The new European drone rules will not enter into force on 1 July 2020, but on 31 December 2020. This has been decided by the European Commission. Due to the outbreak of COVID-19, necessary international meetings on the harmonization and implementation of the rules have been canceled in recent months. With the postponement, Member States now have until the end of this year to properly coordinate the introduction of the new rules.
Business drone pilots can continue working for another year after the introduction of the new rules on December 31, based on a current ROC light exemption or ROC permit. However, they are obliged to be registered in the new European drone register on 31 December 2020 when European regulations are introduced.
With the introduction of new regulations, drone rules in the EU are harmonized. In the Netherlands this means, among other things, that drone pilots have to take a test on their knowledge of aviation rules and safety. Drone operators also have to register and zones can be set up locally where it is possible to deviate from the general rules, for example to make testing and experimenting with drones easier.
You can fly as a private person with a drone, if you follow the rules. For example, you should always be able to see your drone. You may also not fly above contiguous buildings. For safety reasons you may don't fly everywhere with your drone. For example, you should not fly near an airport. You should also not fly higher than 120 meters above ground or water. The map shows which areas are prohibited for drones.
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