Flying a drone in Bulgaria - the most important information
Each EASA member country may introduce certain national regulations - such as those concerning prohibited zones, emergency procedures or contact with local authorities. Bulgaria is no exception. If you plan to take a drone with you - whether you want to take video of the Pyrenees mountains or simply practice flying on the outskirts of the city - you should know what formalities apply to you, what is allowed, and what is punishable mandate.
Can I fly a drone in Bulgaria "without a license"?
In accordance with the current eASA regulations (European Aviation Safety Agency), flying without a license is not always allowed. Whether you can take to the air without additional paperwork depends on a few key factors: the weight of the drone, its intended use, and where you plan to fly it.
Operator registration - when is it necessary?
If you have a drone whose has a takeoff weight of more than 250 grams, you must register as an operator of an unmanned aircraft. You do not have to (although you can) register in the country where you intend to fly (i.e. Bulgaria, for example), or in the country of the operator's permanent residence - most often it will be Poland. Registration is done through the Civil Aviation Authority system, and the operator number is valid in all EASA countries - including Bulgaria.
No need to register the operator only for drones under 250 g, which do not have a camera or other sensors to collect personal data. In practice, however, most models, even miniature ones, have a built-in camera - and this means that the registration will be necessary anyway.
Do you need training?
Yes - in most cases you need a a certificate of competence as a drone pilot. This refers to the so-called. a1/A3 training, which you can complete completely online in your country of residence. It is free of charge and ends with a knowledge test, which includes m.in. knowledge of basic flight safety rules, airspace restrictions and interaction with bystanders.
This document - that is, the A1/A3 open category pilot's certificate is recognized throughout the European Union, which means that you can legally fly on its basis also in Bulgaria. Whether you take a small DJI Mini or a larger drone for filming, A1/A3 training will always come in handy for you.
Flying without a "license"? Only in limited situations
Flying a drone in Bulgaria without any paperwork is only possible in very limited cases:
- you have a drone under 250 g,
- it has no camera or microphone,
- you do not register any personal information,
- you don't take pictures or videos,
- you fly recreationally,
- you do it away from people and infrastructure.
This sounds like a bit of a theory, because most of the popular drones (even the miniature ones DJI Mini 2/3/4) already meet the criteria at the start that compel registration and training. Therefore, answering the question "can I fly a drone in Bulgaria without a license?" - yes, but only within a very narrow range and with a number of conditions. In any other case, you should be a registered operator and have a current certificate of competence.
What about additional powers?
If you plan to perform more advanced flights - such as. beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS), approach people or fly near critical infrastructure - then you need additional permits under the "special" category (SPECIFIC). Such operations must be notified and approved in advance by the competent civil aviation authority (in the case of a flight in Bulgaria - by the Bulgarian CAA).
What are the restrictions in Bulgaria on drones?
Bulgaria has set rules to ensure flight safety and third-party protection. First of all, drones must fly within the operator's line of sight and must not exceed a height of 120 meters above ground level. Such a restriction minimizes the risk of collisions with aircraft and danger to people.
The rules provide for three categories of flights:
- OPEN - basic category for low-risk flights, up to 25 kg in weight, without the need for permits. In this category, you can fly over undeveloped areas, but it is prohibited to fly over gatherings of people or military facilities.
- SPECIFIC - requires prior approval of the civil aviation authority, applies to more complex or risky operations, such as flights near airports or urban areas.
- CERTIFIED - applies to very high-risk operations, such as cargo transport or commercial flights in crowded areas, and requires detailed drone and operator certification.
Bulgaria's airspace is monitored and divided into zones with various restrictions. In the vicinity of airports, military zones and other strategic facilities, there is a total ban on flights or permission is required. Also pay attention to the ban on flights in national parks.
Summary
EASA is unifying regulations and each EU country, including Bulgaria, has very similar restrictions. Countries, on the other hand, have the option of introducing their own national restrictions, which are worth knowing about. It is also worth remembering to report flights in the relevant dedicated applications/websites.
