniedummies]

Wow! Amazing video! This was very helpful and next time I go to France with my family I will be sure to do this!

[@jeffsaxsma6884]

Thanks for this very helpful video. While new to drone work, I found the registration steps and test straightforward and passed. Appreciate this review for what to expect along the way.

[@TheBigHeavy]

Congrats on the pass!

[@JamesThomas-nr2og]

Thanks for this video, made registration so much easier and showed me a bunch of useful resources. Only took about an hour from start to finish on AlphaTango. The test revision took 6 minutes and the exam took 15 minutes with a 95% pass.

[@TheBigHeavy]

Awesome, congrats! Be sure to download the géoportail app, airspace where you can fly in France is surprisingly limited.

[@paulpopSignatur]

What number do I use at the beginning what is the secret code for the country?

[@jbergcosta]

Best vidéo about flying in Europe.I have lived for a really long time in France, I know how hard french police can be 😂

[@vincemessina9766]

Thanks, the most informative and easy to follow video on flying a drone in Europe.

[@TheBigHeavy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jayrow7468]

You missed out that you need liability insurance you can get it for coverdrone which costs around 19 euros for recreational flight on the mini series its obligatory in the eu currently I hope that helps

[@TheBigHeavy]

Great point. I’d seen some references to insurance but it was unclear if it was mandatory in France or not.

[@olabergvall3154]

Liability insurance is not mandatory at the EU level, it varies from country to country

[@johnalmberg7512]

Welcome to France and French paperwork ! I’m an American living in France, so I’m very familiar with the system. Generally speaking, the French are very logical and focused on people. Thus the emphasis on safety and respect for the people around you. Personally, I think this is a good thing. Anyway, going to AlphaTango is definitely the right move. It has all the up to date info, whereas most of the blog posts on this topic are either out of date or written carelessly. Your video seemed spot on to me. Thanks!

[@TheBigHeavy]

I lived in France as well, and love the country and people. The bureaucracy can be a bit overwhelming but I agree that once you figure out the “method to the madness” it’s not all that bad. I’m still endlessly amazed that I used to walk into a Doctors office, deal with the actual doctor, and pay the doctor cash in hand at the end of the transaction vs. the phalanx of front desk, billing, nurses and “coding”’people that stand in between you and your doc in the US, but perhaps that’s a topic for another video. Im looking forward to returning to the “French way” in a few weeks!

[@yanntessier7150]

You are so right about out of date blog posts. One site that isn't is clearance.aero - but their stuff is in French

[@dlohnes]

Very helpful, thank you!

[@TheBigHeavy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@luluharada]

Thank you for the video; I had been searching for information for hours, and each website provides confusing information.

[@TheBigHeavy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jeffvoigt3501]

Thanks! For your great advice. I’m headed to the Normandy region in 2 weeks. What’s the best airspace app to use in France? Thanks again. Jeff Voigt

[@TheBigHeavy]

Thanks! Definitely get the géoportail app. There’s a setting to show only drone airspace and it’s significantly more restricted than what the DJI or similar apps show. Also be ready for seagull attacks! I had grand plans of doing some drone video in the basque region since you can fly along the shoreline, but the seagulls swarmed about 90 seconds after I took off and then circled overhead even after I landed.

[@user-ip5uz6ps8h]

What did you select for “image sensor allows a video feedback” and for “the aircraft is equipped with an autopilot”?

[@TheBigHeavy]

I put Yes for each, at least in the case of my Mavic Mini 3 pro.

[@Passportplanet340]

could you help me ! first off thank you for the awesome video. it was super helpful. i did all the video's but the final is in french. I cannot see an option where it shows english. I leave for France next week and getting nervous . thanks!

[@TheBigHeavy]

One of the videos was indeed in French if memory serves, although it was essentially a recap of the other video without anything too noteworthy. The key is taking the exam (which is in English) and registering yourself and your drone and you should be set.

[@dennyeligon]

Hey great video we’re you able to fly in areas like Eiffel Tower and arch de triumph?

[@TheBigHeavy]

Unfortunately no. Pretty much every city/town is a no-fly zone. Although my grandfather did get to see some P-51s fly through the Arc and Eiffel when he was there on behalf of the Army in the 40s…

[@imagehut]

Thank you for the tutorial. Completed everything in about a hour or so. Read through the material, watch the videos and did the test. Got a 90%. After reviewing the test, I must have selected an incorrect answer by mistake on one question. As you said, I registered as an operator, registered my drone and did the test. No money was requested or a way to pay. Pretty simple! What did you do for insurance? It appears to be mandatory.

