A list of drone regulations and links for drone pilots in France.
DRONE REGULATIONS IN FRANCE
According to the national aviation authority in France, the French Civil Aviation Authority, flying a drone is legal in France, but we recommend that you learn and follow the drone regulations below before doing so.
If you would like to contact the French Civil Aviation Authority directly before traveling with any questions you may have, send them a message on Twitter: @DGAC
Why fly a drone in France? To capture stunning aerial photos like these!
General Rules for Flying a Drone in France
Based on our research and interpretation of the laws, here are the most important rules to know when flying a drone in France.
- All drones weighing 800g or more must be registered by their owner on AlphaTango, the public portal for remotely piloted aircraft users. The drone then receives a registration number that must be permanently and visibly affixed to the drone and must be readable from a distance of 30 centimeters with the naked eye. The drone pilot must be able to provide proof of registration in the event of an inspection.
- Drone pilots must maintain a visual line of sight with their drones at all times. If a visual observer follows the drone, the pilot may fly beyond their own line of sight.
- Drones may not be flown at night (except with special authorization from the local prefect).
- Drones may not fly over people; over airports or aerodromes; over private property (unless authorized by the owner); over military installations, prisons, nuclear power plants, historic monuments, or national parks. Use this map to locate flight restrictions by geolocation.
- Drones also may not fly over ongoing fires, accident sites, or around emergency services.
- Drones may not fly higher than 150 meters (492 feet) or more than 50 meters (164 feet) above any object or building that is 100 meters (328 feet) or taller.
Rules for Flying a Drone Commercially in France
Based on our research, here are the additional requirements for flying a drone commercially in France.
- Drone pilots who fly for purposes other than recreation (commercial drone pilots) must pass a theory exam. The exam can be taken online or at specific DSAC facilities. The procedures for taking this exam are described on this page. After passing the exam, the pilot will receive a remote pilot theory certificate. The pilot must have it printed and carry it during all flights.
- Commercial drone pilots must also complete basic practical training. The operator must define and provide the necessary supplementary training, taking into account the types of aircraft they use and the specific activities they carry out. Upon completion of the training, training organizations will issue remote pilots a training completion certificate for the corresponding scenarios.
- A drone pilot may not conduct their own practical training.
Rules for Flying a Drone for Recreational Purposes in France
Based on our research, here are the additional requirements for flying a drone for recreational purposes in France.
- Drone pilots who fly for leisure or recreation do not need a training certificate only when their drone’s mass is less than 800 grams.
- Drone pilots operating a remotely piloted aircraft of 800 g or more for recreational purposes must complete training. This training can be either: (1) the Fox AlphaTango training offered by the DGAC, or (2) training provided by the FFAM or UFOLEP that is recognized as equivalent by the DGAC.
For more information on French drone legislation, see this page on the website of the French Civil Aviation Authority as well as this detailed legal report.
Do you know something we don’t about drone laws in France? Send us an email at [email protected]. We are not international aviation lawyers and do our best to keep this page up to date for drone pilots, but the reality is that given the pace of the small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) industry and the way governments respond, drone regulations in France can change throughout the year, and these changes can be hard to keep up with. If we’ve missed something, please contact us to let us know.