How to check who is flying the drone?
What to do if a drone appears over a street, a lot, or a building? How to Find Out Who's Flying a Drone Over Your Head? There are several ways to do this—and what's more, identification is practically at your fingertips. Here are our recommendations for checking drone flights in Poland, as well as tips on what steps to take if you suspect a violation of regulations or privacy.
How to Verify a Drone Flight? Basic Identification Methods
The first step is visual inspection—you must ensure that the drone operator is flying safely. It is especially important to maintain a safe distance from people and buildings, as well as to avoid flying over crowds of people. Violations drone regulations or any suspicious activities should be reported to the appropriate authorities—the Civil Aviation Authority (ULC), the Polish Air Navigation Services (PAŻP), or the police. If you want to check a flight in a more formal way, there are several tools you can use:
CoTuLata.pl – a service launched by the Polish Air Navigation Services Agency (PAŻP) where you can check whether a planned or ongoing flight has been reported. If a transaction seems suspicious, you can file a report directly on the website or contact the police or the Civil Aviation Authority.
Flight-monitoring apps (DroneTower, DroneMap) – You can use them to check scheduled flights and airspace zones in real time. These solutions are also operated by PAŻP. Thanks to them, you can see whether someone has declared a mission (a so-called "check-in") at a given location, what the flight parameters are, and whether the airspace is authorized.
State Registers – National Drone Information System (KSID) and the drones website.gov.pl allow you to verify whether an operator has the required licenses and identification number. The registration of drone operators and pilots makes it easier to identify them in the event of airspace violations.
How does this work in practice?? If you see a drone in real time, and after verifying it in CoTuLata.If you see a marked mission in DroneTower or DroneMap at the location where you're observing the drone, it's highly likely that the flight has been reported and is legal. Based on the information on these websites, you can also verify the drone and its operator. IIf there is no report, it’s a good idea to note the time and place, as well as to take a video or photo, so you can provide this information to the appropriate authorities.
Drone Pilot vs. Drone Operator—What's the Difference?? Who is required to register, and how do you do it??
In discussions about flight verification, two very similar terms often come up— pilot and operator. Who's Who? Drone operator an entity (an individual or a legal entity) registered with KSID that is responsible for the operation of the equipment. Operators must register with the ULC system and have an operator ID for both recreational and commercial flights. After registration, the operator receives an identification number, which must be affixed to the device.
Drone Pilot Instead, there is the person operating the flight – may or may not be the same person as the camera operator. A pilot is required to have the appropriate qualifications (e.g., A1/A3 or A2 training, depending on the flight category) and to conduct the flight in accordance with the rules. The remote control number does not have to be displayed on the drone.
When trying to determine who is flying a drone, the easiest clue is therefore the operator's number. It is worth noting that the operator is responsible for conducting the operation in accordance with the regulations, and it is the operator who bears any legal consequences.
DroneTower – How to Check a Flight?
DroneTower is the official app provided by the Polish Air Navigation Services Agency (PAŻP) for submitting and monitoring drone flight plans. It is used to report flights in Poland. In practice, it works like this:
The pilot logs into DroneTower and performs a "check-in". Please specify the location, time, and flight parameters (altitude, radius of operation, category).. The system performs a preliminary assessment of compliance with regulations.
The map shows active reports and restricted zones. If someone in the vicinity of the planned flight has already checked in, you can view the details—it’s worth noting that subsequent operations may then be blocked until the previous ones are completed.
If the flight has not been reported and the drone is performing risky maneuvers, in the CoTuLata app.pl: You can report a suspicious flight.
Airspace Monitoring – What You Need to Know?
Monitoring isn't just about apps—it's an entire legal and technical framework that is of significant importance to drone pilots and operators. PAŻP may designate zones where drone flights are prohibited or restricted. It is also important to remember that the use of drones is subject to national and EU regulations. They specify m.in. altitude limits (usually up to 120 m), required distances from people or buildings, and registration requirements. Furthermore, from a civil law perspective, the airspace above private properties is considered public property and is regulated by the state.
Security Breaches and Pilot Identification
If a flight violates the regulations, the first step is to document the incident to facilitate the identification of the drone and its operator. Next, check out DroneTower and CoTuLata.pl or DroneMap. If you suspect that a crime has been committed or that there is a safety threat, report the matter to the police, the Civil Aviation Authority (ULC), or the Polish Air Navigation Services (PAŻP).. Please note that every operator must have an identification number affixed to the device—the absence of such a number may also serve as grounds for reporting the matter to the appropriate authorities.
Before flying your own drone, be sure to register it, check the regulations, and make sure you have the proper equipment. In our store, you'll find products from various manufacturers, m.in.DJI – e.g., a new model DJI Mini 5 Pro, including sets with additional accessories.
FAQ – Questions and Answers
How can I find out who is flying a drone over my property or street??
It's best to use the official PAŻP tools, such as CoTuLata.pl, DroneTower, or DroneMap, which show reported flights and active missions in a given location.
You can check whether a specific drone flight is legal?
Yes. If a flight is filed in the PAŻP systems, it is highly likely that it is taking place legally. Failure to file a report may constitute a violation of the law.
Does every drone operator have to be registered??
Yes. A drone operator must be registered with KSID and have an identification number, which must be displayed on the device.
Does the airspace above a private property belong to the owner??
No. Airspace is regulated by the government, and drone flights are subject to national and EU regulations, regardless of land ownership.
Where to report a suspicious or dangerous drone flight?
You can report a suspicious flight through CoTuLata.to the Polish Air Navigation Services Agency, the Civil Aviation Authority, or directly to the police.
