Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section. Here, we address common queries about our DroneOps Platform, providing clear and concise answers for drone pilots.

Whether you’re planning your first drone flight, navigating restricted areas, or managing airspace operations, this page serves as a quick reference to help you get started and resolve any doubts.

If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, feel free to reach out to us! Our team is here to assist you.

General questions

The platform allows you to plan, submit, and manage your drone flights while ensuring compliance with restricted areas and regulations.

Yes, you need to create an account and log in to access the full functionality, such as submitting mission requests and getting approvals.

Getting started

  1. Register as a drone operator with the Romanian Civil Aviation Authority.
  2. Complete the examination on the aforementioned website to obtain your drone operator license.
  3. Create an account on DroneOps Platform and submit your mission request.

No, you do not need to be a registered drone operator with the Romanian Civil Aviation Authority to use the platform. However, you must register to legally operate your drone.

No, you do not need a pilot license to use the platform. However, you must obtain a pilot license to legally operate your drone.

To create your account, go to the registration page and fill in the required details such as your name, email, phone number, and country. You will also need to verify your email address before accessing the platform.

Mission planning

To plan a drone mission, follow these steps:

  1. Decide where and when you want to fly.
  2. Determine the type of flight: "Open", "Specific", or "Certified".
  3. Check all the restricted areas displayed on the map.
  4. Submit your mission request and wait for approval.

You will receive an email with all the information, including whether you need any additional approvals, such as from military authorities or the Romanian Civil Aviation Authority.

The different colored polygons on the map represent restricted areas in Romania. These may include:

  • CTR (Control Zones) managed by the ATC
  • Airport's runway protection areas, managed by the ATC
  • Military Zones: These areas are not managed by DroneOps. You will need to obtain approval directly from the military or the responsible authority.
  • NOTAMs

Restricted areas are displayed as polygons on the map. You can click on the polygons to see more details, such as the restriction type, altitude limits, and contact information. Use the filter options to toggle the visibility of specific types of restrictions, such as CTRs or military zones.

NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen/Air mission) are official notifications issued to alert pilots of potential hazards along a flight route or at a location that could affect the safety of the flight. Here is an example of a NOTAM and how to decode its most relevant information:

        NOTAM ID: M0422/2025
        (M0422/25 NOTAMN
        Q) LRBB/QWELW/IV/BO /W /000/105/4509N02434E150
        A) LRBB B) 2501240600 C) 2501242200
        E) NAVIGATION WARNING.
        MIL FLT WILL TAKE PLACE INTO AN AREA BOUNDED BY 5NM EITHER SIDE
        OF A STRAIGHT LINE CONNECTING THE FLW POINTS OF COORD:
        442332N0274336E-453346N0272307E-451917N0275213E-451416N0273818E
        452654N0271319E-455122N0264629E-451300N0265800E-453440N0255602E
        461339N0242314E-463015N0235320E-471611N0245425E-462304N0245800E
        462108N0230439E-463244N0230040E-455300N0225400E-454150N0215450E
        454900N0212000E-454150N0215450E-453633N0225721E-450600N0242300E
        450700N0254400E-451300N0265800E-443800N0274600E-442332N0274336E
        FLT WILL BE COOR BTN CIV AND MIL ATC
        F) 500FT AGL G) FL105)
                    

Here is how to decode the most relevant information:

  • Field B: 2501240600 - Start date and time in UTC (24th January 2025, 06:00 UTC)
  • Field C: 2501242200 - End date and time in UTC (24th January 2025, 22:00 UTC)
  • Field E: Description of the NOTAM
  • Field F: 500FT AGL - Lower limit (500 feet above ground level)
  • Field G: FL105 - Upper limit (Flight level 105 = 10500ft)

Flight Approvals and Restrictions

It is not forbidden to fly into restricted areas, but it requires proper authorization. Doing so without authorization may result in penalties or legal action. Always check the map for restricted areas and ensure that your mission request complies with the regulations.

No, you cannot fly into restricted areas without proper authorization. Doing so may result in penalties or legal action. Always check the map for restricted areas and ensure that your mission request complies with the regulations.

