Drone Laws in Slovakia (2024 Updated): All You Need To Know

Drones in Slovakia have become a growing source of entertainment and innovation throughout the region. Drone technology has advanced to become more accessible, affordable, and easy to use for anyone with interest in taking to the skies.

In many areas of Slovakia, drones are now used as tools for scientific research, surveillance, and recreation, such as filming or photography for a unique bird’s eye view of the countryside or cities.

Navigating the diverse drone laws throughout Europe can be a daunting task, and when it comes to Slovakia, there is a set of regulations to follow.

As reported usage of drones increases across one of the most beautiful countries in central Europe, both recreational, as well as commercial operators must be aware of their legal responsibility under Slovakian law.

In this blog post, we explore what you need to know about drone laws in Slovakia, from liberty-granting legislation around airspace access to strict no-fly zones that are designed for safety reasons. 

General Drone Laws to Follow in Slovakia (2024)

Drone operators in Slovakia must register every drone and strictly abide by the associated regulations.

• In the Open category, drones may be flown up to a dizzying 50 meters (170 feet) above ground level or sea level. For those who need more elevation for their work, there’s also a Specific category – with an altitude limit of 120 meters (400 feet). The CAA can even provide exemptions to operators of particular drone categories as needed.
• Maintaining visual contact with the drone is obligatory, and keeping a distance of no more than 500 meters from it should be respected.
• To ensure the safety of all, do not fly in close proximity to residential or populated areas.
• To ensure the safety of our residential areas, a one-kilometer buffer zone should be maintained at all times.
• To ensure safety, a distance of 500 meters from any isolated property, people, vehicles, animals, or infrastructure must be maintained without the /person’s consent.
• For the purpose of safety, maintain a distance of eight kilometers away from airports and three kilometers away from heliports when flying.
• Under no circumstances is it acceptable to fly a drone in the dark.
• Under no circumstances is it permissible to fly over, within, or near military installations, public utility installations, archaeological sites, or any other private and/or public facilities.

Drone Pilot Registration in Slovakia

EU Regulation 2019/947 requires that UAS Operators register before flying. The Remote Pilot in charge of the drone must obey all their operator’s instructions and hold full responsibility for any operation they conduct.

Usually, both roles are held by one person when it comes to solo flights in the OPEN category. With such regulations, this ensures a safe flight experience for everyone involved.

• For those that qualify under the OPEN category, registration is required for unmanned aerial systems (UAS) operators with a weight heavier than 250g and an operational speed at or above 90km/h, which are also equipped with either a camera or microphone.
• All operators must register in the SPECIFIC category without exception.
• It is essential to remember that legal entities must register their business activities in the nation where they primarily operate, and registration can only be carried out within one Member State.

Beginning the UAS operator registration process is easy; you must follow the online procedure. Once registered, your number will stay valid for one year and must be renewed annually by repeating the same procedure unless you wish to permanently opt out of registering.

As long as you maintain your current status in this system, your existing number should remain active.

Also Read: Drone Laws in Finland: All You Need To Know

Operation Categories in European Union

The European Union has classified drones into three distinct categories, each with its own specific set of rules and regulations that must be adhered to.

Open category

If you want to take flight without the hassle of obtaining special authorization, then consider procuring an “open” category drone. Operators must adhere strictly to EASA safety regulations as these units are non-commercial and cannot exceed 25 kg in weight.

The great thing is that one will not need prior permission before operating; this doesn’t mean ignorance or carelessness should be overlooked though.

The European Union sees an unprecedented rise in open-category drones due to their far-reaching advantages. These unmanned aerial vehicles are affordable and dependable, making them a great choice for hobbyists and business owners alike.

Their range of uses makes these drones highly sought after – whether you’re looking for recreational purposes or commercial operations, they can provide all that and more.

Drones are more comfortable to manage than other unmanned aerial vehicles and will undoubtedly revolutionize the whole industry of aviation and transportation.

Despite certain restrictions that drones face in the EU, it is evident that these flying contraptions will be a fundamental part of our transport system going forward.

Specific category

Compared to the open category, the specific one is usually thought of as more limiting, and not all commercial activities are unrestricted. To illustrate, you would need unequivocal permission from those involved if you wished to take pictures or film them with a drone.

To stay away from any risk of violating regulations during operation, it’s highly recommended that an individual consults EASA ahead of time for additional insight on various restrictions governing use inside this field.

