Mandatory registration
As of December 31st, 2020, you are required to register online as an operator with the RDW, if you want to fly a drone. You do this by applying for an operator number. You can apply as a person or as an organization. Do you fly a drone that weighs less than 250 grams and has no camera? Then registration is not necessary. The operator number that you receive from the RDW must be visibly affixed to all your drones, for example by a sticker or fire plate.
Three categories: Open, Specific, and Certified
Drone operations are divided into three categories: Open, Specific, and Certified. The more risk there is to people and property, the heavier the category.
- Open category: This category covers low-risk drone flights, for example, flights with a lightweight drone that do not involve flying over crowds of people.
- Specific category: This category covers higher-risk flights, for example flying a heavier drone over urban areas or near an airport. To fly in the Specific Category, you need a flight permit from the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT). This can also be a flight statement when it concerns a Standard Scenario published by EASA.
- Certified category: This category is for very high-risk flights. Think of drones that transport people or transport dangerous goods. This category is similar in risk class to that of a regular aircraft.