Location: Majorca island, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote islands.
Time: May and december 2018, personally only not commercial flight.
Premise:
In my two trips to the Spanish islands I used
AirMap to verify that in the area where I intended to fly the use of drones was allowed.
When I went to Majorca, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote I was not aware that some, and in the case of Lanzarote most of the areas where I flew, were actually banned because they were protected areas or areas forbidden to photographic flight, or as in the case of Pollença within a military area.
As you can see from the maps below, the reality is quite different.
Majorca island
Fuerteventura and Lanzarote islands
If you go to Spain or to one of its islands, always use the official map only, I will do the same in the future.
Enaire MapHow I plan my travels:
When I decide to travel, first of all I get information about the laws governing the use of drones and the permitted and prohibited areas.
I search on the internet for places to visit and I create a map on Google MyMaps by entering the coordinates.
Based on the days of vacation, I take note of the air tickets and the overnight stay costs, I organize the travel.
Usually in my hand luggage I carry the Drone, the GoPro, the camera from now and on, the batteries and the things that I consider important and valuable, in the hold baggage everything else. (
My equipment)
Application Process:
- No application needed for recreational user if you want to fly in unrestricted areas with a drone.
Additional information for authorizations:
What you should prepare before traveling with a drone in Spain:
- It is better to drain batteries and place them in fireproof cases if you take the plane, some airline companies may request it. Don't put batteries in your checked-in luggage but carry them with you.
- Apply a
fireproof label on the drone with your full name and phone number, it is not required for recreational but I recommend it even if you want to fly in other countries, I also applied it on my GoPro, in case of loss.
- The ‘geofencing’ functionality in DJI drones is a geographical restriction of the operational area of the drone that is specified by the manufacturer. The manufacturer’s restrictions might not be identical to the restrictions on use under the applicable national legislation. This means that you must always be aware of local flight restrictions before operating / piloting a DJI drone. Take a look to official
ENAIRE MAP to verify that you can fly in determined areas.
Regulations for recreational use:
- Always keep the drone in sight in a radius of 500m (
Art.21.1)
- Don't fly near airports, airfields atc.
- Don't fly in controlled airspace or where other low-altitude flights are performed.
- Daytime flying with appropriate meteorological conditions (no fog, rain or wind)
- Night-time flying with appropriate meteorological conditions (no fog, rain or wind) with a drone of up to 2kg and going no higher than 50m.
- When flying with FPV goggles, you must be accompanied by an observer.
- Do not exceed a height of 120m (400feet) and or on the highest obstacle located within a radius of 150 m from the RPA (
AESA N°41).
- Do not fly in natural parcs (consult
Enaire Map)
- If your drone weighs more than 250g do not fly over urban areas and people. Keep a security distance (50m) from buildings and people.
- Never fly over sensible areas like prisons, military zone, ecc.
- You must know how to fly safely and do it under supervision of an adult if you are under 18.
- You are responsible for any damage caused by your drone. You are advised to apply for a third-party insurance.
Regulations for professional use:
- Be authorised by AESA.
- Have a civil liability insurance specific for aircraft operations,
- Have valid RPAS pilot and medical certificate.
- For Flights in controlled airspace, you must have a certificate to prove that you have the required knowledge of communications and languages used between controllers and pilots.
- Depending on the MTOM of the aircraft and its mode of operation, there may be additional requirements.
- Know that the operator is responsible for the RPAS, its operation and for complying with regulations.
- Adhere to the Data Protection Act, the Law on the Right to Honour, Privacy and Personal Image, and the restrictions for taking aerial images.
- All aircraft piloted by remote control (RPA, and the control station also) must have on it a fireproof plate identification, which must contain the identification of the aircraft with their specific name, including the manufacturer's name, type, model and where appropriate , the serial number and the name of the operator and the data necessary to contact him. The information on the nameplate must be marked on it by engraving, punching, stamping or other approved method of fireproof marking in an eye - legible and indelible manner.
AESA q&a N°34- Don’t fly without authorisation:
over buildings and people
at night
In controlled airspace, or in close proximity to aerodromes and heliports, adhering to the distances established by law.
Remember:
- Do not put others at risk or disturb them (other aircraft, people or property.
- The dissemination of images of people or private spaces requires the authorisation thereof.
- Fines for improper use can amount to €225,000. Sanctions can amount of €4.5 million for professional users.
Recommendations:
Inspect your drone before and after each flight, check the entire frame for cracks including the landing gear and props. Make sure you have sufficient GPS signal and wait for the "Home Point Recorded" message to avoid a fly away, and an adequate RTH altitude setted for a safe return to home.
Always check the weather conditions to find out about wind conditions or if you'll find rain, fog or snow. Cold and high wind drain fast your batteries, and high-altitude winds could generate a "Max motor speed reached" alert which inform you that your drone is in danger.
The “see and avoid” principle applies to unmanned aircraft as well. Since an aircraft pilot stands little chance of recognizing a small drone early enough, it is your responsibility to take timely evasive action and always to maintain a proper distance from other aircrafts.
Especially on the mountains, always fly in your line of sight, don't think to be alone all the time, helicopters and other planes you couldn't hear can come close to your drone; they often fly at low altitude leaving you a little reaction time.
Flying a drone over the scene of an accident to take aerial pictures may impede a rescue helicopter from approaching the site. In addition, rescue services feel that their work is disturbed by drones. It is forbidden to fly a drone in an emergency operation if not instructed to do so by the operation leader.
Useful tips:
Bring filters with you, especially on the mountains or if you visit lakes and beaches or you find snow,
I recommend you polarized filters for reflecting surfaces (i use 32/pl also).
Bring at least two batteries with you and make sure you have an empty and capacious
SD card.
Find a way to make a daily backup of your footages; personally I use a
backup unit with a
SSD.
Bring a landing pad or
landing gear and an outdoor first aid kit with you if you want to go hiking on the mountains and don't forget
photography gloves in winter time and your sunglasses!
Official links:
Apps and useful links:
Customs:
- There are no special requirements for getting a drone to Spain
Captain
Administrator
Second Officer
New
First Officer
lvl.1
lvl.3
lvl.4
Thank you