How to apply UAS geographical zones
Based on an application, Traficom may establish UAS geographical zones to protect a specific area or to allow a certain type of unmanned aircraft systems to operate. UAS geographical zone applies only to unmanned aerial vehicles and may be of a prohibitive, restrictive or permissive nature.
UAS geographical zone established by Traficom's decision can be valid for maximum 12 months. More permanent zones may be included in regulation OPS M1-29, which will be reviewed annually, for a period not exceeding three years at a time. Applications for UAS geographical zones in accordance with Aviation Regulation OPS M1-29 must be sent to Traficom's registry by 15 May each year.
All established zones are published on Traficom's droneinfo website , where the zones can also be downloaded in machine-readable form .
Temporary UAS geographical zones, which are established by Traficom's decision for a maximum of 1 year, are subject to a fee (€ 320). The fee is based on a government decree. Zones with permanent nature that are included in regulation OPS M1-29 are free of charge.
Prohibitive and restrictive UAS geographical zones
Traficom may establish a UAS geographical zone in which the operation of unmanned aircraft is prohibited or restricted for indispensable cause. The decision or regulation may stipulate that following certain conditions, the UAS operations are nevertheless permitted in such a zone.
However, flights conducted specifically on behalf of the entity responsible for the protected zone are allowed
Permissive UAS geographical zones
Traficom may designate certain geographical zones in which UAS operations are exempt from one or more of the ‘open’ category requirements. Such UAS geographical zones may be established for commercial, hobby or research and experimental reasons based on an application and reasoning by a UAS operator. Traficom's decision or regulation may impose various conditions and restrictions on unmanned aircraft systems and their operators regarding operations in such a zone.
Send the application form by email to kirjaamo@traficom.fi and ilmatila@traficom.fi 8 weeks prior to intended operations.