Recreational drones: they will have to be equipped with signaling devices

The new provisions apply to drones with a mass of 800 grams or more, traveling without a person on board: they must be equipped with an electronic or digital signaling device and a light signaling device. The decree comes into force 6 months after its publication (12 months for some provisions).

An electronic or digital signaling device

The purpose of this device is to detect the flight of the aircraft.

Certain gear types are exempted from the requirement to be fitted with them, including:

• UAVs used for leisure purposes and remotely piloted by a remotely piloted person who is a member of an association affiliated to a federation recognized at national level for aeromodelism or to a multisport federation including aeromodelism and approved by the Minister for Sport;
• Gear used within enclosed and covered spaces;
• Captive or towed gear from the surface of the soil or water.

A light signaling device

The purpose of this device is to locate the aircraft more easily when it is flying at night and to distinguish it from other aircraft.

Certain gear types are exempted from the requirement to be fitted with them, including:

• Gear flying between sunrise and sunset;
• Gears which conduct test flights for the purpose of testing or checking under conditions defined by the Ministry responsible for civil aviation.

Users who fail to comply with these measures may be punished with the fine provided for tickets of the fourth class (€135), and incur the additional penalty of confiscation of the object.