How to read the ROMATSA map for drones

ROMATSA’s interactive map is the official source for temporary restrictions and special airspace in Romania. Whatever your drone’s weight, you must check NOTAMs and displayed zones before take-off — Drone Log helps you interpret them for your planned date and time.

What the ROMATSA map is

Romanian Air Traffic Services Administration publishes CTR/TMA areas, R/P/D, TRA/TSA, and active NOTAMs on the interactive map. Each coloured area has a code (e.g. RZ), vertical limits, and sometimes contact or authorisation instructions.

ROMATSA interactive map · Create account — map check

Colours on the ROMATSA map

• Purple (violet) — restricted zones or areas requiring prior approval — often linked to military structures or special regimes. Read the zone description and notification procedure.
• Yellow — active NOTAM: temporary restriction with time window and vertical limits. Flying may be possible below or above the ceiling, but only if you comply with the NOTAM conditions.
• Blue — special air activities or controlled airspace near aerodromes — check AACR Annex 3 contacts and any coordination requests.

On the Drone Log map, the red layer shows national UAS zones and the yellow layer NOTAMs filtered for your planned date and time. Details in the drone area check guide.

Vertical limits (Lower / Upper limit)

Each zone or NOTAM states from which altitude the restriction starts and where it ends. Terms often appear as GND (ground), metres AGL, or Flight Level (FL).

• Lower limit — if GND, the restriction starts at ground level; without approval or notification per the NOTAM you cannot operate within the window.
• Upper limit — maximum ceiling of the restriction; above it you may fly only if no other local limits apply.
• Time windows may be in UTC (ZULU) — compare with your planned local flight time.

NOTAMs and drone flying

A NOTAM announces temporary changes: military exercises, official visits, works, or TRA/TSA activations. They apply to all UAVs, including under 250 g. See what NOTAM means for the difference from permanent UAS zones.

How to check an active NOTAM

1. Open the ROMATSA map or Drone Log and zoom to your take-off area.
2. Click the coloured polygon and note the NOTAM or zone code.
3. Read validity period, times, Lower/Upper limit, and activity type.
4. Check whether notification, authorisation, or a contact (email/phone from the NOTAM) is required.
5. Plan route and altitude outside the active window or postpone the flight.

CTR/TMA near aerodromes

The CTR/TMA outline marks controlled airspace around airports. Depending on your subcategory (A1/A3, A2) and proximity to the runway, extra coordination may be required — read the zone description and AACR Annex 1 / Annex 3.

Quick pre-flight planning

1. Open an up-to-date map (ROMATSA + Drone Log for planned date/time).
2. Identify zone colour and code — purple, yellow, or blue.
3. Read the NOTAM: vertical limits, periods, contact instructions.
4. If the zone requires approval, prepare the request before take-off.
5. Monitor updates — NOTAMs can change until flight day.