Yes, you must submit a mission request even if your intended flight area is not within a restricted zone. It is always required to send a mission request before flying to ensure compliance with regulations and to maintain safety.

Navigate to the "New Flight" section in your dashboard. Fill in the required information, such as the flight area, altitude, start time, duration, and a brief description of your mission. Ensure that your mission request complies with the airspace restrictions shown on the map.

Once your mission request is submitted, it will fall into one of the following statuses:

  • No Approval Required: If your mission does not intersect with any ATC-managed restricted areas. You can proceed with your flight, but ensure compliance with all regulations and check for external restrictions.
  • Pending: If your mission intersects platform-managed restricted areas (e.g., CTRs or airport zones) and is awaiting review by the ATC.
  • Approved: If your mission is fully approved by the ATC. You may proceed with your flight, following all relevant airspace regulations and notifying the ATC before and after the flight.
  • Conditionally Approved: If your mission is approved by the ATC but intersects with external restrictions (e.g., military zones). You will need to obtain additional approvals from the responsible authorities before flying.
  • External Approval Required: If your mission only intersects with non-platform restrictions (e.g., military zones), ATC approval is not required, but you must obtain permission from external authorities before proceeding.
  • Rejected: If the mission violates safety regulations, operational protocols, or other airspace restrictions. Review the rejection notification for further instructions.

You will receive an email notification with your mission status and any additional actions required.

Here is an explanation of the different mission statuses you might encounter on the DroneOps platform:

  • Pending: Your mission request has been submitted and is awaiting review by the ATC. You will be notified once a decision is made.
  • Approved: Your mission has been fully approved by the ATC. You may proceed with your flight, but remember to follow all regulations and notify ATC before and after your flight.
  • Conditionally Approved: Your mission is approved by the ATC but intersects with external restrictions (e.g., military zones). You need to obtain additional approvals from the relevant authorities before flying.
  • Rejected: Your mission was not approved due to safety concerns, regulatory conflicts, or operational reasons. Review the rejection notification for more details.
  • No Approval Required: Your mission does not intersect any ATC-managed restricted areas, so no ATC approval is necessary. However, ensure compliance with all local regulations and check for any external restrictions.
  • External Approval Required: Your mission intersects areas managed by external authorities (e.g., military). ATC approval is not needed, but you must contact the appropriate authority to obtain permission.

You will receive a notification when your mission request is reviewed by ATC. The notification will include the status (Approved or Rejected) and any additional comments. You can also check the status directly in your dashboard.

Once your flight is approved by the ATC, you should take off according to the selected start date and time. However, you must call the ATC before taking off to confirm your flight. Additionally, you must call the ATC again once your flight is completed to inform them that the flight has ended.

If your mission intersects with areas like military zones or other non-platform restricted areas, DroneOps will approve your mission from an ATC perspective but will notify you to seek additional approvals.

In such cases, your mission status will indicate "Approved with External Clearance Required." You are responsible for contacting the relevant authority (e.g., military) before taking off.

Failure to obtain necessary approvals from external authorities could result in legal consequences or flight cancellation.

This platform facilitates approvals within restricted areas managed by air traffic controllers (ATC). If additional approval is required, it is because your flight area is also within another restricted area type, which might be managed by the military or another authority. You will need to obtain approvals from that authority. Additionally, if your flight type falls into the "Specific" or "Certified" category, you will need approval from the Romanian Civil Aviation Authority.

When your mission intersects with non-platform restrictions (e.g., military zones), DroneOps will display the necessary authority's contact details by email.

You can also check the restriction details on the map by clicking the specific polygon to view the contact information for the responsible authority.

Please also check aerofoto.mapn.ro

Your flight may have been rejected due to operational reasons. The ATC might expect some manned air traffic in the area during your intended flight time.

Review the rejection notification for specific details and make the necessary adjustments before resubmitting your mission request.

No, you cannot fly if your mission request has been rejected. You must address the reasons for the rejection and resubmit your mission request for approval. Unauthorized flights may result in legal consequences or safety risks. Always wait for mission approval before flying.

No, you cannot modify or cancel a submitted mission request. If you need to make changes, you must cancel the current flight and submit a new mission request with the updated details. If you no longer intend to fly, you can simply delete the approved flight.