What You Need to Know About Flying FPV Drones in Estonia

Getting into FPV drones is exciting, but flying with video goggles means you need to follow specific safety rules. In Estonia, the Transport Administration (Transpordiamet) handles drone regulations based on European Union laws.

There is a common rumor that if your drone weighs less than 250 grams, you don't have to do any paperwork. That is actually false. If your drone has a camera on it, and all FPV drones do, you have to register yourself as a drone operator in the Estonian LOIS system. It does not matter how light the drone is. Once you register, you will get a unique operator ID that you need to stick onto your drone.

Drone Licenses and Which One You Need

If you fly outdoors, you may need to pass a drone pilot exam, depending on your drone's weight and class.

The Basics (A1/A3 Certificate): If your drone weighs 250 grams or more, you generally need to pass the A1/A3 online theory exam. For drones under 250 grams, the exam is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended to help you understand airspace rules and fly safely. The A1 and A3 subcategories have

 different flying restrictions. A1 allows certain lighter drones to operate closer to people, depending on their class, while A3 requires you to stay at least 150 metres away from uninvolved people and residential, commercial, industrial, and recreational areas.

The Advanced (A2 Certificate): If you want to fly a C2-class drone closer to people than A3 rules allow, you will need an A2 certificate. To obtain it, you must first pass the A1/A3 exam, complete practical self-training, and pass an additional supervised theory exam at an Estonian Transport Administration office.

Source: Transpordiamet (https://www.transpordiamet.ee)

This is the most important rule for FPV pilots. Because you are wearing goggles and can only see what the drone camera sees, you are legally required to have a visual observer standing right next to you outside. This person has a very simple job. They just need to keep their eyes on the drone and the sky around it. They are there to tap your shoulder and warn you if a person walks into your flight path or if a bird or helicopter gets too close.

Where can you fly?

Keep it low. The absolute highest you can fly is 120 meters (about 400 feet) above the ground. Check the map. Before you take off, always check the official Estonian drone map. Places like airports, military bases, and nature reserves often have strict no fly zones or require special permission to fly.

If you are just starting out, we have the perfect solution: FPV Starter Kit - Air75 II, available in our store right now. This bundle has everything a beginner needs to open the box and start flying right away.

The best part about a tiny drone like this is that if you fly it indoors, aviation laws do not apply. You can fly it around your living room or in an indoor sports hall without worrying about operator registration, age limits, or needing an observer. It is the absolute best way to build your skills and get the hang of FPV flying without any stress.

Once you're ready to take your tinywhoop outdoors, there are a few rules to follow. Since the Air75 II has a camera, you'll need to register as a drone operator (through LOIS in Estonia). When flying with FPV goggles, you'll also need a visual observer to keep an eye on the drone. Because it weighs under 250 grams, an A1/A3 exam is generally not required. However, always check local airspace restrictions and FPV-specific rules before flying, as not all outdoor locations are permitted.

Official Source: For the most current rules, registration links, and the official airspace map, head over to the Estonian Transport Administration Drone Page.

Please note: Drone regulations and flight restrictions may change. We've put together this information to the best of our knowledge, but we can't guarantee it's always up to date. Before flying, always check the latest rules on the Estonian Transport Administration website.