Legal drone flight in Romania requires compliance with a harmonised European framework (EU Regulation 2019/947) and national regulations. This guide brings together all essential steps — from your first purchase to documenting each flight.

1. Classify the drone and the operation

Open category (most pilots)

For low-risk operations: drones below mass limits, altitude 120 m, distances from people according to subcategory (A1, A3, A2).

Specific category

For complex missions — close to structures, BVLOS, over crowds — operational authorisation from AACR is required.

2. Registration and competency

| Step | Where | Details | |------|-------|---------| | UAS operator | AACR (uas.caa.ro) | Operator number, applied on the drone | | A1/A3 | AACR platform | Online theoretical exam | | A2 (optional) | AACR | For proximity to residential areas | | Drone marking | On the equipment | According to mass and class |

Detailed guide: How to obtain A1/A3 category

3. Mandatory pre-flight checks

UAS zones (geo-zones)

Consult the ROMATSA catalogue and the integrated map. See how to check UAS zones.

NOTAM

Check temporary restrictions on the day of the flight. See what is a NOTAM.

Weather and local risk

Wind, visibility, obstacles, power lines, private spaces.

4. Additional authorisations

MoD/MApN clearance

Mandatory in zones indicated by HG 859/2011. See how to obtain MoD/MApN clearance.

AACR / ATC authorisations

For Specific category operations or zones with special requirements.

5. Operating rules (Open category)

  • Maximum altitude: 120 m above the nearest point to the Earth's surface
  • Keep the drone in VLOS (visual line of sight) unless otherwise authorised
  • Do not fly over assemblies of people without authorisation
  • Respect distances from airports and sensitive zones
  • Do not fly under the influence of alcohol or substances

6. Flight logbook

The regulation requires records of operations. Document:

  • date, time, duration
  • location and coordinates
  • pre-flight check results
  • clearances / authorisations applied
  • incidents or deviations

Drone Log offers an integrated logbook linked to map verification checks.

7. Complete pre-flight checklist

□ UAS operator registered
□ Valid A1/A3 competency (or higher)
□ Drone marked and maintained
□ UAS zones checked
□ NOTAM checked (on flight day)
□ MoD/MApN / AACR clearance obtained (if required)
□ Acceptable weather
□ Emergency plan (RTH, contact)
□ Logbook ready for entry

8. Penalties — why compliance matters

Illegal flight can lead to fines, confiscation, and criminal liability. Details: Drone fines in Romania.

9. Useful resources

  • AACR — uas.caa.ro (operator, exams)
  • ROMATSA — UAS zones and NOTAMs
  • EASA — EU drone guides
  • Drone Log — map, HG 859 requests, logbook

Conclusion

Legal flight is not complicated if you integrate the steps into your routine: certification, map verification, clearances when needed, logbook after every mission. Drone Log centralises the tools — you remain responsible for following the rules on every flight.