AVIATION REGULATIONS – OPERATION OF UNMANNED AIRCRAFTS-DRONES IN THE REPUBLIC OF SERBIA

AVIATION REGULATIONS – OPERATION OF UNMANNED AIRCRAFT (DRONES) IN THE REPUBLIC OF SERBIA

The operation of unmanned aircraft, commonly referred to as drones, is increasingly widespread. While initially used for military purposes, drones are now employed by private individuals and companies to offer innovative services and improve existing ones.

The operation of drones in Serbia is regulated by the Air Transport Law (“Official Gazette of RS”, No. 73/2010, 57/2011, 93/2012, 45/2015, and 66/2015) and the Regulation on Unmanned Aircraft (“Official Gazette of RS”, No. 108/2015), which outline conditions for safe operation, classification, registration, maintenance, and qualifications required for drone operators.

Key Provisions of the Regulation

1. Exemptions
   The Regulation does not apply to:

   • Drones with an operating mass of less than 0.5 kg, maximum speed below 20 m/s, maximum distance of 15 m, and maximum height of 10 m.
   • Drones designed for use by defense, home affairs, or customs authorities.
   • Indoor operations.

2. Registration Requirements
   Drones used for commercial purposes or exceeding certain limits (operating mass > 0.5 kg, height > 50 m, speed > 30 m/s, range > 100 m) must be registered with the Directorate for Civil Aviation. Drones are categorized by application (commercial or non-commercial) and technical specifications (weight, speed, range).

3. Flying Foreign Drones
   Foreign drones cannot operate in Serbian airspace without prior permission from the Ministry of Defense. Operators must obtain a qualification certificate approved by the Directorate, based on credentials from the operator’s country of origin.

4. Airspace Allocation

   • Flights must be pre-approved by the Serbia and Montenegro Air Traffic Services Agency (SMATSA) at least five working days before the intended flight.
   • Operation is prohibited within 5 km of an airport reference point unless specially authorized by the Directorate.

5. Operating Rules

   • Flights are allowed only during daylight hours and must remain within the visual line of sight of the operator.
   • Maximum flight altitude is 100 m unless otherwise authorized.
   • Drones must not exceed 500 m horizontal distance from the operator.

6. Prohibited Activities

   • Operating drones from moving objects or controlling multiple drones simultaneously.
   • Flying closer than 500 m to critical infrastructure (e.g., power plants, military facilities) without prior permission.
   • Transporting people, animals, or dangerous goods.
   • Ejecting liquids or objects, or carrying external loads not integral to the drone, without permission.

7. Operator Responsibilities
   Operators must:

   • Ensure flights occur within allocated airspace without endangering lives, property, or public order.
   • Maintain a safe horizontal distance of at least 30 m from other persons.
   • Be sober and mentally fit.
   • Be available for communication with air traffic control.
   • Verify the functionality of the drone before each flight.

8. Commercial Operation
   Operators must submit a statement of qualification to the Directorate, including details about:

   • Operator and business information.
   • Intended activities.
   • Drone specifications.
   • Operator qualifications.

   Operators must be adults, medically fit, and have passed a knowledge test in air law. They must carry:

   • The manufacturer’s manual.
   • Permission from the Directorate.
   • A certificate of passing the knowledge test.

9. Penalties
   Violations of the Law or Regulation can result in fines:

   • Legal entities: RSD 500,000–2,000,000.
   • Natural persons: RSD 50,000–150,000.

Contact Us
Our Law Firm is at your disposal for further questions regarding drone operations in Serbia.

Attorney at Law Damir Petrović
Disclaimer: The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific advice, consult a legal professional. The Law Firm Petrović & Partners disclaims all liability for actions taken or not taken based on this content.