Drone Operations in Geographical Zones
The introduction of geographical zones represents a significant change in the rules for drone operations in the Czech Republic. These zones replace the previous blanket restrictions (protected areas) and provide clearer guidance on where and under what conditions flights are permitted. Most importantly, by eliminating the administrative procedure (previously a mandatory authorization request from the Civil Aviation Authority), they simplify both flight planning and actual operations. Since September 1, 2025, the zones are displayed in the digital DroneMap.
The rules of operations near railway tracks are based on the drone’s weight, distance from the tracks, the railway operator’s standpoint, and whether the flight is a short transit through the zone or a longer operation within it. A flight counts as a short transit only if it lasts the minimum necessary time, occurs at a minimum altitude of 30 meters, the drone’s speed is at least 5 m/s, it flies almost perpendicular to the tracks, and no takeoff or landing occurs within the zone. If the pilot exceeds any of these parameters, the flight is no longer considered a short transit but a flight within the zone, which is regarded as higher risk. For all operations in this geographical zone, any incident that could affect operational safety must be reported. Additionally, every planned flight or transit must be entered in advance into the DroneMap application (except of drones without a camera weighing up to 250 g).
Unmanned aircraft in the open categories A1 and A2 may operate at a distance of 5–60 m from the railway track after entering the flight plan into the map, without any additional permissions, provided the pilot ensures that no train is approaching within 500 m. Only operations in category A3 (i.e., heavier drones than C2, or older drones without a class marking exceeding 250 g) also require the consent of the railway operator.
A one-time short transit of drones in categories A1 and A2 (i.e., drones up to 250 g without a class marking, and drones marked C0, C1, or C2) across railway tracks is permitted without additional authorizations after entering the flight plan into the map, provided no train or other rail vehicle is approaching within 500 m. For drones in category A3, transit is allowed only with prior consent from the railway operator. Any longer-term operations (not just a transit) within 5 m of the track centerline, regardless of drone weight, require the railway operator’s consent and passing the A2 exam. If the drone weighs more than 900 g, the pilot must also have liability insurance covering potential damages caused by drone operations, with a minimum coverage limit of CZK 1,000,000.
The general measure LKR312 applies only to electrical substations with voltages of 110 kV or higher and power lines with voltages of 220 kV or higher. Drone operations near other facilities (e.g., lower-voltage lines) are not restricted by this measure – only the standard rules of the open category apply. Operations near such high-voltage lines and substations are associated with the obligation to report any incident to the transmission system operator that could affect reliability or safety.
Flight within the area of an electrical substation is permitted only with the consent of its operator and after entering the flight plan in the DroneMap app.
Any flight in the zone with drones up to 250 g is permitted without additional authorizations. Only in the event of, for example, a collision with a power line is the pilot required to report the incident to the transmission system operator.
For drones from 0.25 kg to 25 kg, a short transit requires only sending an email to the system operator with basic flight information and entering the flight plan in DroneMap. For longer flights over or near power lines, merely informing the operator is not sufficient; prior consent from the operator is required.
In the past, much stricter rules applied in the protection zones of all water sources, regardless of their level (1st, 2nd, or 3rd) and whether they were underground sources, surface sources, or water reservoirs. The general measure LKR313 relaxes these rules and establishes a geographical zone with drone operation regulations only to the extent corresponding to the 1st-level protection zone for water reservoirs.
Operation of any unmanned aircraft over a water reservoir is permitted only with the consent of the relevant water management authority (DroneMap shows the name of the corresponding watershed). If any incident occurs during the flight (e.g., an emergency landing within the zone, where entry is otherwise prohibited), it must be reported. Additionally, pilots of drones equipped with a camera or weighing more than 250 g must also mark the approved flight in DroneMap app.
The shapes of the inner and outer zones differ for controlled districts (CTR) at Ruzyně, other controlled airports, and military airports (MCTR). Every zones are clearly displayed in the DroneMap application.
Operations in the outer (more distant) zone are permitted up to the grid altitude without additional conditions. Above the grid, flights are subject to coordination with the ATC unit, and the flight plan must be entered in DroneMap.
In the inner zone (close to the airport), operations are permitted if the pilot has entered their flight plan into the DroneMap application. If the pilot intends to fly above the grid value shown in the app, the flight must be coordinated in advance with the ATC unit and the airport operator.
Contacts for the relevant airports can be found in the AIP. The procedure for coordinating a flight with the ATC unit can be found here.
The shapes of the inner and outer zones differ for controlled districts (CTR) at Ruzyně, other controlled airports, and military airports (MCTR). Both zones are clearly displayed in the DroneMap application.
In the outer zone, flights are permitted up to the altitude specified by the grid without coordination, but the flight plan must be entered in the application for every flight of a drone over 250 g or equipped with a camera.