For those looking to operate drones for commercial use, Lowest Price Drones has exactly what you need. Their lightweight models range from 25kg-150kg and require an EASA permit before they can take off – a simple process that quickly grants the necessary permission. If your company is in search of a dependable aerial solution, this is the way to go!

Certified category

If you’re eager to operate a certified-category drone, speaking with the European Union’s aviation regulator (EASA) and having your unmanned aircraft exceed 150kg in weight prior is essential.

Obtaining approval from EASA would then grant those drones the authority of commercial use. With this authorization, these drones will be able to safely meet any regulatory standards set by EASA that guarantee safety for all users.

Also Read: New Drone Laws in Australia

Commercial Drone Laws in Slovakia

If you’re a commercial user of drones in Slovakia, it is mandatory that you obtain permission to carry out aerial projects. This authorization necessitates the following:

• Acquiring an allowance for drone photography
• Safeguarding third-party liability coverage for your UAVs
• Registering your aircraft with the Transport Office of Slovakia
• Drafting an operational handbook and keeping a flight record book.

Gaining a permit to fly a drone involves passing both theoretical and practical exams administered by the Transport Authority. To excel in the theory exam, applicants must answer at least 75% of questions correctly for each subject.

If you want to pass the practical test, you must demonstrate to the Transport Office examiner that you are fully qualified and proficient in utilizing Slovakia’s airspace safely and responsibly.

When flying in regulated airspace, it is no longer necessary to have a radio for communication. Instead, the pilot or other service personnel must now be contactable through two phone numbers.

To ensure a smooth journey on your commercial flight in controlled airspace, please take the following steps 24 hours prior:

• Send an email providing details and make a phone call to confirm.
• Throughout your trip, make sure to stay connected by calling before, during, and after you fly for any changes or notifications about the completion of the flight.

Depending on the type of operations you are planning, there may be additional requirements that will need to be fulfilled.

Civil Aviation Authority of the Transportation Office (CAA)

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Transportation Office of Slovakia (CAA) is a governmental organization focused on overseeing safe aviation operations in Slovak airspace.

As drones become an increasingly popular form of transportation and leisure activity, the CAA is hard at work developing regulatory frameworks for drones.

In their mission to make Slovak airspace a safer, more efficient operating area for all aircraft forms, the CAA strives to ensure drones are operated safely through alliances with research and development institutions worldwide.

In addition to providing detailed regulations on drones, they also provide resources such as educational training materials and drone safety tips to encourage citizens to be aware of their legal obligations when flying drones.

The CAA’s dedication to promoting safe skies across Slovakia has greatly supported the development of drones in recent years.

Also Read: Updated Drone Laws In Turkey: Rules You Must Know

European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)

Established in 2002, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is a powerful governing body responsible for setting and enforcing aviation safety standards across the European Aviation Safety System.

Its mission is to ensure a high level of safety while at the same time promoting opportunities for innovation and growth in terms of airspace usage.

Primarily concerned with aviation safety, EASA also maintains policies that many drones must operate under, especially drones used for commercial reasons, such as photography or cargo delivery drones.

Commercial drones also require a unique certification from EASA due to their increased complexity and impact on commercial situations such as privacy, airspace use, and national security.

The agency’s role in maintaining international standards for drones cannot go unnoticed since drones are increasingly being used to far greater degrees than ever before.

No Drone Zones in Slovakia

No drone zones are designated geographic locations where drones (remotely-operated unmanned aerial appliances used for various purposes) are restricted or prohibited.

The regulations and definitions of these zones can vary between countries, in Slovakia, no drone zones are generally defined as any airspace that has been set up specifically as an exclusion zone when it comes to drones.

These areas range from national parks and nature reserves to nuclear power plants and government buildings. Additionally, any public places that are not covered under its aviation laws are classed as no drone zones unless permission has been sought by the relevant authorities beforehand.

With stricter regulations being implemented around the world, it is essential for individuals traveling with drones to research the no-drone zone regulations before taking off.

FAQs

Conclusion

It is essential for drone operators in Slovakia to be aware of the specific regulations governing the operation of drones within the country. Drone operations must comply with these laws and should respect all safety protocols to ensure a successful and safe flight experience.

With careful planning, operators can take advantage of Slovakia’s incredible beauty from the air while staying within the boundaries set by law. 

By respecting Slovakian laws and being mindful of safety guidelines in place, you will dramatically improve your chances of having an enjoyable and safe flying experience.

We hope this blog post has helped you gain a better understanding of the drone laws in Slovakia so that you can get out there with confidence. Feel free to comment and share.