Iceland is a country known for its stunning landscapes and natural beauty. It’s no surprise that many drone enthusiasts are drawn to Iceland to capture aerial footage of its unique terrain. However, before taking your drone to Iceland, it’s important to be aware of the country’s drone laws.
The Icelandic Transport Authority (ITA) is responsible for regulating drones in Iceland. According to the ITA, all drones weighing more than 250 grams must be registered with the authority. This applies to both recreational and commercial drone use.
In addition to registration, there are several other rules that drone pilots must follow in Iceland. For example, drones must not be flown higher than 120 meters above ground level. They must also not be flown within 5 kilometers of an airport or other aerodrome.
Drone pilots must also maintain a visual line of sight with their drone at all times. This means that the drone must be visible to the pilot without the use of binoculars or other visual aids. Additionally, drones must not be flown over people or crowds, and they must not be flown in a way that could endanger other aircraft or people on the ground.
One unique aspect of Iceland’s drone laws is the requirement for a “flight plan.” Before flying a drone in Iceland, pilots must submit a flight plan to the ITA. This plan must include information such as the location of the flight, the duration of the flight, and the altitude of the drone.
The ITA also has the authority to restrict or prohibit drone flights in certain areas. For example, drones are not allowed to fly over national parks or nature reserves without special permission from the ITA. Additionally, drones are not allowed to fly over certain sensitive areas, such as military installations or power plants.
Penalties for violating Iceland’s drone laws can be severe. Fines can range from 50,000 ISK (approximately $400 USD) to 1,000,000 ISK (approximately $8,000 USD), depending on the severity of the violation. In some cases, drone pilots may also face criminal charges.
Overall, it’s important for drone pilots to be aware of Iceland’s drone laws before flying in the country. Failure to comply with these laws can result in serious consequences. By following the rules and regulations set forth by the ITA, drone pilots can safely and legally capture stunning aerial footage of Iceland’s breathtaking landscapes.