Updated Drone Laws In Denmark in 2024: All You Need To Know

Denmark is leading the way in using drones to make everyday life more efficient and sustainable. From delivering medications to remote locations and surveying agricultural land to sending air quality data to researchers, drones are having a significantly positive impact on the lives of the Danish people.

In addition, drones are being used for law enforcement work and search and rescue missions, again providing great benefits whilst using fewer resources than traditional methods. 

The drone revolution is spreading worldwide, with Denmark being no exception. With more and more people looking to fly drones recreationally and commercially, it’s essential that the laws surrounding their use in Denmark are clearly understood so that everyone can stay safe while participating in this increasingly popular activity.

In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the key rules regarding Drone laws in Denmark, including registration requirements, where you’re allowed to operate, height restrictions, and licensing options so that you can make sure you stay within the law when flying.

Is it legal to fly drones in Denmark?

Operating a drone in Denmark is a fairly straightforward process as long as you understand the regulations and guidelines issued by EASA. These rules are designed to ensure public and unmanned aircraft safety and prevent privacy breaches.

Among other things, they specify minimum age limits, distance limits in relation to airports, no-fly zones, maximum flight altitude, and maximum distances from bystanders that the operator must maintain.

Also Read: New Drone Laws in France

General Drone Rules in Denmark (2024)

If you’re a drone operator in Denmark, it is imperative that all your drones are registered before taking off. Once that’s done, make sure to abide by the regulations and guidelines set forth for drone operation.

• Drones are allowed to fly at an altitude of 50 meters (170 feet) in the Open category and up to a maximum height of 120 meters (400 feet) for the Specific category. The CAA may also grant exemptions for operators with specific categories of drones if needed.
• When using a drone, it is essential to maintain eye contact at all times and never venture beyond 500 meters.
• Steer clear of flying near residential or populated zones.
• To ensure the safety of residents, it is important to create a buffer zone that extends for one kilometer around any residential area.
• Unless otherwise consented to by the owner/person, a minimum distance of 500 meters from any isolated buildings, people, vehicles, animals, or structures must be maintained.
• For the safety of all involved, it is recommended to stay a minimum distance of eight kilometers from airports and three kilometers from heliports when operating aircraft. Let’s work together to ensure these areas remain clear for everyone’s protection!
• Flying a drone at night is strictly forbidden.
• Drone pilots must avoid flying over, within close proximity of, or near military bases, public utility sites, archaeological locations, and private or government facilities.

Rules for Commercial Use

To be eligible, you must be 18 years of age or older. To legally fly a drone, each pilot must procure their license and register any associated drones with the proper regulatory bodies.

Before taking to the skies with your drone, you must be prepared for authorities to question you regarding personal and business information associated with it.

After satisfying their requirements, you will have the freedom to fly over urban settings up until 120 meters above ground level – as long as 24 hours notice is given beforehand.

Depending on the weight of your drone, your licensing requirements become more stringent; in other words, the heavier your drone is, the more complex its licensing examination will be.

• If you possess a drone weighing less than 1.5 kg, it is mandatory to obtain an official license in order to fly it.1A
• Drone pilots require a license to operate any drones that weigh under 7 kilograms.
• Drones that weigh less than 25 kg must be registered with License 2.

Every license is comprised of two components.

• Acquire theoretical knowledge in an accredited educational institution.
• A realistic training program in a specific facility requires at least 15 flights to rural areas and an accumulative flight time of no less than 5 hours.

Also Read: New Drone Laws In The USA | All You Need To Know

Drone Registrations

In accordance with EU 2019/947, it is essential for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) operators – but not the UAS themselves – to register.

The Remote Pilot managing the flight controls will be full responsibility for its safety and security throughout operations, whereas the UAS Operator ensures everything runs smoothly by providing guidance and instructions on how to carry out each task.

The person or business entity is held accountable for all activities conducted utilizing the drone(s). When in the OPEN category and as an individual, they act both as a Pilot and Operator simultaneously.

• UAS operators must register as part of the OPEN category to be compliant with regulations. Drones with a mass greater than 250g or less than 250g but can fly at speeds over 90km/h and are equipped with either a camera or microphone will require registration.
• According to the SPECIFIC classification, all operators are required to register.

Starting your registration process with the CAA website is easy and straightforward. With a valid UAS operator registration number, you must renew annually using the same procedure. You’ll continue to use the same number unless it’s removed from our registry for good.

Operation Categories in European Union

The European Union has established four distinct categories of drones, each with regulations and requirements to be operated lawfully.

