Checklist for drone pilots

Glossary (key concepts)

AD: Aerodrome.
ATSP: Air traffic service provider.
ATZ: Aerodrome Traffic Zone (Intended to ensure the safety of flights operating under visual flight rules (VFR)).
BVLOS: Beyond Visual Line Of Sight (UAS flight outside visual contact with the pilot).
COOP: Airspace Operations Coordination Department at ENAIRE.
CTR: Controlled Traffic Region (Intended to ensure the safety of flights operating under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR)).
EAC / EANC: Controlled Airspace/Uncontrolled Airspace.
EARO: Operational Risk Assessment and Mitigation.
MTOM: Maximum takeoff mass.
NOTAM: Notice to Airmen.
TSA / TRA: Temporary Segregated/Reserved Area
UAS: Unmanned Aircraft System.
UTC: Coordinated Universal Time (International time system used in aviation). Equivalent to local Spanish time -1h in summer / -2h in winter. Example: 18:00 Local Time in Madrid corresponds to 17:00 UTC in winter and 16:00 UTC in summer.
VLOS: Visual Line Of Sight (UAS flight in visual contact with the pilot).
ZGUAS: UAS geographical areas.

Review the current regulations and the requirements needed to fly your drone safely, as stated in RD 517/2024, as well as on the AESA and ENAIRE websites.
Clearly define the nature of the operation you are going to perform: EASA (European regulation) or Non-EASA (police, search and rescue, emergency and similar operations).
Depending on the risk level of your activity, identify the appropriate operational category (open, specific or certified) and obtain the corresponding UAS pilot qualification (more information on AESA’s website) to achieve the necessary authorisation.
Register with AESA as a UAS operator when required.
You must hold an insurance policy for your drone depending on its MTOM and the operational category in which you will fly.
Create a user account on the ENAIRE Planea platform, as it will be required to request UAS operation coordination.

Use the ENAIRE Drones platform to check the applicable restrictions, required procedures, and the relevant contacts to whom you must send your requests and/or notifications.
For flights in airspace under ENAIRE’s responsibility, access PLANEA via the “SEGU Form” tab in the UAS section and submit an EARO adapted to your operations. It is not valid for areas managed by other ATSPs.
Avoid submitting duplicate requests whenever you use the appropriate channel.
PLANEA is the platform for requesting UAS activities that require coordination with ENAIRE.
Adjust the flight area and dates to your actual operations to avoid unnecessary procedures, and make sure to attach your signed EARO. Consult our best practices guide for more tips.
Do NOT request a NOTAM directly; ENAIRE will determine if it is necessary. This information will be included in the reply issued as an additional observation.
Remember that coordinating with ENAIRE does not exempt you from filing paperwork with other authorities and entities, such as:
- Permanent military zones: LER, LEP, LED
- Specific UAS geographical areas (protection of critical infrastructure, railway infrastructures, etc.)
- No-fly zones for photography flights (CECAF)
- National parks within the RED NATURA 2000 network, etc.

Check the weather forecast.
Visit ENAIRE Drones to view any NOTAMs or restrictions that may have been published and could affect your operation.
Make sure you meet all the requirements stated in the response to your request and that your devices (phone and/or radio) for communicating with the relevant ATS units are operational and in good condition.
If indicated in your response, make the necessary pre-flight communications.

Comply with the conditions specified in your response, such as flight altitude or horizontal limits.
Do not fly over gatherings of people, airports, military bases or protected natural parks without the appropriate authorisation.
Always comply with the requirements of the operational category for which you are qualified to fly.
Make sure the contact numbers you provide in your application remain operational throughout the duration of your operation to avoid issues with ATS units or other organisations.

Keep your flight or pilot logbook up to date when applicable, and remember to maintain your aircraft in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.