Airspace regulations for drones
Important airspace rules you need to know before you fly a drone in Norway.
Maximum Flight Altitude
Drones in the open category must never fly higher than 120 meters above the ground. This limit applies regardless of category (A1, A2, or A3) and is set to keep drones well below the airspace where manned aviation operates.
If you fly near mountains or steep slopes, the height applies from the nearest point on the ground, not from the take-off position.
Visual Line of Sight (VLOS)
You must always have visual contact with the drone throughout the entire flight. This is called VLOS (Visual Line of Sight).
- You must be able to see the drone without aids such as binoculars.
- A visual observer can be used to maintain contact, but must be in direct communication with the pilot.
- FPV goggles (first-person view) require that an observer maintains visual contact with the drone.
No-Fly Zones
It is forbidden to fly a drone in and near certain areas without special permission.| Zone | Distance | Note | | — | — | — | | Airports | Within the control zone (CTR) | Requires permission from air traffic control | | Military areas | Entire area | Absolute prohibition | | Prisons | Over and near the area | Absolute prohibition | | Royal Palace and Parliament | Nearby airspace | Permanent restricted area | | National parks | Varies | Check local regulations |
Use the app Flydrone from the Civil Aviation Authority to check if it is safe to fly where you are planning.
Flying at night
Flying in darkness is allowed in the open category provided that the drone has a green flashing light visible from the ground. You must still maintain visual contact with the drone.
Near people and buildings
- In A1 you can fly over individuals, but never over crowds.
- In A2 you must keep at least 30 meters distance from people (5 meters in low-speed mode).
- In A3 you must keep at least 150 meters distance from residential and commercial areas.
Further reading
- Read about drone pilot license for certification and registration requirements.
- See drone flight safety for checklists and insurance.
- Understand drone categories to know which rules apply.
- Test your knowledge with a free theory test .
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