To aid drone operators, we created the GoDrone app and accompanying website that shows you by means of a drone map of the Netherlands where you can and cannot fly. The app also provides information about restrictions and/or exceptions that apply in certain areas. Drone operators can use GoDrone to plan and keep track of their flights. It also allows them to file and get approval for a mission plan in a CTR. You can download the GoDrone app from the App Store as well Google Play Store for free.
In line with European legislation, you have to register yourself as a drone operator (if your drone weighs more than 250 grams) and pass an online test demonstrating the required knowledge to fly your drone safely. Also, drone flights are now divided into three risk categories.
Drone flights in the ‘open’ category are prohibited in control zones (CTRs); only drone flights in the ‘specific’ or ‘certified’ category are allowed to fly in a CTR. More information on flying in those categories and how to obtain an exploitation permit can be found on the ILT website.
Do you fly a drone without a permit? Click here for more information.
In the Netherlands, flying a drone is regarded as a VFR flight. Are you flying your drone in controlled airspace? Then you must obtain a clearance from the ATC tower controller. Also, you need to file a flight plan and two-way radio contact (RTF) is mandatory. By filing a mission plan in GoDrone, the legal requirement to file a flight plan is met. Furthermore, you can enter your call sign at ‘additional information’. Your call sign is determined by combining:
In this example the call sign becomes: Unmanned DDO (delta delta oscar).
The Operational Help Desk will forward your mission plan to the control tower and obtain pre-approval for your mission, which depends on the expected operational situation. The actual permission to fly, the clearance, will be given to you by the tower controller. In order to manage ATC workload, LVNL can set a maximum number of simultaneous drone flights per CTR. When this maximum is reached, you will not receive pre-approval from the Operations Help Desk. Also, for safety reasons the tower controller can decide not to give a clearance, or to (temporarily) withdraw a previous clearance.