Pursuant to Article 156a(2) of the Act of July 3, 2002—Aviation Law (consolidated text: Journal of Laws of 2025, item 1431, as amended), every UAV flight in Polish airspace must take place after notifying the Polish Air Navigation Services Agency (PAŻP) of the intention to conduct the flight via the ICT system specified by the Agency, namely the DroneTower application.
Download the DroneTower app, then log in.
DroneTower is used to:
To function properly, the application requires the user to be registered in the PansaUTM system at utm.pansa.pl, a constant internet connection, and a valid POLISH (+48) mobile phone number at which the user must be reachable during the flight.
A stable internet connection is essential for the proper operation of the bidirectional non-verbal communication between air traffic services (ATS) and the drone pilot. This communication channel enables the following:
By completing a Check-In in the DroneTower app, which is an operational part of the PansaUTM system, air traffic management services can see every registered drone flight in Polish airspace. As a result, TWR controllers and FIS officers can view each Check-In on their displays and, if necessary – such as during a Medical Air Rescue (HEMS) helicopter flight – may (though are not obligated to) order or suggest (in the case of FIS) the immediate termination of a drone operation.
Through this same channel, ATS may also modify planned operation parameters, such as reducing the maximum flight altitude or shortening the duration of the flight.
A green Check-In icon indicates that it has been accepted by a TWR (pictured) or viewed by a FIS.
DroneTower allows users to verify whether drone flights are permitted in a selected location in Poland before the flight. To do this, simply click on the desired location on the map. The icon located at the top of the screen will indicate whether a flight is possible in that area up to the declared flight altitude, considering the selected category, drone weight, and flight duration. Clicking on the function button, followed by the “i” button on the right, opens a window with detailed information about local restrictions, their meaning, and an assessment of flight feasibility.
Note: Airspace structures are dynamic.
The application evaluates the airspace status based on the planned time of the UAS operation and displays information only about geographical zones (e.g. DRA-R TRA, DRA-P TSA, MRT) that may be active during that period. Zone activity is indicated by the activity table included in the zone’s description (times are shown in local time!).
Important! DroneTower provides real-time information about the possibility of conducting a flight (based on the time declared in the application for the UAS operation). New zones can appear at any location and time. It is the responsibility of the drone pilot to stay informed about current restrictions. Therefore, it is normal for the application to indicate that a flight is possible in each location in the morning, but that restrictions may apply in the same location later in the day.
The application does not show information about zones planned to be activated later, except for areas designated for BVLOS flights.
Additionally, keep in mind that PANSA mainly provides information about airspace structures, but not necessarily about what exists on the ground. For this reason, DroneTower generally does not include information about ground facilities over which flying is prohibited without consent from managing entities such as seaports, power plants, water intakes, wastewater treatment plants, military units, or training grounds.
Remember! Even if you see information indicating that a flight is permitted, always verify whether there are any unpublished geographical zones or ground-based objects in the area that may impose restrictions or make the flight impossible.
Detailed information about using the DroneTower application can be found in the user manual.
