New rules for drone flying in Iceland
New rules on unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) have been implemented within the EU member states. These rules are expected to be implemented in Iceland in the coming weeks. Unlike the current Icelandic regulation (990/2017) where only drones used for commercial purposes need to be registered, drone operators will have to register according to the new regulations and certain requirements will be made for the training of remote pilots.
The Icelandic Transport Authority has opened a website flydrone.is where drone operators have the option of registering and taking exams in the so-called open category, but the vast majority of drone pilots belong to that category, whether they fly for fun or in a limited commercial capacity. When the new EU rules have been implemented in Iceland this registration will become mandatory for all drone operators, however, until then the registration is optional. In order to obtain a certificate of competency for flying in the open category, it is necessary to register as a drone operator on flydrone.is and pay the registration fee. The registration is valid for 5 years. Once the registration is completed it is possible to take an exam in subcategory A1/A3. That test is taken online and there is no examination fee.
Soon it will also be possible to obtain a certificate of competency to fly in subcategory A2. An examination fee must be paid for the examination in subcategory A2, but it will be taken at the premises of the Icelandic Transport Authority or with entities that have been approved by the Authority. Later, there will be exams in the specific category, which many of those who fly drones commercially belong. See further information about the categories below.
