“Open” category

The “Open” category is the category of UAS operation where in view of the related risks there is no need for a prior authorisation by the competent authority, or operational declaration before the operation. UAS operations in the ‘open’ category shall be divided in three sub-categories in accordance with the requirements set out in Part A of the Annex of the Regulation (EU) 2019/947.

General conditions for flying in the “open” category

1. the unmanned aircraft has a maximum take-off mass of less than 25 kg;
2. the remote pilot ensures that the unmanned aircraft is kept at a safe distance from people and that it is not flown over assemblies of people;
3. the remote pilot keeps the unmanned aircraft in VLOS at all times except when flying in follow-me mode or when using an unmanned aircraft observer as specified in Part A of the Annex;
4. during flight, the unmanned aircraft is maintained within 120 metres from the closest point of the surface of the earth, except when overflying an obstacle, as specified in Part A of the Annex of the Regulation (EU) 2019/947.
5. during flight, the unmanned aircraft does not carry dangerous goods and does not drop any material.
6. when operating at night, it is necessary to ensure that a green flashing light on the unmanned aircraft is activated.

Operations in Open category until 31.12.2023

From 1 January 2024  UAS types, which do not comply with Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945 and which are not privately-built are allowed to continue to be operated under the following conditions:

1. in subcategory A1, provided that the unmanned aircraft has a maximum take-off mass of less than 250 g, including its payload;
2. in subcategory A3, provided that the unmanned aircraft has a maximum take-off mass of less than 25 kg, including its fuel and payload.

Operations in Open category from 1.1.2024

Legacy drones – are drones, which do not comply with Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945 (without a class identification label) and which are not privately-built and have been placed on the market before 1 January 2024.

Uninvolved persons – are persons who are not participating in the UAS operation or who are not aware of the instructions and safety precautions given by the UAS operator.

Zhromaždenia ľudí –  are gatherings where persons are unable to move away due to the density of the people present.

Detailed information on the conditions of flying under each category can be found in the Regulation (EU) 2019/947.