Can I fly FPV alone, without an observer?

No, not without an observer: the European framework requires direct sight, or an observer assisting the pilot.

Yes, as long as the drone remains visible, with a flashing green light.

Does Glydar display Iceland’s zones?

No. Glydar’s map does not display Iceland’s regulations — see the coverage. To check before flying: the official Drónakort map.

What is the risk in case of an infringement?

A fine or a sentence of up to 5 years in prison, under the aviation act; no fine amount appears in it. 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 Samgöngustofa’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 Iceland: the regulations guide (open category)

1 · The open category

Iceland applies the European framework through a national regulation (1360/2024); the authority is Samgöngustofa (Transport Authority). Its open category page: at most 120 m above the ground, in direct sight, with the operator’s number on the drone — see the European framework.

Minimum age: 16. Under 16, one may fly a drone under 250 g (C0) in A1, or under the guidance of a registered pilot holding the A1/A3 certificate.
At night: allowed as long as the drone stays in sight, with a flashing green light mandatory.
Above 120 m: possible within 15 m of a structure, with the owner’s agreement.

2 · Zones: Drónakort and national parks

The official map is Drónakort Ísland. Regulation 1360/2024 (art. 3) prohibits flying, without the agreement of the owners or operators, within 150 m of sensitive public infrastructure: power plants, Parliament, presidential residences, ministries, embassies, police stations, prisons, hospitals.

Airports: the operator’s permission is necessary (ISAVIA for Keflavík, Innanlandsflugvellir for the others).
National parks and protected areas: Vatnajökull prohibited at Skaftafell, Jökulsárlón (from 15 April to 15 July), Jökulsárgljúfur and Askja; at Þingvellir, before 9h or after 18h in the central zone; the Environment Agency keeps a list of protected areas.

⚠️ Glydar’s map does not display Iceland’s regulations: the official Drónakort map prevails, to be checked before every flight — see the coverage, country by country.

3 · Registration, exam and insurance

Registration, whatever the weight, valid for five years: ISK 5,863 for an individual (ISK 7,462 for a legal entity).
A1/A3 exam: free, online; A2: ISK 7,462.
Insurance: mandatory above 20 kg or in A2, in specific and in certified (regulation 1360/2024, art. 4). No minimum amount is given.

4 · FPV and night flying

FPV: no Icelandic rule is indicated in the sources consulted; the European framework applies — an observer is necessary.

At night: see section 1 — with a flashing green light.

5 · Before every flight

Check Drónakort; airports, national parks and protected areas.
Registered drone, number on the aircraft; A1/A3 depending on the class.
150 m from sensitive infrastructure; at night, the flashing green light.

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

6 · Penalties: what the law says

Regulation 1360/2024 (art. 5) refers to the aviation act (80/2022, art. 253), of which the text says:

Offences are punished by fines or a prison sentence of up to 5 years, unless a heavier penalty is provided elsewhere. The offence is punishable whether intentional or through negligence; confiscation is provided for.
No fine amount is given by these texts.

This is a ceiling: the judge exercises discretion. 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 Iceland: the regulations guide