Flying a drone in Estonia: the regulations guide

1 · The open category

The European regulation applies in Estonia, and the authority is Transpordiamet (the Transport Administration). Its page: at most 120 m (lower ceilings exist in some zones, visible on the map), direct line of sight or an observer — a camera is not enough —, under 25 kg — see the European framework.

• ▸A2: 30 m, 5 m in slow mode, 1:1 rule. A3: 150 m from unrelated people and from residential, commercial, industrial and recreational areas.
• ▸Minimum age: 16 in the open category (except for a self-built drone under 250 g, class C0, or under the supervision of a competent person).

2 · Zones: the drone map

In the open category, it is not necessary to coordinate one’s flight with Transpordiamet, but it is mandatory to respect the geographical zones, published on the official map (droonikaart, EANS) and in a government decision (order 229 of 2022).

• ▸Airports: in the immediate vicinity, flying is possible only with an authorisation in the specific category.
• ▸Defence zones (Ämari): permission from the defence forces, to be requested 5 working days beforehand.
• ▸Security zones, interior or environment zones: the authorisation of the zone holder is needed, who replies within 5 working days; around thirty nature reserves require a permit from the environment agency.

⚠️ Glydar’s map does not display Estonia’s regulations: the official drone map (EANS) prevails, to be consulted before every flight — see the coverage, country by country.

3 · Registration, exam and insurance

• ▸Operator registration: mandatory for a drone of 250 g or more, and under 250 g if the drone has a camera. It is valid for one year and renewed every year; fee of €10.
• ▸A1/A3 exam: 40 questions, 75%, online, €10; A2: 30 questions, €10; certificate valid for 5 years.
• ▸Insurance: mandatory for the operator above 20 kg. No minimum amount is given for a leisure flight.

4 · FPV and night flying

FPV: with FPV goggles, using an observer is mandatory, and the drone must remain in their sight throughout the flight. Flying must follow the A3 rules, the pilot must be 16, with no spectators, at least 150 m from inhabited areas.

At night: possible, with a flashing green light active on the drone.

5 · Before every flight

• ▸Checking the drone map: geographical zones, airports, nature reserves.
• ▸Operator number (renewed every year); certificate if 250 g or more.
• ▸FPV: an observer, A3. Night: the flashing green light.

This guide simplifies — it replaces neither the official texts nor an up-to-date check. In case of doubt: Transpordiamet.

6 · Penalties: what the law says

The Aviation Act (Lennundusseadus, § 60⁵³) provides, for a remote pilot’s breach of the rules for operating a drone:

• ▸A fine of up to 300 fine units. The unit is worth €8 according to the Penal Code (§ 47), i.e. €2,400 at most — a calculation from these two texts; the law does not state this amount.
• ▸For a legal person: up to €400,000.
• ▸Flying without competence or while intoxicated: up to 300 fine units as well.

These are maximums: the authority assesses. The text is the one in force on 30 September 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 its 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.