EU Mandates Online Training for All Drone Operators

Drone guidance has gotten complicated with all the outdated regulations and conflicting advice flying around. Here’s what you actually need to know.

New regulations in the European Union now require all drone operators to complete online training through their national aviation authority.

The rules, effective January 1, 2025, apply to drones in the Open Category weighing 250 grams or more. Training covers airspace rules, privacy considerations, and emergency procedures.

Operators must pass an assessment to receive a digital certificate. The process takes approximately two hours to complete.

EU officials say the requirement improves safety while maintaining accessible entry into the hobby. Training modules are available in all official EU languages.

U.S. operators flying in Europe must also complete the training before operating drones abroad.

Ryan Cooper

Ryan Cooper

Author & Expert

Ryan Cooper is an FAA-certified Remote Pilot (Part 107) and drone industry consultant with over 8 years of commercial drone experience. He has trained hundreds of pilots for their Part 107 certification and writes about drone regulations, operations, and emerging UAS technology.

268 Articles
View All Posts