1 · The open category
Gibraltar has its own regime: the Civil Aviation Act 2024 and the CAR OPS 6 regulation (“Operating (Miscellaneous Aircraft) Regulations 2026”, LN 2026/028), in force since 1 February 2026; the 2009 regulation is revoked. Neither the British ANO nor the European regulation applies. The authority is the GCAA.
- Permission required: all of Gibraltar being considered a highly congested area, a small unmanned aircraft, even under 250 g, does not fly without GCAA permission.
- Open category: permission is granted only for four coastal zones, where the flight takes place entirely over the sea, apart from take-off and landing; 400 ft at most, direct line of sight, at least 50 m from people, buildings and vehicles (30 m at take-off and landing).
- Competence: for any new application since 1 March 2024, at least the A1/A3 certificate from the United Kingdom or a European authority, a British Flyer ID, insurance and proof of identity.
- Age: 16 years for registration (OPS 6.105), 18 years to apply for a permission (OPS 6.130).
2 · Zones: four coastal zones
The GCAA publishes a PDF map of the four coastal flying zones (Europa Point, Sandy Bay, Rosia Bay, Catalan Bay) and a template for maritime zones; no app or downloadable data is indicated. The standard permit imposes at most 500 m from the take-off point, an observer, and a prior call to the defence police and the port. A GCAA directive of 7 May 2026 temporarily closes some zones.
⚠️ Glydar’s map does not display Gibraltar’s regulations: the GCAA’s PDF map of the four coastal zones prevails, to be checked before every flight — see coverage, country by country.
3 · Registration, exam and insurance
- Registration: aircraft are registered by the Authority (OPS 6.100); registration lasts 12 months; the mark is carried on the drone for all flights.
- Specific category: an operator certificate valid for 1 year; a commercial pilot competence certificate valid for 5 years.
- Fees: the current scale is not stated in the sources consulted.
- Insurance: required to obtain the permission.
4 · FPV and night flying
No rule specific to FPV or night flying is stated in the CAR OPS 6, the CAP DOM 02 and the FAQ consulted; direct line of sight is required.
5 · Before every flight
- GCAA permission for every drone; four coastal zones only in the open category.
- Drone registered (12 months), insured; A1/A3 certificate and Flyer ID for a new application.
- 400 ft, direct line of sight, 50 m from people, buildings and vehicles.
This guide simplifies — it replaces neither the official texts nor an up-to-date check. In case of doubt: the GCAA (Gibraltar Civil Aviation Authority).
6 · Penalties: what the law says
The Civil Aviation Act 2024 (art. 59) provides:
- Flying an aircraft negligently or recklessly, in a way likely to endanger a person or property: up to 12 months in prison or a level 5 fine, or both; on indictment, up to 5 years.
- Other offences of article 59(7): 12 months or a level 5 fine; failure to comply with paragraph 7(a): a level 4 fine.
- The 2021 act on small unmanned aircraft offences provides fixed penalties (£1,000, £400 and £100) for requirements of the former 2009 regulation: its application to the current requirements is not confirmed.
The amount in pounds of level 5 is not stated in the sources consulted. 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 their completeness or that they are up to date, and does not amount to a flight authorisation.
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: coverage, country by country, the official map and the texts cited below.