Aeromodelling

Model aircraft pilots

Model aircraft pilots have three options for carrying out their operations:

OPTION 1: Flights in "open" category that comply with the specific requirements of subcategory A3 as per Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947.
OPTION 2: Flights in specific UAS geographical areas. According to Article 46 of RD 517/2024, it is possible to designate specific UAS geographical areas for aeromodelling operations in subcategory A3 with certain exemptions, provided the alternative measures established in the AIP are followed.
OPTION 3: Flights under an operational authorisation issued by AESA may also be conducted under the auspices of an aeromodelling club or association. For more information on the characteristics of these operations and how to obtain this authorisation, see the following link.

Coordination with ENAIRE

Regarding ENAIRE, all operations conducted within general UAS geographical areas established for operational safety in ENAIRE-controlled airspace must be coordinated. See “How to fly in ENAIRE geographical areas” for guidance. for all the relevant information.

Outside the aforementioned geographical areas, operations under option 3 must also be processed through ENAIRE when the authorisation requires an informative NOTAM or reserved airspace (TSA/TRA).

To coordinate your operations with ENAIRE, access our web application ENAIRE PLANEA and submit your request under the UAS section. Always do so at least 10 calendar days in advance, 15 days if a NOTAM or reservation (TSA/TRA) is required. Make sure you attach your authorisation issued by AESA if you need it for your activities!

Model Aircraft Fields

As established in Royal Decree 517/2024, aeromodelling fields located within general UAS geographical areas for operational safety in controlled airspace must have a coordination procedure with the relevant air traffic service provider.

Coordination procedure with ENAIRE

As it pertains to ENAIRE, this procedure will be formalised by having the managers of the field and the Tower or Control Centre that provides service in that area sign an ATS Operational Charter (COA). To begin the coordination, the operator/manager of the field must send to the Operations Coordination Department (cop@enaire.es) an initial draft of the COA. In the case of fields located within the geographical areas of the aerodromes and heliports of the AENA network, it must be sent to the appropriate managers listed in ENAIRE Drones.
Model aircraft fields located outside these geographical areas do not require any coordination with ENAIRE. However, it is recommended in all cases that the aeromodelling field be published in AIP Spain (ENR 5.5). To do this, the facility managers must submit the ANNEX 3 AIS DATA CAPTURE FORM from AESA’s Information Note for Aeromodelling Fields to AIS (ais@enaire.es).

Within the scope of clubs, aeromodellers must be registered as UAS operators and comply with the club’s procedures