[@TheBigHeavy]

I didn't get insurance, and unfortunately flew my drone for all of 5 minutes, since once I found a location that was "legal" according to Geoportail, my drone was immediately and relentlessly attacked by seagulls! Somewhere in the comments someone mentioned an insurance provider that looked reasonable and was fairly cheap, although I can't remember the name off the top of my head.

[@ThorstenAltmann]

Very useful video. One question: did you have to setup a french email? Because I try to do that for a while now, and I always get an info: my email is not correct.

[@TheBigHeavy]

No, I used my regular old email address and it worked fine. I also have an oddball domain (.one) and didn’t have any problems.

[@ThorstenAltmann]

@@TheBigHeavy Thank you, then there must be another problem. I continue trying 👍

[@jimcooper8103]

Also I was speaking of the Alpha Tango registration site

[@alexandrugroza839]

Hy, i am from romania (eu member) and the oficial site here for registratiom ia CAA, it seems that the operator/pilot/drone registration requerments are the same as you mentioned since it also follows EASA standards and training material but here for operator registration i must pay like 20 euro and for pilot A1/A3 and A2 certifications each is 10 euro. Drone registration seems to be free. Now my questiom is can i register on that french site even if i am going to operate in Romania and is it gonna be recognised here? It should be simce it apliea to EASA rulea but then i don t see why would anyone bother paying the fees

[@TheBigHeavy]

I'm not sure, and am not equipped to provide any sort of legal advice. I was focused on the tourist aspect, and the stuff I read said to register in the first EU country you're going to visit if you're a non-EU citizen. If you're a Romanian citizen, I would guess you'd have to register in your home country, but again that's a guess not any sort of well-informed advice.

[@sprayhawk808]

Appreciate this very much. Planning our trip to Normandy next August and hope to take a drone with us. I know that there are restrictions regarding flying over/around the memorials, but alot of what I've read has been 'suggested'. Are you aware of a solid source for me to reference?

[@TheBigHeavy]

Check out the Géoportail app/website referenced in the video and comments. It’s from the government authorities so THE definitive source vs. DJI or one of the other apps. French airspace is surprisingly restrictive. You can mostly fly on the beaches, but do be aware of seagulls. My drone was ruthlessly attacked when I tried to fly in Saint Jean de Luz while we were there.

[@sprayhawk808]

@@TheBigHeavy Thanks! Restrictive might be an understatement. I saw a map that was color coded. Red was the dominant color - no fly zones...

[@TheBigHeavy]

Then you’ve found the right app! Unfortunately any major or minor population center seems to be a no-fly zone.

[@swapnilbapat5321]

Very Informative, I cannot access the training A1/A3 link.

[@TheBigHeavy]

I'm able to get there via this link (after logging in): formation-telepilote.aviation-civile.gouv.fr/en/learner/my_trainings

[@AdventuresOverland]

hey i have applied in alpha tango for france i also want to register for Amsterdam can you help?

[@TheBigHeavy]

Netherlands is in the EU so if you complete the process for France, you should be all set for NL as well.

[@whirltraveller1350]

I registered and flew in the UK but also flew in Belgium, France, Portugal, and Italy, not realizing I should have registered for those countries. I only recently discovered that you need liability insurance for Spain, but I am unsure whether it is also required throughout the EU. Thanks for your helpful information.

[@TheBigHeavy]

Glad to help!

[@KeithFolske]

Is there a mobile app that you would recommend that would show your position as well as the restricted zones in France? I found a link to a map for the restricted zones, but it looks like it might be challenging to correctly locate my current position and align it with where I am able/not able to fly.

[@TheBigHeavy]

Search for the géoportail app. It’s the official French gov’t app. It’s French only, but it should be fairly easy to configure to show the overlays for UAS zones. Do be aware pretty much any population center, even fairly small towns, is a no fly zone. Also note things like the DJI app and other non-official apps don’t seem to have the full list of no-fly areas.

[@KeithFolske]

@@TheBigHeavy thanks. I noticed that the DJI Fly app was not going to give me the help I needed to be compliant. Unfortunate. Thanks for the video as well. I was able to register my drone and take the operator test last night.

[@jeffvoigt3501]

Thanks!

[@TheBigHeavy]

No problem!

[@RichardRodriguez-ie4zj]

I'm travelling to France next month. I tried the AlphaTango link that you have but I keep getting an error message. Do you know if there have changed the registration process?

[@TheBigHeavy]

Worked fine for me (albeit a bit slow): alphatango.aviation-civile.gouv.fr/login.jsp

[@StevieProton]

I did mine through the Luxembourg site. It's all in English and is free. The Irish site is also in English but they have a charge for registration and the A1/A3 test. Note: you are expected to register in the first EU country you're gonna fly in but it doesn't really matter. So, if your plans change it's no big deal. If you want to fly in the A2 category however, you have to take an online test plus a practical flying test. Although, some country's allow you to self declare you can fly because visiting a test centre was cancelled due to COVID. However it is being reintroduced in a few places. I live in the U.K. and our Operator I.D. is £10 for five years and the Flyer I.D is free. You don't need a flyer I.D. if your drone is under 250 grammes.

