Fintraffic instructions: Safe drone operation

Once again, drones return to the spring skies of Finland. Operating a drone is a form of aviation and therefore, operators must be aware of the relevant rules and restrictions. Fintraffic instructions and common rules are there to help you operate drones safely.

The EU drone regulation, which entered into force in early 2021, harmonised the regulations on drones throughout the EU. It introduced an obligation for drone operators to sign up in the drone operator register. The new regulation also introduced some changes to flying practices, but the basics of safe operation remain unchanged. 

"Flying drones has started becoming more popular of late. Drone enthusiast get more active in spring in particular. Operating a drone is a form of aviation, which involves rules and restrictions that operators must be aware of. Considering the rules and restrictions is a way to take care of both our own safety and that of others," says Pasi Nikama, SVP of Customer Relations and Marketing at Fintraffic Air Navigation Services.

This article includes the things that you should consider for safe drone operation.

Remember to register and take the test

Every drone operator, whether enthusiast or professional, must register, learn the rules for drone operation and, generally, pass a test. However, operators of drones 250 grams without a camera or that are defined as toys are not required to undergo this registration.  

What’s usually sufficient for drone enthusiasts is passing the remote pilot online test. You can easily register and take tests on Traficom's droneinfo.fi website and through drone services on the Fintraffic.fi website. After registration, you must mark the pilot ID you receive in your email on your drone. Please remember that the pilot ID must be clearly legible.

From the beginning of 2024, after the transition period of the drone regulation, operating a drone heavier than 250 grams requires the completion of the A1/A3 online theory test. In addition, from the beginning of 2024, new drones placed on the market must be marked with the C classification to be usable in the open category. However, the regulation will allow the continued use of a drone already in use or placed on the market, subject to the following restrictions:

• A drone weighing less than 250 grams with a maximum speed of 19 m/s may be used in accordance with the conditions of the open sub-category A1, even if it does not have the C0 label. Remote pilots must read the usage instructions of the device, but it is not necessary to pass an online test.
• A drone weighing less than 25 kg may be used in accordance with the conditions of the open sub-category A3, even if it does not have a C2-C6 label. The remote pilot must pass an online test.

For more information on the changes, visit Traficom's droneinfo.fi website.

Remember the restricted areas

As a drone pilot, keep in mind that in certain parts of Finland aviation may be prohibited or restricted in certain areas, and in these areas, drone operation, too, is prohibited without a separate permit. Provisions on permanent areas prohibited and restricted by aviation are laid down in the Government Decree on Restricted Aviation Areas.

Traficom may also establish restricted or prohibited UAS airspace zones. For instance, these drone restriction zones have been established in the vicinity of airports to protect air traffic. Information on established zones is published on the droneinfo.fi website. Remember to check whether you are near such a zone before you start flying your drone, as the UAS airspace zones may change quickly.

Temporary prohibition and restriction zones are also constantly established in Finland's airspace, which drone operators must also take into account. These zones can be established, for example, to protect a large public event or a military exercise. Information on current temporary airspace restrictions is published on the Fintraffic Aviation Information Service's website, ais.fi as an addition to the aviation manual.

Remember to maintain visual contact with your drone and respect the privacy of others

Keep in mind that drones may not be flown at an altitude higher than 120 metres, and that pilots must maintain a visual contact with their drone. Pay particular attention in the vicinity of airports and crowds of people. If you want to operate in a restricted UAS airspace zone near an airport, instructions for applying for the required permit can be found on the fintraffic.fi online service. 
Also remember to respect the privacy and domestic peace of others. Do not fly over homes in a disturbing manner or observe private home areas with your drone.

Safety is built together. Always remember be considerate of others in traffic – that includes flying!

More information on safe flying is available at droneinfo.fi and SkyNavX.