Agencies Responsible for regulating drones in the Republic of Cyprus
Cyprus Department of Civil Aviation (DCA)
European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)
UAS Laws – General rules for flying drones in Cyprus
The Cyprus agency responsible for drone safety, DCA, has provided several internet-accessible details on flying for fun or work. The highlights are enumerated below. For more details go to the link above.
As of 31st December 2020, national rules for drones will be replaced by common European regulations. The purpose of this reform is 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, he/she will be allowed to freely circulate in the European Union. 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 Cyprus?
According to DCA, drones are allowed in Cyprus, subject to DCA and EASA regulations. Read on for details.
Here are the most important rules to know for flying a drone in Cyprus:
Drone operators must register all drones in Cyprus. In the meantime, the Cypriot aviation authority has established an online form for this purpose. Following registration, you must adhere to the following rules.
- Drones may fly up to 50 meters (170 feet) above ground or sea level in the Open category and up to 120 meters (400 feet) in the Special category. (The Department of Civil Aviation may grant exemptions to operators of special 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.
Open Category
Given the low level of risk, neither prior authorization by the competent authority nor a declaration by the drone operator is required. The drone’s total takeoff mass must be less than 25kg, and it must be operated within a visual line of sight at a maximum altitude of 120m.
Special Category
Considering the moderate level of risk involved, flights in this category require authorization before the operation. The permission is given considering the mitigation measures identified in an operational risk assessment, except in specific standard scenarios where an operator declaration is sufficient.
Certified Category
Given the inherent dangers, certification of the drone and a licensed remote pilot are required. If your drone is capable of carrying people, you fall under the Certified category!
EASA Summary of Drone Flight Operation Requirements
Note for foreign operators
Operator Registration (Non-EU Residents)
- If you are coming from a non-EU country and this is the first time you will fly your drone in an EU country, you MUST register as an Operator into the DCA systems at the registration site linked here.
- Upon registration, you will receive a unique Operator Registration number which you MUST attach to your drone. If you have several drones, the same number must be attached to all of them.
- You are not allowed to fly in NO FLY ZONES, and you must keep aways a minimum of 8km distance away from airports/heliports.
- If you already conducted operations in another EU country before going to Cyprus, you must not register again. You always register to the first non-EU country you have conducted flights
- To register successfully, you must pay the registration fee, which is €15. Method of payment is only by VISA card
Remote Pilot Certificate (Non-EU Residents)
- If you want to fly your drone in Cyprus and live in a non-EU country, you must hold a Remote Pilot Certificate issued from an EU country.
- You can get the A1/A3 Certificate by registering with the online Remote Pilot School.
- The online training and exam are required for those who want to fly a drone in the ‘Open’ category in subcategories A1/A3.
- The pass mark is 75%, and you have 3 tries in total to pass.
- Once you pass your exam, you will receive your remote pilot certificate. Its validity will be 5 years.
- You must have your Remote Pilot Certificate in your possession whenever you plan to perform drone operations in Cyprus and present it when asked by the authorities
- The fee for the online training and exam is €15. Method of payment is only by VISA card
Notes for recreational drone pilots flying for fun in Cyprus
Not used commercially
It is less than 3 kg in weight.
You operate at a height of less than 50 meters.
You operate exclusively during the day and away from clouds.
You must:
- Adhere to the provisions of the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945 and Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947 (as amended).
- Register nationally and have a drone identification number
You must not:
- Operate from the clouds, above crowds, industrial areas, urban areas, and other restricted areas.
- Operate at elevations greater than 50 meters
See general EASA rules above.
Notes for Commercial Drone Services operations in Cyprus
Commercial, scientific, or manufacturer testing
Beyond the line of sight flying
Nighttime operation
Cloud-flying
You must:
- Adhere to the provisions of the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945 and Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947 (as amended).
- Register your drone on a national level, obtain a drone identification number, and obtain a permit to fly.
- Have a certificate of authorization for drones weighing more than 25 kg
- Carry Third Party Liability insurance with a minimum limit of one million euros
- Must be at least 18 years old and possess a National Drone Pilot Certificate.
Not permitted to fly in restricted areas
See general EASA rules above.
Useful published information on flying drones in Cyprus
Here is a promotion video by the DCA highlighting the new regulations for flying drones in Cyprus…
NOTE: Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (SUAS), Small UAS, Remote Piloted Aerial Systems (RPAS), unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), and drone are interchangeable terms unless specified. Model aircraft, toy aircraft, Remote controlled aircraft, and RC aircraft may be covered by the same regulations unless specified.
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