Traficom and the police: Check your drone registration and flying site restrictions

The use of unmanned aircraft has become more common in everyday life in recent years, and more and more people are buying drones, for example for taking photos and videos.

Many drones used by hobbyists now weigh less than 900 grams, and drones weighing less than 250 grams in particular have become more popular. Even small drones now have high-quality cameras, but a lighter device does not remove the pilot’s responsibility.

Registration must be valid every year

Traficom reminds drone operators that they must keep their registration valid. Even if an operator has passed the drone pilot examination and registered earlier, they must pay an annual fee to keep their registration valid. Based on Traficom’s observations, some drone operators have not paid the registration fee for the new season. This means that their registration is not valid, even if the pilot has previously passed the required examinations.

“When the flying season begins, it is a good idea to check that your registration is valid and that you have passed the required examinations. Expired registration may come as a surprise, but it does not remove the pilot’s responsibility,” says Senior Inspector Pekka Asikainen from Traficom.

Failure to register may lead to consequences if the police check the pilot’s details. Carelessness can therefore prove costly.

Areas near airports remain high-risk areas

One of the key hazards related to flying unmanned aircraft arises when a drone is flown too close to an airport or another area that is critical for aviation.

Finland has several areas where aviation is prohibited or restricted. In addition, there are UAS geographical zones near airports where drone flying may be restricted or require a separate authorisation. Before flying, always make sure that you are allowed to fly a drone in the area you are planning to use. 

Official information on airspace restrictions is available on Traficom’s website under the section on unmanned aviation and from Fintraffic’s aeronautical information service. You can also check airspace restrictions in the Flyk service.

“Flying near airports may create a serious hazard for other aviation. This is why you must always check the flying site in advance, even if the area feels familiar,” says Chief Superintendent Sami Hätönen from the police.

Awareness of the rules has improved, but mistakes still happen

According to Traficom and the police, awareness of the rules for flying unmanned aircraft has grown in recent years. This has been influenced by factors such as registration, online examinations and increased communication by the authorities.

However, many new drone pilots start flying in June and July when drones are taken into use at the start of the holiday season and the photography and filming season. This is why now is a good time to review the rules, especially before Midsummer and the busiest flying season.

The police supervise the flying of unmanned aircraft as part of their duties. Supervision is carried out, for example, during patrols, based on reports from the public and in the investigation of suspected offences. Violations related to flying drones may lead to fines. For example, the pilot may be guilty of an aviation violation if they fail to comply with the rules or fly a drone in an area where this is not allowed.

“Many people may not realise that flying in the wrong place can be a significant violation. You should check the rules before the flight, not only when the police ask to see your permits,” says Hätönen from the police.

Check the information before take-off

Traficom and the police encourage all drone hobbyists to prepare for the flying season in good time. When your registration and examinations are in order and you have checked any restrictions at the flying site, you can fly your drone safely.

Drone pilot’s checklist

A responsible pilot follows these rules:

• check whether you need to register as a drone operator
• keep your registration valid and pay the annual fee on time
• pass the required drone pilot examination
• mark the registration number on the drone
• check the restrictions at the flying site before every flight
• keep the drone within visual line of sight and fly at a maximum altitude of 120 metres
• do not fly near airports without the required authorisation
• do not fly in a way that causes disturbance near homes, windows or areas protected by the right to domestic privacy
• do not fly at accident sites or near rescue operations