Drone Regulations in North Macedonia: What You Need to Know

Drone regulations are enforced by aviation authorities like the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and other national regulators. Compliance is essential for legal drone operations, safety, and risk management.

Key Areas of Drone Regulation

Registration & Licensing

• Regulations require registration for commercial and some recreational users.
• Operator certification is necessary for commercial drone pilots.

Airspace Restrictions

• Drones cannot fly in restricted zones like airports, military bases, or sensitive locations.
• No-Fly Zones (NFZs) are enforced using geofencing technology.
• Some areas require special flight authorizations.

Flight Rules & Safety Standards

• Visual Line of Sight (VLOS): pilots must keep drones within sight unless granted Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) permission.
• Maximum Altitude: limited to 400 feet (120m) to avoid conflicts with manned aircraft.
• Daylight & Weather Conditions: regulations restrict drone operations to daytime and clear weather unless special waivers are obtained.

Privacy & Security Laws

• Drones must comply with privacy laws when capturing images or videos.
• Unauthorized surveillance or data collection can lead to legal penalties.

Commercial & Specialized Use Regulations

• Additional rules apply to delivery drones, agricultural drones, and surveillance operations.
• Risk assessments and operational safety plans for commercial drone activities may be required

Global Drone Regulation Overview

EASA (European union AviationAgency) :
Categories; Open, Specific and Certified. Registration required for drones over 250 grams or with camera.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

• Fines ranging from hundreds to thousands of euros.
• Seizure of drones for illegal flights.
• Legal action for privacy violations or reckless operations

Future Trends in Drone Regulations

• Integration of Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) systems for safer urban drone operations.
• More BVLOS permissions for drone deliveries and inspections.
• Stronger cybersecurity laws to prevent drone hacking.
• Environmental regulations to control noise pollution and wildlife disturbance.