Model Aircraft Clubs

For operations within model aircraft clubs and associations, there is a temporary exemption in European regulations that governs their activities in a non-standard way. This exemption was valid until December 31, 2023, during the so-called extended transitional period. The list of involved registered entities using these special conditions is published by the Civil Aviation Authority. For more information on the specific conditions, contact your model aircraft club or association.

By decisions of the Ministry of Transport and the Civil Aviation Authority (Directive on the Operation of Unmanned Systems and the Implementing Measure for the Operation of Unmanned Systems within Model Aircraft Clubs), the validity of this exemption, which was originally intended to last only until the end of 2022 under European rules, was extended until December 31, 2023.

All members of model aircraft clubs could therefore follow the same rules as in 2022 until the end of 2023. If a model aircraft club did not submit an application for authorization to operate in the specific category to the Civil Aviation Authority by June 30, 2023, its members are required to follow the open category rules from 2024 onwards (until they submit an application and obtain authorization).

Clubs under the SMČR (Model Aircraft Association of the Czech Republic) now (as of August 2024) have an extended transitional period from the Ministry of Transport until the end of 2024, during which they can continue their activities according to the 2023 rules until the Civil Aviation Authority issues their operating authorization.

However, even during the transitional periods, as of December 31, 2020, it is essential for every modeler to be registered in the register of unmanned aircraft operators using the Civil Aviation Authority’s registration portal.

According to the Civil Aviation Authority, this registration can be replaced during the transitional period by the registration of the entire club, which is defined as the operator, meaning all club members’ aircraft are marked with the same operator number.

However, according to currently available information, this position is not in line with the interpretation of the uniform rules by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) , and members of model aircraft clubs and associations will have to register individually as operators, or this can be done on their behalf by the club or association.

Summary:

To operate within model aircraft clubs and associations, deviating from the basic limits of the open category, it is necessary to obtain special authorization from the Civil Aviation Authority, which will likely involve the definition of a so-called geographical zone.

Specific exemptions from harmonized European rules, such as the possibility to fly at higher altitudes, will be linked to this zone. The purpose of such zones is to allow uninterrupted operations in a specific location while ensuring maximum safety with respect to other traffic, both manned and unmanned.