Drone laws Denmark [March 2023] [Rules & How to Register]

In this article we will explore the drone rules and regulations of uavs/drones/model aircraft in Denmark. We will take a look at strict legislation that has been put forth by the Danish Aeronautical Agency, both for recreational and commercial usages of drones.

We’ll also explore the rules and regulations on where you can fly your drone in Denmark as well as some interesting tips on what to do if you plan on flying your drone there.

Drone Laws Denmark

Drones Are Not Allowed To Fly Over People Or Animals

While drones in Denmark are allowed to be flown above people, this is only acceptable if the drone doesn’t fly over 150 meters above the people. Drones should also be kept at least 50 meters away from people, buildings, roads and railways. The same rule applies to animals.

Additionally, drones are not permitted to fly within 5 km of an airport or 8 km of a military airbase. This rule is different for larger aircraft – they can fly up to 120 meters high over forests or public parks but cannot fly over military installations and emergency service operations.

Drones Weighing At Least 250 Grams

• You must display your name and address on your drone in a legible, durable fashion.
• The label must be readable from the ground with the naked eye, and it must be placed in a visible place on the drone.

Drones Are Not Allowed To Fly Higher Than 120 Metres Above Ground

So you’re looking to try out your drone in Denmark.

Drones are often used for filming and photography, so they can be ideal for travellers who want a new perspective on the country.

However, here are some things that you need to know before taking flight:

• Drones Are Not Allowed To Fly Higher Than 120 Metres Above Ground. If you want to film or take pictures from higher up than this, you will need to apply for permission from the Danish Transport, Construction and Housing Authority (known as Trafikstyrelsen in Danish) at least 14 days before your planned flight.
• Drone pilots must stay at least 5km from airports, helipads and hospitals (unless they have explicit permission from the airport or hospital). You should also avoid flying over other people’s property without their consent because it is considered a violation of privacy – and could get you in serious trouble with the police!

A Drone Must Always Be Kept In Sight Of The Operator

• A Drone Must Always Be Kept In Sight Of The Operator, who must also keep a safe distance from bystanders and animals. For example, if your drone weighs between 250 grams and 25 kg, you need to stay at least 30 meters away from people or animals.
• You must always be able to control the drone. This means that you cannot fly the drone for a long time without being aware of what’s going on around it. Nor can you fly it when you are mentally or physically unable to do so (for example, because you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol).
• The operator is responsible for any damage caused by flying a drone. To avoid having to pay compensation, only fly your drone where there is no danger of it hitting anything if something happens to go wrong with its operation.

Operator’s Responsibilities

• It is the operator’s responsibility that their drone does not pose a risk to civil aircraft, people or animals.
• Drones Are Not Allowed To Fly Over People Or Animals.
• Drones Are Not Allowed To Fly Higher Than 120 Metres Above Ground.

The Use Of Drones Is Prohibited Near Airport

When flying your drone, it is illegal and inadvisable to do so within 5 km of an airport or 8 km of a military airbase. It is also best to avoid flying near helipads and hospitals where air ambulance helicopters land.

Additionally, you should ensure that your drone remains within line of sight at all times, as this will allow you to safely navigate the airspace and minimize the risk of accidents.

Learn These Rules Before Operating Your Drone

There are four steps to becoming a safe and responsible drone pilot. First, you need to decide what kind of drone you will fly. Second, you need to learn the rules for flying drones in Denmark.

Third, you need to get an operator’s certificate if you’ll be using your drone for commercial purposes. And finally, register your drone with the Danish Transport Authority so that no one can fly or buy it but you.

Here’s what else you need to know:

• You must remain in line of sight of your drone at all times while operating it.
• If you’re on a plane and the pilot thinks your drone might affect the safety of the plane, they can order your drone down.
• You must not carry out any activity with a small unmanned aircraft that could endanger any person or property on land or water (including national airspace).

How To Register Drones In Denmark

The Rules For Flying A Drone In Denmark

Good news! The Danish Transport Ministry wants to make sure that you, the drone pilot, abide by these rules at all times:

• You must not fly in closed areas or nature preserves.
• You must not fly over people.
• You must not fly over houses.
• You must not fly at night.
• You should not fly in bad weather (snow, strong winds, heavy rain).

Register Your Drone As Soon As You Have Its Serial Number

As soon as you have your drone’s serial number, you should register it with the Danish Transport Authority (Trafik- og Byggestyrelsen).

There is a registration fee of 500 kroner (or about $75 USD), and the registration must be renewed each year. The process itself is simple, but you’ll need to make sure you have the following documentation:

• A paper showing your drone’s serial number (from the retailer or from the manufacturer’s website)
• Your name
• Your address in Denmark

You can complete this entire process online.

You Have To Be 16 Or Older To Fly A Drone

• If you are younger than 16 years old and can get approval from your parents or guardian, you can still register your drone.
• If you are between 16 and 18, or if you are over 65 years old, a exemption may be given to let you fly a drone labeled as “just for fun”.

How Long You Have To Wait For Approval

If you’re planning to fly your drone in Denmark, keep in mind that it needs to be approved by the Danish Transport Authority before you can take it out of the box.

Approval can take up to three weeks, so drones that are bought on impulse or for a single use will likely have to sit unused until approval is given. If your drone has not been approved, do not attempt to fly it.

If it has been approved, but you haven’t received confirmation that this is the case, do not attempt to fly it. You will be fined if you break these rules.

Get A Medical Certificate If You Are Over The Age Of 65

You need a medical certificate if you are over the age of 65 and want to fly a drone. The Danish Transport Authority must be able to prove that you are in good health before they allow you to register your drone.