[@TheBigHeavy]

Great info, thanks!

[@33gall]

I looked at the Luxembourg site but couldn’t see anywhere with having to prove I’d electronically. Can you link me in case I’m doing it wrong?

[@cheeef]

@@33gall I'm in the same boat. Lots of resources say to register as a pilot in Lux, but to me it seems you need to be a 'natural' resident or operate a business there, it's not very clear at all.

[@33gall]

@cheeef I actually done mine through the French one yesterday, all free also

[@cheeef]

@@33gall thank you mate, I'll take a look.

[@paulpopSignatur]

I think you're one of the cool kids. Thank you

[@TheBigHeavy]

I am going to report this to my kids since they frequently dispute my level of coolness! 😎

[@NataliaBeth]

Where can we find that table data you showed in your video? Thank you

[@TheBigHeavy]

I believe it’s on the Alpha Tango website.

[@ozzy2987]

Is there website for Italy where you register yourself and your drone?? Thank you.

[@TheBigHeavy]

I would imagine so although I haven’t googled for it.

[@roberttorres345]

Good informative video...my question: What is considered the Passing Grade on to 40 question Test?

[@TheBigHeavy]

I can't remember exactly, but 70% sticks in my head. It was one of those tests where I ended up doing better than I thought I did, and if you've passed the FAA Part 107 or a similar national test you should be fine. Obviously you can have another window open and lookup specific rules, etc., where things are unclear, although the test is timed so you have to be conscious of that.

[@roberttorres345]

@@TheBigHeavy Thanks , I passed it on my first try with a 75%

[@TheBigHeavy]

Well done!

[@waynekeylock]

Just went to register as im from the UK and British or English is not listed on the alpha tango site.

[@TheBigHeavy]

You may have to hunt through the country list a bit. I remember the USA being out of sequence or being called something I wasn't expecting (like America or similar). Part of me thinks this might be due to translating French names (e.g. Etats-Unis) to English and creating an odd sorting, and the other part of me thinks it's some French web developer who is eating his or her baguette, sipping a nice CdP, and laughing about all the dumb Americans and Brits that he/she has confused by hiding their country names.

[@alanryan5562]

any idea where to find the operators id? i have registered and added an aiircraft and i can download the aircraft information but i cant find where the download is for the operators id, there is nothing under My Documents, any ideas?

[@TheBigHeavy]

It's in the bottom right of Alpha Tango for me, and allows you to download the certificate right there (look for the icon). You do need to pass the A1/A3 training.

[@alanryan5562]

yes mate i got it now thanks for your help@@TheBigHeavy

[@preyanjeyabalan5203]

How do you know if you passed, I got an 85 it didn't say if I passed or not.

[@rodixP]

Do you know what would happen if I flew the drone in Paris without authorization?

[@TheBigHeavy]

I'd guess something ranging from nothing at all, to getting to spend some time with local law enforcement and serious fines. The French police are pretty serious, especially with the various strikes and disturbances that occur. I personally wouldn't do it as a foreign national but that's just me. I didn't try getting an exemption so not sure if that's easy or hard, but might be worth a try.

[@yutayamada5865]

Thank you for this instruction video. I would like to ask you a question. From which page of Alpha tango, can I download the Operator certificate pdf? I could download drone certification but not operator one.

[@yutayamada5865]

And about STS and LUC, you got valid authorization?

[@TheBigHeavy]

It's in the bottom right of the home page where it says "Remote Pilot Identifier." There's a download link but requires you pass the A1/A3 certification.

[@yutayamada5865]

@@TheBigHeavy I could download remote pilot identifier but what I need is operator certificate pdf. I can't find it.

[@yutayamada5865]

@@TheBigHeavy I could download the remote pilot identifier but what I need is Operator certificate pdf..I can't find it.

[@TheBigHeavy]

I think they're the same? I only have the remote pilot and drone registration certificates.

[@C46KratosGaming]

If the drone is registered in germany, does it need to take another registration in france for flying in there

[@peterhastings703]

As far as I know registrations (flyer, operator or drone) made in one EU member state are valid in all the other EU states (plus the other four!)

[@TheBigHeavy]

That’s my understanding as well. Seems once you’re good in one EU country you’re good in all. For a non-EU resident, technically you’re supposed to register in the first EU country you’re visiting.

[@HEMI345S]

Sir, what type of account did you create on this website?

