A drone uses radio waves for remote control or to transmit the recorded images directly. As a consequence, the use of drones is subject to other rules, in addition to those regarding radiocommunications.
You should mind especially that your drone and remote control bear the appropriate CE marking. The CE marking is an integral part of the legislation and must be affixed indelibly on both the equipment and the packaging.
The product must be accompanied by the manufacturer’s EU declaration of conformity (DoC) or by the manufacturer’s simplified EU declaration of conformity including a link to the full text of the declaration. This declaration must, among other things, include an explicit reference to Directive 2014/53/EU (RED).
The fact is that a drone controlled by way of radio frequencies, a camera, a microphone or a telemetry or navigation system that transmits or receives information through radio signals, must comply with the RED, the implementation of which is ensured by the BIPT.
The RED lays down that information about the destination and use of the equipment must be indicated on the packaging and in the instructions. This is the list of countries where this equipment can be used, as well as any restrictions. Both the power and the frequency must be specified in the instructions.
For both amateur and professional users the BIPT can verify at any time whether the drones’ technical radio characteristics are complied with. In case of non-compliance the drone can be confiscated and a report is made. Therefore, before using the equipment, you should attentively read all the safety warnings, the instructions and usage restrictions, if any. The equipment may only be used for its intended purpose.
The following situations (not exhaustive), which present a risk, are considered to be infringements that may result in legal proceedings:
- flying over and monitoring private property;
- compromising the safety of aviation;
- obstruction of road traffic;
- endangering someone else’s life.
You can find more information and the applicable regulations at the FPS Mobility.
Frequencies which may be used:
| Frequencies (MHz) | Power | Use | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26.995; 27.045; 27.095; 27.145; 27.195 | 100 mW ERP Built-in antenna |
Remote control of scale models | Frequencies used by most toys |
| 34.995-35.335 33 frequencies |
100 mW ERP Built-in antenna |
Remote control of scale models | Only for model aircraft |
| 40.570-40.660 9 frequencies |
100 mW ERP Built-in antenna |
Remote control of scale models | Only for model aircraft |
| 40.665; 40.675; 40.685; 40.695 | 100 mW ERP Built-in antenna |
Remote control of scale models | |
| 70.0125-70.2625 9 frequencies |
100 mW ERP Built-in antenna |
Remote control of scale models | Only for model aircraft |
| 2400.0-2483.5 | 10 mW EIRP | Remote control, telemetry, video | Also used for Wi-Fi and other applications |
| 5725-5875 | 25 mW EIRP | Remote control, telemetry, video | Also used for Wi-Fi and other applications |
ERP: effective radiated power
EIRP: effective isotropic radiated power: these powers are radiated by the antenna. A gain antenna must therefore be used by reducing the power of the transmitter.
- If a gain antenna or an amplifier is used, the transmitter’s output power must be adapted with a factor that corresponds to the maximum gain of the antenna or amplifier, in order to maintain the maximum equivalent (isotropic) radiated power defined for that purpose.
- Transmissions happen on frequencies shared with other users and the absence of interference cannot be guaranteed.
- The antenna being used must be certified by the manufacturer of the transmitter.