You can get a medical certificate from your doctor. You need to have a medical examination every year before you renew your registration.

Which Drones Require Approval

You need approval for flying drones weighing over 250 grams.

If your drone weighs between 250 grams and 2 kilograms, then you must get approval from the Danish Transport Authority (Trafikstyrelsen) to fly it.

You must also do this if your drone weighs more than 2 kilograms and can carry up to 5 kilograms of extra weight through a “payload.” If your drone weighs over 25 kilograms, you need permission from the Civil Aviation Administration (Luftfartsstyrelsen).

Approval Process May Takes Longer

Registering your drone may be quick and easy, but the approval process takes longer. The DRV has up to 60 days to approve your request.

The DRV can extend a medical certificate for up to 12 months if you send them a medical report from a doctor stating that you are still fit enough to fly a drone.

Are Drones Allowed In Denmark

Drones Are Not Allowed To Fly Higher Than 120 Meters

Most drones are not allowed to fly higher than 120 meters.

Flying your drone higher than 120 meters should only be done if it is absolutely necessary, e.g. to avoid an obstacle or in emergency situations – but only if the operator is able to maintain control of the drone and there is no risk of disturbing others. The maximum flying height applies from the moment you launch your drone, until you land it again.

The Owner Of The Drone Must Be 18 Years Or Older

Some guidelines for drone ownership and usage are as follows:

• You must be at least 18 years old to fly a drone. If you are under 18, you may not fly a drone.
• If your drone weighs between 250 grams and 25 kilograms, and if you wish to use it within the city limits of Copenhagen, Aarhus, or Odense, then you’ll need a permit. It costs $150 to apply for this permit (which lasts two years), but the application process isn’t terribly complicated.
• The Danish Transport Authority’s website has more details in English on what documents they’ll require from prospective drone pilots in order to grant such a permit.

Not Allowed To Get Closer Than 150 Meters

If you want to fly near people, roads or buildings, you must stay at least 150 meters away from other people.

The distances depends on the size of your drone. If it weighs more than 1kg and less than 25kg, you must stay at least 50 meters away from other people. If it weighs more than 25kg, you must stay at least 150 meters away from other people.

You measure the distance by going directly (as straight as possible) towards the nearest person

Not Allowed To Fly The Drone Within 5 Kilometers From Airports

When you fly your drone in Denmark, you’re not allowed to get closer than 5 kilometers from an airport or an airfield. This is to ensure that there is no interference with commercial flights or other drones.

Drones Must Always Remain In Visible Distance

When flying your drone in Denmark, you must always be able to see the drone at all times. You should use a drone that has enough visibility to see it from the distance at which you are flying. The larger and more easily identifiable the drone is, the better.

In addition to being able to clearly see your drone, you will also want to be able to avoid flying in conditions that might impair visibility like fog or rain. Another good rule of thumb for avoiding losing sight of your drone is also not to fly at night or over reflective surfaces like water.

If your line of sight becomes obstructed by an obstacle or other object, use a two-way audio system (like a walkie talkie) if possible when communicating with people around your flight area so they can help maintain line of sight on the device until it’s clear again and you can confirm where the device is currently located in order to regain visual contact.

It Is Not Permitted To Take Pictures Of People

Basic rules for flying drones in Denmark:

• Your drone must not be equipped with a camera.
• Your drone must not fly higher than 120 meters above ground level.
• Your drone must remain at least 150 meters away from people, roads and buildings.
• Your drone must not be flown more than 5 kilometers away from airports and airfields.

It Is Not Allowed To Fly A Drone Over Crowds Of People

You are only allowed to fly over private property. It Is Not Allowed To Fly A Drone Over Crowds Of People or public gatherings.

If you have any doubts about where you can fly, it is your responsibility to check whether it is permitted before flying your drone – even if the information on this website says that it’s OK.

Several Rules When Operating A Drone In Denmark

Always check local regulations before operating a drone, as these rules differ from country to country. If you are planning on flying your drone in Denmark, you should also be aware of the following:

• There is a maximum weight limit of 25 kilograms.
• The drone must have a label showing the pilot’s name and address.
• You need to keep your drone within sight at all times.
• Do not fly higher than 120 meters above ground.

Frequently Asked Question (drone Laws Denmark)

Do I Have To Have A Drone Pilot License Or Certificate In Denmark?

No, you don’t need a drone pilot license or certificate in Denmark. You must register your drone with the Danish Civil Aviation Authority (DCA), and they will provide you with an identification number for your aircraft.

The Danish Civil Aviation Authority is responsible for the regulation of drones and drone pilots in Denmark.

What Are The Rules And Regulations For Flying Drones Commercially In Denmark?

In order to fly drones in Denmark commercially, you need to obtain a pilot certificate. You should know that you’re not allowed to fly your drone over people who are not involved in its operation or maintenance. In addition, there are some other rules/regulations that must be followed when flying your drone

Is It Legal To Fly Drones In Residential Areas, And At Night In Denmark?

• Yes, but there are restrictions. You can fly your drone in residential areas, but you need to respect the privacy of people and not fly your drone over their property.
• No, it’s illegal to fly drones in residential areas.
• If you have permission from the property owner (such as if they’re an acquaintance), then yes! Be sure to get permission before flying a drone on their property.
• No! If a drone hits something at night or crashes into something, it may fall apart and cause damage or injury to anyone nearby.

Conclusion

And so far, as you can see, the rules are quite simple. If you follow them properly, your flying skills shouldn’t be questioned and you will get to enjoy the Danish skies in peace.

Still, if you want to make sure that you don’t miss out on any of the opportunities modern drone technology has to offer, you can always work with a professional who knows the rules and how to make the most of drone cameras.