The commercial use of unmanned aircraft in the Czech Republic

In the Czech Republic, no separate laws were adopted, and the new EU regulations were implemented by adapting the laws already in place. Perhaps the biggest change from the previous legal situation is the obligation to register. The registration requirement applies to all operators of unmanned aircraft systems whose operation poses risks to the privacy, health, protection of personal data, protection against unlawful acts, or the environment. The operator must obtain a permit from the competent national authority – civil aviation authority (Úřad pro civilní letectví). Commercially used aircraft may be operated in an “open”, “special”, or to a limited extent also in an operating category “requiring registration”, as long as all requirements for the specific operating category are met. The operating permit is granted if:

  • the road safety objectives take into account the operational risks;
  • the combination of mitigation measures are met in relation to the operating conditions for carrying out the operation,
  • the competence of the personnel involved and the technical characteristics of the unmanned aircraft are suitable, and
  • the operation complies with valid EU and national regulations.

With the introduction of U-Space in the Czech Republic, it will now be possible to safely operate flights that were not possible under previous regulations, for example, flights out of the pilot’s vision or autonomous flights of unmanned systems. This will be an important turning point, especially for professional drone operators.

U-Space in the Czech Republic will be able to ensure the smooth operation of drones of all kinds across all categories (depending on weight and equipment) in all operating environments (e.g., also flights in the city and suburbs), regardless of the type of airspace (controlled and uncontrolled), without any restrictions to the operation. However, aviation restrictions in certain areas such as airports and residential, industrial, and recreational areas will still be observed; the maximum flight height is then 120 meters. The Czech Republic generally relies on a high level of digitalisation and automation. However, a complete system overhaul can only be expected in 2030.



Autor: Monika Wetzlerová-Deisler