Laws for drone pilots in Europe and their counterparts – the drone operators
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has compiled some information on the main differences between a drone operator and drone pilot in the leisure category (known as the “open” category).
Drone operator and drone pilot – what is the difference?
A drone operator is any person, or organisation, who owns or rents one or more registered drones. Drone manufacturers and/or retailers don’t register drones. You need to take the initiative yourself to register with your National Aviation Authority, in your country of residence or main place of business.
A drone pilot is the person actually flying the drone, without necessarily owning or renting the drone.
And yes, you can be both, a drone operator and a drone pilot if you own or rent a drone and also fly one.
All combinations are possible. An operator may decide not to be a pilot but will have responsibility for the drone(s) and what is done with it or them. For example, s/he can have a fleet of drones under his/her charge for a small business and employ one or various pilots.
Also, a person can be only a pilot without owning a drone themselves, and therefore not be an operator.
Drone operators’ and pilots’ main responsibilities
Insurance: The drone operator needs to have the right insurance in place, even if the drone is piloted by someone else. Check with your National Aviation Authority.
While, it would be good for pilots to check that insurance is in place before flying.
Registration: The drone operator needs to register with their National Aviation Authority. Drones that are in the open category are never registered in their own right, only the operator needs to register.
As a pilot, before you fly the drone, it would be good to check whether the operator is registered.
Registration ID number: Once you have registered as a drone operator, you will receive a registration ID number. You need to fix the same ID number on the drone or drones you own.
The drone pilot is not responsible for this, but it would be good to check that the drone s/he is flying has the operator’s ID number fixed.
Pilot’s exam: Before handing over your drone, it would be good to check that the designated pilot/s have done the necessary online pilot training, have passed the online pilot exam and have a valid pilot certificate.
The drone pilot needs to complete the necessary online training, pass a pilot exam and get a valid remote pilot competency certificate (valid for 5 years).
NOTE: Make sure that you follow an online training offered by your National Aviation Authority. It allows for the correct licence to be issued.
SOURCE: https://www.easa.europa.eu/en/light/topics/drone-operators-pilots
