A drone remains a non-autonomous device controlled by a human being. For safety reasons, and to protect property and people, remote pilots must demonstrate complete mastery of their device and possess the necessary theoretical knowledge for its operation.

What does drone regulation say for remote pilots?

Within the framework of drone regulations and drone legislation, there is first of all an age constraint. For the operational flight scenarios S1-S2-S3, The minimum age requirement is 16 years old. Regarding the flight scenarios type S4 or specific, the required age is raised to 18 years of age or older.

Next, (with the exception of piloting tethered balloons), the drone remote pilot must have and/or acquire a certain number of theoretical and practical skills. These are validated by obtaining a certificate of competence or theoretical aptitude certificate for remote pilots awarded after successful completion of a multiple-choice theoretical exam organized by the DGAC and by a drone training completion certificate For the practical part. Every remote pilot must have completed theoretical and practical training to fly a professional drone.

Note that these drone pilot training certificates differ depending on the flight scenarios considered (S1-S2-S3-S4). For multiple scenarios, certificates for each desired flight scenario must be obtained. Additional training may be required on a case-by-case basis, depending on the specific characteristics of the flight/mission type.

Note that a drone pilot operating before the 1^er January 2020 will be exempt from providing proof of these training courses (theoretical and practical) if he can provide evidence that he was registered in the MAP of a drone operator before this date (cf. current regulations concerning drone pilots).

For drones more than 25 kilograms, a certificate of competence specific A certificate issued by the DSAC is required, as well as a... demonstration flight implementing the flight conditions targeted by the remote pilot.

 

What are the specific constraints of an S4 type drone scenario?

In an S4 flight scenario, the remote pilot will be required to hold a helicopter, airplane, or glider pilot's license AND have practical experience. minimum of 50 flight hours on airplane, helicopter or glider as pilot-in-command.

Before any drone piloting, The remote pilot must be able to demonstrate having acquired practical experience in the preceding six months. 10-hour flight with a remotely piloted aircraft of the same model.

A remote pilot cannot operate a new model drone or new remotely piloted aircraft. within the framework of scenario S-4, that if, during the preceding 6 months, he has completed either a flight during which he performed the tasks required for the flight under the supervision of another remote pilot, with this model of remotely piloted aircraft, or 5 hours of flight beyond visual line of sight within the framework of scenario S-2 with this model of remotely piloted aircraft.

The remote pilot must also keep up to date a record containing for each flight carried out within the framework of scenario S4, the date of the flight, its duration, the type of aircraft, the locations of the ground station, the take-off and landing location, where applicable the duration of the part of the flight carried out during the aeronautical night, the name of the operator, the reference of the file co-signed by the operator and his client and where applicable the registration number of the drone with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation.

What are the current regulations concerning drone pilots?

This is the’Order of May 18, 2018, relating to the requirements applicable to remote pilots operating unmanned civil aircraft for purposes other than recreation, which is currently in force since the 1^er July 2018. However, as mentioned in previous articles, European directives on drone activities will lead to the entry into force of new laws and regulations. Remote pilots will therefore need to pay close attention to these changes and make the necessary adjustments as required.

What are the risks in case of an offence?

Any remote pilot in violation of regulations (not qualified AND/OR not complying with aviation regulations, overflight of private property and transport of goods during flights) may be liable to a penalty of up to 1 year imprisonment and a fine of €45,000.

As a drone pilot, what can the GESTADRONE solution offer you?

Drone Geofencing, in its software GESTADRONE, [Company Name] provides its users with a dedicated "Remote Pilot" module focused entirely on this regulatory aspect. This allows remote pilots, even before planning their mission, to verify that they are compliant with all administrative requirements regarding their age, skills, experience, and current air regulations. All this information is centralized and accessible directly from the "Remote Pilot" module of the application. GESTADRONE. But the GESTADRONE drone software goes further. It allows you to submit your specific drone operator activity declarations. All activity declarations can be made online before flying a drone. Don't hesitate to contact us to learn more if you'd like to become a drone pilot or if you're already a professional pilot.