Drone flying on the Faroe Islands

European regulations introduce three flight categories: the open, specific, and certified categories. Most drone operations fall under the open category.

The open category

Operations with standard drones under 25 kg, flying up to 120 meters above ground and within the remote pilot's visual line of sight fall under this category. Specific considerations apply based on the drone's weight. For instance, drones weighing under 250 grams can overfly people (but not assemblies of people).

The specific category

If you cannot meet the requirements of the open category, your operation often falls under the specific category.

Examples include:

• Flying a drone weighing more than 25 kg.
• Flying beyond the remote pilot’s visual line of sight (BVLOS).
• Flying closer to people or certain areas than allowed in the open category based on the drone's weight.

All operations in the specific category require a risk assessment, outlining the risks associated with the operation and the measures to minimize any hazards to people on the ground or airspace users in the sky.

Overview of drone operations in the specific category

The certified category

The certified category covers operations with risk levels comparable to manned aviation, such as drones carrying passengers or dangerous goods.

Regulation (EU) 2019/947 provides operational rules and procedures for drones in the open and specific categories. Rules for the certified category have not yet been developed by the EU.

In the open category, the maximum altitude is 120 meters above ground. The altitude is measured relative to the terrain beneath the drone.

Exception: You may fly up to 15 meters above a man-made structure exceeding 120 meters if you have permission from the owner (e.g., chimneys or wind turbines).

During all operations, your drone must remain within your visual line of sight (VLOS) to avoid obstacles such as birds, other drones, or manned aircraft. Learn more about VLOS here.

European drone certificates are valid on the Faroe Islands. You must have a certificate suitable for the drone you are flying. A certificate from any EASA country allows you to fly without prior permission. Certificates obtained in Denmark are also valid on the Faroe Islands.

Note:

It is currently not possible to obtain a drone certificate on the Faroe Islands. When Faroese drone certificates become available, they will only be valid on the Faroe Islands.

If your drone weighs up to 250 grams, you do not need a drone certificate. However, you must still comply with all applicable drone regulations on the Faroe Islands, as outlined in the Faroese drone orders.

Drones are divided into weight classes, and the certificate you need depends on the class of your drone.

Use the guide below to determine which certificate you need.

C mark guide

Drone Certificates:

A1/A3 Certificates: Can be obtained online.

A2 Competence Certificates: Must be obtained in person from a recognized A2 test provider.

On the Faroe Islands, new drones introduced to the market from January 1, 2025, must be C-marked.

From the same date, distance requirements will apply to drones without C-marks if they weigh more than 250 grams.

Follow the guide above to see the distance requirements for your drone.

You must maintain a 5 km distance from Vága Floghavn (Vága Airport) to ensure the safety of aircraft landing and taking off. Flying closer requires permission from the Danish Civil Aviation and Railway Authority, a valid reason, and specific competencies.

• 5 km Distance from Vága Floghavn
• Applies to individuals without a drone certificate or with an A1/A3 certificate.

Pilots with an A2 competence certificate may fly closer.

Distance requirements for Vága Floghavn and regulations for flying in air safety critical areas are outlined in article 9 of the Faroese order on drones.

You must maintain a 2 km distance from all helicopter landing sites to ensure the safety of medical helicopters during landings and takeoffs. Flying closer requires specific competencies, permission, and possible communication with the HEMS.

• 2 km Distance from HEMS
• Applies to individuals without a drone certificate or with an A1/A3 certificate.

Pilots with an A2 competence certificate may fly closer.

Distance requirements for HEMS and regulations for flying in air safety critical areas are outlined in article 10 of the Faroese order on drones.

Pilots with an A2 competence certificate may fly closer to air safety critical areas:

• 2-1 km: Fly up to 40 meters above runway level at helicopter landing sites (except for Vága Floghavn).
• 15 meters above permanent, man-made obstacles over 25 meters in air safety critical areas if the drone is tethered.

Calculate maximum altitude near airports and helicopter landing sites

You can calculate your maximum altitude above runway level as follows:

40 + runway level above median sea level - Your Height above median sea level = Maximum Flight Height

Example:

If the HEMS is 10 meters above sea level and you are 20 meters above sea level, your maximum altitude is 30 meters.

If a property is enclosed by fences, hedges, or walls, or if you plan to fly over a residential building, you must obtain the property owner's permission first.

• No flying without permission over enclosed properties.
• No flying within 5 meters of residential buildings without permission.

From September 1 to April 14, pilots with an A2 drone certificate may fly over environmental protected areas established to protect the marine environment.

From April 15 to August 30, only drone operations conducted on behalf of authorities or property owners are permitted in these areas.

• Applies to areas such as Ramsar zones.
• Flying is allowed from September 1 to April 14 with an A2 drone certificate.
• Flying from April 15 to August 30 is only permitted for authorized operations.

Maintain a 150-meter distance from fisheries inspections.

Whale hunting zones have no minimum distance but cannot be overflown.

If you encounter a fisheries inspection or whale hunt, you must immediately cease operations, as these events may begin without prior notice.

All drones must be insured with a valid liability insurance policy. On the Faroe Islands, as in the EU, drones must be insured for a minimum of 0.75 million SDR (approximately 7 million DKK).

Exemptions:

• Toy drones with a C0 mark or under 250 grams without a C0 mark are not required to have insurance.
• Flying in geographic drone zones requires permission

• Flying within 5 km of Vága Floghavn.
• Flying within 300 meters of properties owned by the police requires their permission.
• Flying over environmental protected areas (e.g., Ramsar zones).
• Flying over public roads with speed limits above 70 km/h requires permission from the infrastructure manager and the authority.
• Flying within 5 meters of live power lines require permission from the infrastructure manager.

These restrictions aim to protect the environment, security, and safety.

Permission may be granted for commercial, research operations, or operations of public interest if the drone operation is deemed necessary. An A2 competence certificate is required

Learn more about applying for permission here.