Drone operations in the inner zone of a military controlled airport are permitted only after prior coordination with the military ATC unit and after entering the flight plan into DroneMap.
Contacts for the relevant airports can be found in the AIP. The procedure for coordinating a flight with the ATC unit can be found here.
Unmanned aircraft up to 25 kg may operate without additional conditions as long as they remain below the altitude specified by the grid. Flights above the grid must be coordinated with AFIS/RADIO services (at the airport tower) or with the airport operator if no such services are provided. Coordination does not imply a ban or selective charging for the drone flight; it only sets the necessary conditions to ensure safety is not compromised.
Contacts for non-controlled aerodromes can be found in the VFR Manual.
Flights closer than 1.5 km from the center of a registered area for sport flying equipment (SLZ) must be coordinated in advance with its operator (the purpose and scope of coordination are described under non-controlled aerodromes). Subsequently, the remote pilot only needs to exercise increased caution, monitor the surrounding airspace, and give right of way to manned sport flying equipment, such as ultralight aircraft, powered or unpowered paragliders, or hang gliders.
Contacts for SLZ fields operators can be found in the VFR Manual.
Around heliports (including alternate or backup heliports, i.e., Points of Public Interest), three concentric zones have been established, each with different operational conditions.
In the outermost zone (1,000–3,000 m from the heliport), drone pilots are only required to exercise increased vigilance and monitor the surrounding airspace, which can include the use of observers.
Within 1,000 m of a heliport, it is also required to enter the flight plan into DroneMap (the exception applies only to drones without a camera weighing less than 250 g and drones designated as toys by the manufacturer).
Flights are permitted without additional restrictions up to the altitude of the heliport (within 200 m) or up to heliport altitude plus 25 m (in the 200–1,000 m zone). Above these altitudes, the flight must be coordinated in advance with the heliport operator, and if the heliport is within a controlled district (CTR, MCTR), also with the relevant ATC unit.
Drone pilots whose operations fall under subcategory A1 are, in this zone (compared to the general conditions of the open category), required to enter the flight plan into DroneMap, plan the flight so that it can be reasonably expected that no uninvolved persons (unprotected by a building or located directly behind its windows) will be overflown, and ensure the 1:1 rule is maintained with respect to them (i.e., horizontal distance from uninvolved persons equals the drone’s altitude above the ground).
C2-class drones may be operated in congested areas under the standard A2 operating conditions, meaning: The pilot must have successfully passed the A2 exam. The operational area must be marked in DroneMap. Only involved persons may be present in the area. Measures must be taken to prevent uninvolved persons from entering, maintaining a minimum distance of 30 m (or at least 5 m if the drone is in low-speed mode), while still observing the 1:1 rule.
Heavier drones may enter urban areas only in a specific category, either with an issued Operating Authorization or under the conditions specified in a standard scenario (STS).
All flights within the geographical zone along highways, roads, and local streets must be submitted in advance as flight plans in the DroneMap application. Other and purpose-specific roads are not subject to additional conditions.
Drone operations near highways and first-class roads require prior consent from the Road and Motorway Directorate (ŘSD); for second- and third-class roads, consent must be obtained from the municipal authority with extended powers; and for first-class local roads, consent is required from the owner or manager of the road.
Drones up to 250 g without a camera, as well as those designated as toys by the manufacturer, may be operated in specially protected areas (excluding national parks) without any additional obligations beyond the rules of the open category.
If a drone up to 250 g has a camera or is heavier, the pilot is required to contact the manager of the national park or the relevant regional office of AOPK to request preliminary information on whether official consent from the nature protection authority will be needed for the flight. The request does not need to be limited to a single flight; it can also cover repeated operations over a defined period, for example, throughout an entire year. The nature protection authority will assess the request and may impose additional conditions, particularly to protect wildlife in the area.
The relevant authority can be found by searching for the name of the protected area here: drusop.nature.cz. In the details under the green arrow, you can also find the official legal documentation, including a description of the conservation objectives and information on how drone operations are restricted in the area.
Operations in this zone are prohibited, and it is strictly forbidden to make any recordings or take photographs. An exception to the ban may be requested from the relevant authority.
Drone flights granted an exception to the ban must also be marked in DroneMap (applies to drones over 250 g or equipped with a camera).
In the LKP1 (Prague Castle area), obtaining approval from the Police of the Czech Republic is required before flying any drone.
For other prohibited, restricted, reserved, designated, or dangerous areas, operations must follow the conditions specified for each area in the Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP).
The general measure LKR320 states that the conditions for these other areas do not apply to drones up to 250 g without a camera and drones designated as toys by the manufacturer - meaning they are only subject to the general rules of the open category.