Operations in the “open” category (OPEN) allow low-risk flights. These include VLOS flights performed for both “commercial” and “recreational” purposes. However, the obligation is to register the Operator of a drone equipped with a camera and/or heavier than 250 g on the website drony.gov.pl, have appropriate competences (e.g. familiarization with the operating manual or have a certificate of completion of free training) and report each flight in the DroneTower mobile app.
Operations in the “open” category may be performed only within the visual range of the pilot or an observer standing next to the pilot, up to a height of no more than 120 meters from the nearest point of the earth’s surface, with drones weighing not more than 25 kg.
The “open” category is divided into three subcategories: A1, A2 and A3, based on the operational restrictions and requirements to be met by unmanned aircraft system (UAS) as well as drone pilots:
Drones with which operations can be performed in the “open” category must meet the following conditions:
Other requirements of the “open” category can be found in Article 4 of COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2019/947 of 24 May 2019 on the rules and procedures for the operation of unmanned aircraft and Guideline No. 7/2024 of the President of the Civil Aviation Authority dated May 20, 2024.
An operator of an unmanned aircraft system could be compared to an airline that owns many planes but does not fly them themselves. It is done by pilots who acquire the required ratings to fly the aircraft during courses and training. It’s very similar in unmanned aviation community.
European drone regulations have made it mandatory to register operators, i.e. individuals or legal entities (e.g. companies, public institutions) that “intend to operate at least one unmanned aircraft system.”
This means that the requirement to register as an operator does not apply to us when we intend to fly:
After free registration at https://drony.gov.pl/, you will receive a Confirmation of Operator Registration with a unique identification number assigned. This number should be placed on each drone for which registration is required.
IMPORTANT! The operator does not have to fly the drone at all. They could be, for example, simply be the owner. In addition to the obligation to register, that person also has liabilities as an operator of an unmanned aircraft system as described in Section UAS.OPEN.050 of COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2019/947 of 24 May 2019 on the rules and procedures for the operation of unmanned aircraft.
Every drone that is not a toy and is equipped with a camera should display the operator’s number, for whom the pilot is flying.
To fly a drone independently, it is requided to be at least 16 years old and have the necessary competency.
It is worth mentioning that passing the training and passing the exam for the A1 or A3 subcategory does not mean that the pilot has complete freedom to fly a drone. For example, a light drone (<250 g) is permitted to fly over bystanders if necessary, something we are not allowed to do with a heavier drone under normal circumstances.
Acquiring A2 subcategory flying competency allows you to fly C2 class drones.
Operations that cannot be carried out under subcategory A1 or A2 must be carried out in accordance with the conditions specified for subcategory A3. This means flying within 150 meters horizontally of built-up, industrial or recreational areas, and ensuring that flights do not pose a danger to bystanders.
The “open” category was created for low-risk flights. This means that there are limitations associated with it. The most important of these are:
COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2019/947 of 24 May 2019 (consolidated version of 4 April 2022) on rules and procedures for the operation of unmanned aircraft;
COMMISSION DELEGATED REGULATION (EU) 2019/945 of 12 March 2019 (consolidated version of 9 August 2020) on unmanned aircraft systems and third-country operators of unmanned aircraft systems;
Act of 3 July 2002 – Aviation Law (Journal of Laws of 2023, item 2110; of 2024, items 731 and 1222; and of 2025, items 31 and 179).
Act of 8 December 2006 on the Polish Air Navigation Services Agency (Journal of Laws of 2024, item 1272, and of 2025, items 179)
Guideline No. 7/2024 of the President of the Civil Aviation Authority of 20 May 2024 on the methods of conducting operations using unmanned aircraft systems in connection with the entry into force of the provisions of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 2019/947 of 24 May 2019 on rules and procedures for the operation of unmanned aircraft systems.
Guideline No. 4/2025 of the President of the Civil Aviation Authority of 21 February 2025 on the designation of geographical zones for unmanned aircraft systems.
