Can I fly FPV alone, without an observer?

No Bulgarian rule was found: the European framework requires direct sight or an observer.

Does Glydar display Bulgaria’s zones?

No. Glydar’s map does not display Bulgaria’s regulations — see the coverage. The CAA’s official zones file is to be loaded before flying.

What is the risk in case of an infringement?

A fine of 3,000 to 10,000 lev, under the Civil Aviation Act. See the Penalties section.

Is there a specific category? Why does this guide not cover it?

Yes: operations that fall outside the open category come under the specific category. Glydar does not cover it: it is aimed at pilots who mostly fly for recreation, therefore in the open category, and a short, verified guide is better than an approximate guide to a more complex regime. The official guide is the Bulgarian CAA’s: the specific category.

Is this guide enough to fly in compliance?

No: it summarises the open category and points to the texts. Responsibility for checking is yours — see the Responsibility section.

Flying a drone in Bulgaria: the regulations guide (open category)

1 · The open category

The European regulation applies in Bulgaria, supplemented by ordinance Н-6 of 2023; the authority is the CAA (Civil Aviation Administration). Flights go up to 120 m above the ground — see the European framework.

Minimum age: 16 (except C0 in A1, a self-built drone under 250 g, or under supervision). For a minor, a parent or guardian registers as the operator.
The CAA specifies that the distance from people must be at least equal to the flight height (1:1 rule).

2 · Zones: zones file and airspaces

The CAA publishes a file of geographical zones (version of 30 July 2026) that must be loaded onto the drone, with an obligation to check the activated zones every 15 minutes; temporary zones are consulted on the Bulgarian ANSP’s tool. The file is protected against automated download; the text of the page comes from an archived copy of 18 August 2026.

Prohibited without authorisation: prohibited or restricted zones, activated airspaces, guarded perimeters of public airports (Aviation Act, art. 62б; Н-6, art. 57). The damage from a forced landing is borne by the offender.
Near airports: risk assessment and the manager’s agreement (Н-6, art. 56).

⚠️ Glydar’s map does not display Bulgaria’s regulations: the zones published by the Bulgarian CAA prevail, to be checked before every flight — see the coverage, country by country.

3 · Registration, exam and insurance

Registration: from 250 g, or under 250 g with a personal data sensor. State fee of about 10.23 (page in euros). Any change must be declared within 10 days. The period of validity is not indicated in the sources consulted.
A1/A3 exam: online, 40 questions; certificate valid for 5 years.
Insurance: the law requires it, except for a drone under 20 kg used only for sport or recreation. No minimum amount is given.

4 · FPV and night flying

No Bulgarian rule specific to FPV, night flying or the observer is indicated in the sources consulted: the European framework applies.

5 · Before every flight

Load the CAA zones file and check the activated zones.
Drone registered from 250 g; A1/A3 certificate depending on the class.
Airports: the manager’s agreement. Height: 120 m at most.

This guide is a plain-language summary — it replaces neither the official texts nor an up-to-date check. When in doubt: the Bulgarian CAA.

6 · Penalties: what the law says

The Civil Aviation Act (ЗГВ, art. 143) expressly covers drones:

A fine of 3,000 to 10,000 lev for anyone who flies a drone without the required authorisation, or in breach of the applicable requirements and procedures (art. 143, para. 1, point 20). The text consulted is in lev; it gives no conversion into euros.
The withdrawal of the right to carry on an aeronautical activity does not apply to this point.

These are ceilings: the authority exercises discretion. The text is the one published by the CAA (April 2026) — the text of the law prevails, not this page.

7 · Your responsibility, and what Glydar does

Glydar informs; it exempts from nothing. This guide draws on official sources but is not an official source, does not guarantee that they are exhaustive or up to date, and does not amount to authorisation to fly.

The remote pilot remains solely responsible for the flight and for compliance, as the terms of use recall. Everything needed to check is within reach: the coverage, country by country, the official map and the texts cited below.

Flying a drone in Bulgaria: the regulations guide