Information for Drone pilots intending to operate in the area of Marbella

iTell Aviation SL. / HeliAir Marbella is responsible for Marbella Heliport with the ICAO code LEMB. Our helicopters usually operate between Malaga and Estepona but are mainly flying around Marbella, Estepona and Ronda. Drone pilots must be very careful to operate their drones around or nearby the areas of Marbella Heliport, see our approach charts with associated information (link to charts). We highly recommend for safety coordination that all Drone Pilots who intending to operate in area of Marbella are using their own flight radio and listen to Marbella Heliport’s official radio frequency of 129.825 MHz. Our helicopter pilots always transmit mandatory radio messages during take-off and landing procedures.

IMPOTANCE: HeliAir Marbella does not issue any permits or other documents regarding Drone Pilots who intend to operate around Marbella. It is entirely the Drone Pilot’s own responsibility to be well knowledgeable in regulations and handle their flight operations with safety and caution proceedings. As previously stated, HeliAir Marbella recommends Drone pilots always use their own flight radio and listen to the heliport’s official frequency of 129.825 MHz – within all matters to achieve a safe flight coordination.

Links to Insigna for information:

https://insignia.enaire.es

Please find below a brief information through AESA about their rules and regulations operating drones in Spain.

UAS Laws – General rules for flying drones in Spain

The Spanish agency responsible for drone safety, AESA, has provided several internet-accessible details on flying drones for fun or work. The highlights are enumerated below. For more details, go to the links above.

Flying and operating drones in Spain are subject to European Union Regulation 2019/947. The Agencia Estatal de Seguridad Aerea (AESA) supervises and implements the Regulation in Spain. This reform aims to create a truly harmonized drone market in Europe with the highest level of safety. In practice, it means that once a drone Οperator has received authorization from its state of registry, it will be allowed to circulate in the European Union freely. According to the level of risk involved, this new legal framework will introduce three categories of drone operations: Open, Specific, and Certified.

Drone operations are to be conducted according to the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945 and Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947 (as amended).

Are drones allowed in Spain?

According to AESA, drones are allowed in Spain, subject to AESA and EASA regulations. Read on for details.

Since 31 December 2020, the European regulations of UAS (drones) have been applicable. This standard affects all drones regardless of their use* (recreative or professional) or size/weight. This section collects the minimum obligations to be fulfilled before flying any drone:

• Registration as operator: All users intending to fly a drone must register at the AESA website and obtain the operator number according to European regulations (UAS Operator Registration section). Once the operator number has been obtained, this number should be visibly included in the drone.
• Training as a pilot: To fly a drone, you must have a minimum of qualifying training depending on the operational category in which it is operated. The training and examination of knowledge to operate a drone in an open category, subcategories A1 and A3, is accessible via the AESA website (UAS Pilot Training section). The training is telematic and free, and after passing the online exam, AESA will issue you a certificate.

Here are the most important rules to know for flying a drone in Spain:

Drone operators must register all drones in Spain. Following registration, you must adhere to the following rules.

• Drones may fly up to 120 meters (400 feet). (The AESA may grant exemptions to operators of specific category drones.)
• Direct visual contact with the drone is required, and the operating distance should not exceed 500 meters.
• Avoid flying too close to residential areas or populated areas.
• Maintain a safety buffer zone of one kilometer around residential areas.
• Unless the owner/person consents, a safety distance of 500 meters from isolated buildings, people, vehicles, animals, and structures is required.
• Avoid flying near airports and heliports. Stay a minimum of eight (8) kilometers away from airports and three (3) kilometers from heliports for safety.
• At no time is it permissible to fly a drone at night.
• There shall be no flying over, within, or near military installations, public utility installations, archaeological sites, or public or private facilities.

Useful published information on flying drones in Spain:

• Where you are allowed to fly a drone in Spain
• Register as drone operator in Spain
• Online drone pilot training and tests in Spain 
• Apply for an authorisation to fly in Spain