ERMAL ALIBALI

Are you dreaming of a trip to Iceland, the land of glaciers, volcanoes, and breathtaking landscapes? And have you thought about capturing your adventure with stunning aerial footage using your drone?

Like you, I was planning my trip to Iceland and found myself searching for information on how to fly a drone in this country. What are the rules to follow? What type of drone can you bring?

To answer all these questions, I’ve created this comprehensive guide, where you’ll find everything you need to know to fly your drone in Iceland safely, responsibly, and legally.

 

Drone Rules in Iceland:

The rules for drones in Iceland are established by the Icelandic Civil Aviation Authority (ICAA) and comply with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) regulations. The rules are based on the category of the drone and its weight.

 

A1 (less than 250 grams):

• No authorization required: You can freely fly your drone if it falls into this category.
• Follow general flight rules:
  • Keep a distance of at least 30 meters from people and property.
  • Do not fly over gatherings of people.
  • Avoid controlled areas like airports or military bases.
  • Always keep the drone within your line of sight (Visual Line Of Sight – VLOS).
  • Fly in non-segregated areas: Flying in segregated areas, such as near airports or power plants, is prohibited. For an updated list of segregated areas, consult the ICAA website.

 

A2 (from 250 grams to 4 kilograms):

• ICAA Authorization required: To fly a drone in category A2, you must obtain authorization from the ICAA. The authorization can be requested online and is typically granted within 5 working days.
• Follow general flight rules and authorization conditions: In addition to general flight rules, the authorization may include specific conditions, such as maximum flight altitude or the area where flying is permitted.
• Fly with an observer: In some circumstances, you may need to fly with an observer who assists the pilot during the flight.

 

A3 (from 4 to 25 kilograms):

• ICAA Authorization and pilot license required: To fly a drone in category A3, you need both ICAA authorization and a pilot license issued by an authorized body.
• Follow specific flight rules for the A3 category: In addition to general flight rules and authorization conditions, A3 category drones must adhere to specific flight rules, such as using a transponder and respecting no-fly zones.

 

 

Other Useful Information:

• Insurance: It is advisable to obtain insurance for your drone in case of damage to people or property.
• Drone Registration: All drones in categories A1 and A2 must be registered with the ICAA before flying. Registration is free and can be done online.
• Drone Apps: There are several drone apps that can help you plan your flights, follow the rules, and find safe flying areas.

 

Useful Links:

• Icelandic Civil Aviation Authority (ICAA)

• EASA Drone Regulations

• Fly Safe Iceland

• Drone Registration in Iceland

 

Tips for Flying Safely in Iceland:

• Plan your flight in advance: Check the weather forecast, segregated areas, and any flight restrictions in the area where you want to fly.
• Follow the rules and guidelines: Always fly responsibly and follow all applicable rules and guidelines.
• Be aware of your surroundings: Pay attention to people, animals, property, and other aircraft in the air.
• Fly safely: Never fly in adverse weather conditions or areas where you do not feel comfortable.
• Use common sense: If you are unsure about something, avoid potential harm. It is recommended to obtain a drone license to better understand situations and assess the risks of your flight.

 

Practical Tips and Ideas for Stunning Footage:

In addition to knowing the rules and regulations, here are some practical tips and ideas for capturing stunning footage during your drone flights in Iceland:

 

Practical Tips:

• Choose the right drone: The type of drone that suits you best will depend on your needs and flying style. If you’re a beginner, an A1 or A2 category drone might be the best choice. If you’re a more experienced pilot and want to capture high-quality videos, consider an A3 category drone.
• Bring spare batteries: Drone batteries don’t last long, especially in cold climates. Make sure to bring spare batteries to extend your flight time.
• Fly in favorable weather conditions: Iceland’s weather can change rapidly, so it’s important to fly only in good weather. Avoid flying in strong winds, rain, or snow.
• Pay attention to cold temperatures: Cold temperatures can affect your drone’s performance. Keep your drone warm before the flight and store it in a warm place after the flight.
• Respect the environment: Do not fly over environmentally or culturally sensitive areas. Do not disturb wildlife and leave no trace of your presence.

 

Ideas for Stunning Footage:

• Landscapes: Iceland offers breathtaking landscapes perfect for drone footage. Fly over glaciers, volcanoes, waterfalls, fjords, and lava fields to capture extraordinary images.
• Wildlife: Iceland is home to rich wildlife, including whales, seals, puffins, and eagles. With a bit of luck, you might capture these animals in their natural habitat.
• Northern Lights: If you visit Iceland during the winter, you might be lucky enough to see the Northern Lights. Flying your drone offers a unique perspective to capture this spectacular natural phenomenon.
• Cities and Villages: Iceland has several picturesque cities and villages worth capturing from above. Fly over Reykjavik, Akureyri or Vík í Mýrdal to capture unique images of these locations.