hi,
I was wondering if a recreative drone pilot abiding the rules in France as mentioned in https://www.geoportail.gouv.fr/actualites/drones-de-loisirs-volez-en-toute-securite and https://www.ecologique-solidaire.gouv.fr/drones-loisir-et-competition also need to interpret notam too? Various areas I usually visit are free to fly without causing nuisance to people or nature. However in some areas, see image, there seem to be a notam active. I am not sure if those I still may fly within that zone or only outside the hours (utc)?

Anyone?

Thanks in advance,
Herman

I would simply make use of the AIRMAP app which utilises NOTAMS for whichever country you're in:
Europe and beyond - AIRMAP App: https://www.airmap.com/airmap-for-drones/

Cheers
Ian

Wellsi Posted at 2018-8-1 12:37
I would simply make use of the AIRMAP app which utilises NOTAMS for whichever country you're in:
Europe and beyond - AIRMAP App: https://www.airmap.com/airmap-for-drones/

This looks excellent, thank you for sharing!

Wellsi Posted at 2018-8-1 12:37
I would simply make use of the AIRMAP app which utilises NOTAMS for whichever country you're in:
Europe and beyond - AIRMAP App: https://www.airmap.com/airmap-for-drones/

The issue with AirMap is that is does not seem to reflect the French drone map. The rule set is available in text and corresponds with the rules.  But the graphical view isn’t. Even worse I looked at several apps and websites and they do differ. So I am back at square one. But airmap looks like one of the better apps with regard to information.

Thanks!

Thanks for sharing this informative thread!

Her-man2 Posted at 2018-8-2 12:01
The issue with AirMap is that is does not seem to reflect the French drone map. The rule set is available in text and corresponds with the rules.  But the graphical view isn’t. Even worse I looked at several apps and websites and they do differ. So I am back at square one. But airmap looks like one of the better apps with regard to information.

Thanks!

I think you may be over-estimating what the apps can do.  These have to be used in conjunction with your own knowledge of the area and ground rules.  
The apps are only giving you information on controlled air space and NOTAMs (Notice To AIr Men - ie temporary restrictions)
They definitely do NOT advise if you can or can't fly based on other factors like built-up areas, roads, or land where the land owner is saying you can't take off from.  
Not sure if I posted this link before, but this may help cover all the factors for you:

Wellsi Posted at 2018-8-2 23:20
I think you may be over-estimating what the apps can do.  These have to be used in conjunction with your own knowledge of the area and ground rules.  
The apps are only giving you information on controlled air space and NOTAMs (Notice To AIr Men - ie temporary restrictions)
They definitely do NOT advise if you can or can't fly based on other factors like built-up areas, roads, or land where the land owner is saying you can't take off from.  

Thanks for your explanation of the real rules and the “unwritten “ ones. It would be nice if any drone pilot would fly by those rules. As a former paraglider pilot I know that rules are important. So thanks for taking the time to create the vlog video.

In return, the video created no the French government;


Still the only vague part of the rulings are whether I need to interpret notams too. This is fairly advanced stuff though. Maybe I’ll try to contact an airfield to inform. Or the local police.

Herman

Her-man2 Posted at 2018-8-4 07:27
Thanks for your explanation of the real rules and the “unwritten “ ones. It would be nice if any drone pilot would fly by those rules. As a former paraglider pilot I know that rules are important. So thanks for taking the time to create the vlog video.

In return, the video created no the French government;

That's the good thing about the Apps; they tell you whether the NOTAMs are relevant. They literally state something like "Do Not Fly Your Drone - between hh:mm dd:mm:yy and etc "

Nice video, even if the lessons are in French only (English as well?  I think not! )
Cheers, Ian

Hey guys, I'm a French/Kiwi so got the gig to translate the French rules into English here..

There is a new rule for drones over 800 g that now must be registered prior taking off in France.
This can be done via the platform of Alpha Tango https://alphatango.aviation-civile.gouv.fr/login.jsp, and it is available in English (Hurray!).

Other than this, the French GeoPortail map is the main info local police will look at and won't care about private apps if used as a defense line when caught. With this in mind, you're free to use whichever you think is most convenient or informative of course. In terms of Notam(s), France has some yearly ones such as:
- do not fly on 14th of July (the whole country)
- avoid the Tour de France (copters around)
- and more traditional, any crowds, open air events/concerts for e.g.

In case interested to know more, I've taken the gig to explain it as much as I could here https://www.drone-made.com/blog/france-drone-laws
Hope this will come in handy as it is a pain to find some of this info if you don't speak French.

Safe flights!