The Russian agency responsible for drone safety, FATA, has provided several internet-accessible details on flying for fun or work. The highlights are enumerated below. For more details, go to the link above.
Are drones allowed in Russia?
According to FATA, drones are allowed in Russia, subject to FATA regulations. Read on for details.
Here are the most important rules to know for flying a drone in Russia:
The Russian Federation’s state legislature amended the country’s air code in June 2015. As a result, all unmanned aerial vehicles were reclassified as aircraft. This means they are now subject to the civil aviation authority.
Flying a drone is legal in Russia. However, most Russian cities are equipped with GPS jammers, which create radio interference, preventing electronics such as drones from operating normally.
Drones weighing more than 250 grams must be registered with the Federal Air Transport Agency.
Avoid flying your drone in densely populated areas or prohibited zones.
When flying your drone, be mindful of other people’s privacy.
During daylight hours, fly.
Fly when the weather conditions for visibility are favorable.
Maintain a minimum distance of 5 miles from airports, heliports, or aerodromes.
Remember that some major cities have integrated GPS jammers that can interfere with your drone’s positioning. So keep a safe distance from them.
The FATA has not officially identified any unrestricted flying zones in Russia.
However, as part of the regulations, you are not permitted to fly within 500 meters of a military installation, an airport, or a densely populated area.
Permits for Reserves and National Parks are granted on an individual basis. Avoid flying over sporting events as well.
Registration Requirements for Flying a Drone in Russia
You do not need a permit to fly a drone in Russia.
What is critical is that you register your drone with the Federal Air Transport Agency.
This information must be included in an email to the chief expert responsible for the aircraft’s paperwork and registration.
The following information is required:
Insurance documentation for drones
Serial number identifying the drone’s model and type
Information on how to contact us
It typically takes a few business days to process all this information.
Any drone weighing more than 4.4 pounds requires a waiver to fly. The same is true for the right to fly at night.