[@TheBigHeavy]

I just created a regular account. I don't recall there being anything special required. The only challenge I remember is that you have to search around to find "United States" as it's not in alphabetical (or any logical) order.

[@paulpopSignatur]

What number did you put at the beginning is asking me to make up a number to register as an operator

[@TheBigHeavy]

Not sure what you’re referring to.

[@HappyLaddy]

Finally, where can you fly a drone ? For ex can you fly it some places In Paris ?

[@TheBigHeavy]

The good news is that there's a rather good mapping application provided by the French government at: www.geoportail.gouv.fr/donnees/restrictions-uas-categorie-ouverte-et-aeromodelisme. They also have a mobile app (search for Geoprotail). The bad news is that if you click the link, you'll see much of the country is red. Basically any population center/town is a "no fly zone" without pre-authorization. I was very excited to fly just off the coast of our apartment in the Basque region, since the very edge of the docks was OK to fly, but my drone was attacked relentlessly by seagulls. I was also going to do a bit of flying around the Normandy beaches, but got a bit too taken in by the history of the place and never got my drone up, although I would imagine I'd have similar seagull problems.

[@diludaniel357]

My drone is below 250 and CAA registered from Uk .. is there any certificate needed to fly all over Europe ..anybody pls reply !!

[@TheBigHeavy]

If it has a camera you’ll need to register.

[@olabergvall3154]

Get Operator ID for 1 EASA country, then you're good to go

[@jimmystamas595]

When i try to put my country USA isnt a option

[@TheBigHeavy]

There’s a comment below. It’s not in alphabetical order so you need to search a bit to find United States.

[@mirkoema]

There is just one thing I hate, you can fly with your

[@TheBigHeavy]

Yea, it seems like more of France is red in géoportail than is an acceptable zone, especially around any sort of population center!

[@mirkoema]

@@TheBigHeavy yes and also where you can fly with 250g french rules says that you cannot fly in town centers...just received confirmation from Alphatango official site :(((((

[@TheBigHeavy]

Use the géoportail website or mobile app to find out where you can fly. You'll see a lot of red unfortunately and I think the no-fly rules are the same for 250g, you just don't need the extra step of getting the license if you don't have a camera.

[@mirkoema]

@@TheBigHeavy yeah I know but even if its not red on the geoportail if its in the borders of a town its forbidden… its just crazy…

[@samanthakrauss4462]

The best translator for languages is ChatGBT

[@luisbraz-ruivo]

Hmmm…and I thought it was ChatGPT..

[@TheBigHeavy]

ChatGBT is the one with the British accent I think. 😎

[@jimcooper8103]

Sounds stupid but i cannot find USA or America in the Nationality choices.

[@TheBigHeavy]

The order was a bit funny as I recall. I think it might be sorted via the French (Etats Unis) but I had to search to find United States and once I found it, the order was at least consistent in all the forms but I confess I can’t remember where it was in the drop down but I do remember I had to search through slow scrolling.

[@tvk1971]

French fries = form Belgium ;)

[@TheBigHeavy]

I've always respected your moules frites, and your beer is way better!

[@sixgunguerrilla]

??? Gringo isn't a french word and doesn't mean "American"

[@TheBigHeavy]

I know it’s not French. The etymology seems disputed but in any case, I don’t know any great French slang for Americans so used what first came to mind as I’m not reading from a teleprompter or anything like that.

[@olabergvall3154]

Very nice video, although I as an operator in EU have never heard of training being mandatory for sub 250g drones. In fact the table you put up on the screen states that no training is required. Never heard that your nationality should make a difference. But I've been wrong before. Also, I've never heard of registering the actual aircraft, only Operator ID. Maybe it's a French thing? Certainly not an EASA requirement. Operator ID, though, is the one thing always required for camera drones. Again, nice video, many travellers will find this helpful I'm sure ❤

[@TheBigHeavy]

Thanks for the comment. I found the classes very confusing, and the way I read the rules (not being an expert by any means) was that once you added a video recording device, training became mandatory regardless of the 250g limit.

[@olabergvall3154]

@@TheBigHeavy registration yes; training no. At least that's my interpretation. I do agree it's rather confusing, and even somewhat contradictory at times. That's why videos like yours are important 💝

[@TheBigHeavy]

@@olabergvall3154 As a guest in another country I tend to err on the side of over-following the rules, which is amusing since in my own country I tend to avoid rules as much as possible!

[@olabergvall3154]

@@TheBigHeavy Avoiding them need not be the same as breaking them 😅

[@Donx2Pac]

​@@TheBigHeavydrones below 250g you don't need training even if it has a cam. You need to register though. Here in the Netherlands it costs €23 for a year. After a year it's €13 every year.