Open Category

If your drone is in the “open” category, you are able to soar without requiring authorization as long as it meets certain safety requirements. Open-category drones include all aircraft that weigh 25kg or less and are not intended for commercial purposes.

Though no permit is necessary in this case, be sure to follow any regulations outlined by EASA when flying these types of crafts.

The European Union has recently seen an explosion of open-category drones due to their various advantages. These drones are cost-effective and widely accessible for many professional and recreational functions.

Drones are seen as more approachable than other unmanned aircraft systems and have the potential to revolutionize aviation and transport.

Of course, there are some difficulties associated with drone use in Europe, but it is undoubtedly clear that these aircraft will be a critical component of transportation in the future.

Specific Category

If you’re looking to operate a specific-category drone, there are certain limitations that come with it, and not all commercial activities will be available. For example, photographing or filming people must have explicit consent before being allowed.

To ensure compliance with regulations, reach out to EASA for any additional restrictions and advice regarding the usage of your specific category drone.

If you’re looking to purchase a drone, it’s important to note that specific types within the 25kg and 150kg weight range require authorization from regulatory authorities before they can launch.

Lowest Price Drones states that these particular drones are only suitable for commercial use; if you wish to fly one of them, obtaining an EASA permit is required prior to takeoff.

Certified Category

Before utilizing a certified category drone for commercial purposes, it’s essential to adhere to the safety regulations established by EASA–the European Union’s aviation regulator. This agency has created various certification programs for different types of drones.

For any model that weighs more than 150kg, you must acquire an approved permit from the governing body in order to operate legally and safely. Therefore, reach out to them first before taking off.

Also Read: Drone Laws in Arizona

Denmark Civil Aviation Administration(CAA)

The Denmark Civil Aviation Administration, or CAA, is responsible for regulating and monitoring the airspace of Denmark. CAA’s airspace jurisdiction extends to land, sea, and air transport, making it one of the most powerful aviation authorities in the world.

CAA creates strict rules and regulations on all types of aircraft within its borders, including drones and unmanned aerial vehicles.

CAA has implemented a number of initiatives to promote safe flight operations, which include commercial drone regulations based on technological advancements, compliance with international standards, and a commitment to support environmental protection policies.

CAA is also tasked with ensuring that Danish airspace remains free from security threats such as illegal military activities or terrorist attacks, ensuring that passengers are able to travel safely while enjoying their journey as they explore the beauty of Denmark.

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is a regulatory authority that primarily aims to uphold aviation security across Europe. Working in close partnership with national governments, industry members, and other stakeholders, EASA emphasizes risk prevention to guarantee safe travel for all EU citizens.

As drones become increasingly prevalent for both recreational and professional use, regulating these unmanned vehicles has become one of the agency’s top priorities.

To ensure the safe and responsible utilization of drones, the agency has set out rules and regulations regarding their operation. Such laws include setting a minimum height requirement as well as a distance to be kept away from people or edifices.

Additionally, the EASA is hard at work crafting an official Drone Operations Manual that will provide instructions on how best to fly drones safely while adhering to standards.

As drone usage increases in popularity, it’s paramount that the EASA ensures they are operated with care.

Also Read: Drone Laws in Poland: Rules To Follow

No Drone Zones

No drone zones are areas where unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones cannot operate due to legal restrictions and regulations.

Established no drone zones can be government-mandated, like airspace around airports and military airfields, or established and designed at a more localized level as safety measures for people, properties, and animals.

These zones also typically come with a range of penalties for those who decide to ignore the laws and take the risk of flying their drones there anyway.

To make sure that you are abiding by local regulations, it is important to research any defined no-fly zones before launching a UAV in order to avoid potential fines.

Being aware of No Drone Zones

To find out where no drone zones are located, it is important to research the regulations in your area. In some cases, local governments may post signs that define restricted areas, while others may have an online map showing all prohibited airspace.

Additionally, most drones come with a “no-fly zone” preloaded feature that can be activated before takeoff. This will alert the user if their UAV enters an unauthorized zone and prevent them from flying there.

Conclusion

The rules and regulations surrounding drone use in Denmark are constantly changing. By understanding the current laws, staying aware of any updates, registering your drone, and taking all necessary safety precautions when operating a drone, you can ensure that everyone stays safe while enjoying this fun and fascinating activity.

With these guidelines in mind, now go out there and take to the skies. It is important to remember that operating drones recreationally or commercially in Denmark comes with certain responsibilities and risks that must be taken seriously at all times.

Always refer to the most up-to-date information on Danish laws governing drone use before taking off, as local regulations may vary from area to area.

We hope this article provided you with the insights that you needed. Don’t hesitate to leave us a comment and share your thoughts or experience!