2017/0400/F
EC/EFTA
FR France
  • T10T - Air transport
2017-11-23
2017-08-29

Civilian unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) weighing more than 800 g

Order on the audible warning of civilian unmanned aerial vehicles

Due to the increase in the number of unlawful flights over sensitive French sites by drones since autumn 2014, two members of the French Parliament tabled a draft law in spring 2016 on improving safety measures when using civilian drones. In particular, this draft followed the Government report to Parliament entitled ‘The rise in civilian aerial drones in France: challenges and possible responses from the State’, published in October 2015.

The law was finally adopted by the French Parliament and enacted on 24 October 2016 (Law No 2016-1428). It imposes new obligations on pilots, owners or manufacturers of civilian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). These are intended to prevent incidents posing a risk to State security, and make pilots accountable.

The aim of the draft Order notified by France to the Member States and the European Commission under Directive (EU) 2015/1535 is to lay down the features (frequency, noise level, signal form) of audible warning devices which civilian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) weighing more than a threshold laid down by way of a Decree must be fitted with pursuant to Article L6214-5 of the Transport Code.

The weight threshold from which this obligation shall apply is laid down by way of a decree at 800 g.