libdrone — Regulatory Reference EASA Open Category Czech Republic

About¶

Practical regulatory reference for operating libdrone under EASA Open Category rules in the Czech Republic (CAA CZ). Covers Open A1 and A2 category requirements, registration, pilot competency, operational restrictions, and AUW limits. Not legal advice — always verify current rules at caa.cz and easa.europa.eu before each operating season.

About¶

This document is a regulatory reference of EASA OPEN CATEGORY — CZECH REPUBLIC (CAA CZ)

Last reviewed¶

2026 • Authority: CAA CZ (Úřad pro civilní letectví) / EASA

IMPORTANT¶

This document is a practical reference summary, not legal advice. Regulations change. Always verify current rules at caa.cz and easa.europa.eu before each operating season.

WHAT CATEGORY DOES THE SCOUT FALL INTO?¶

The libdrone is a custom-built drone. Under EASA rules, custom-built UAS are classified by their maximum theoretical MTOW (mass with heaviest possible battery), not by what you happen to fit on a given day.

With a 6S 2200 mAh pack (heaviest likely battery, ~300 g) and a ~410 g dry mass (V2.4.6 target), total MTOW is approximately 710–730 g.

This places the libdrone firmly in EASA Open Category, Subcategory A2 for most operating environments.

Note on the "small battery" approach: Flying with a smaller battery does not change the legal classification. The category is assessed on design MTOW. A lighter battery is useful for weight management, not regulatory downgrading. If inspected, the design specification is what matters.

OPERATOR REGISTRATION (MANDATORY)¶

• Any UAS > 250 g requires the operator to be registered with CAA CZ.
• Registration is done online at: https://registrace.caa.cz
• Cost: approximately 200 CZK / year.
• You receive an Operator Registration Number (e-ID) that must be:
• Marked on the drone (label or engraving)
• Carried as proof during flights

Action required before maiden flight.

A2 CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY (A2 CoC)¶

To fly in A2 subcategory (which the libdrone requires in most urban/skatepark environments), you need an A2 CoC.

How to obtain it in Czech Republic: 1. Complete the EASA online theory course (free, ~5–6 hours). 2. Pass the online theory exam at a CAA CZ accredited centre. 3. Complete a self-declaration of practical skills (no separate exam). 4. CAA CZ issues the A2 CoC certificate.

Cost: exam fee approximately 300–500 CZK. Valid: 5 years.

Without the A2 CoC, you are limited to A3 subcategory rules (far from people), which effectively excludes skatepark flying.

OPERATING RULES BY SITE TYPE¶

SKATEPARK (People Present — the primary mission)¶

Applicable rules under A2 with A2 CoC:

• Minimum horizontal distance from uninvolved people: 30 m (standard mode)
• In "low-speed" mode (declared in Betaflight config, max 5 m/s): 5 m
• Never fly directly over uninvolved people
• Maintain VLOS (Visual Line of Sight) at all times
• Maximum altitude: 120 m AGL
• Check for restricted airspace (CTR zones, TFRs) before each session

Practical note: A small-to-medium skatepark is tight for the 30 m standard rule. Flying in "low-speed" mode with the 5 m rule gives much more flexibility but requires configuring and declaring a speed limit in Betaflight. This is worth setting up.

RURAL / OPEN FIELDS (Extended range / cinematic)¶

• A2 rules still apply if within 30 m of people
• If flying in genuinely unpopulated areas, A3 rules are more permissive and require only the basic online test (A1/A3), not the full A2 CoC
• Still requires operator registration and drone marking

AIRSPACE — CHECK BEFORE EVERY FLIGHT¶

Use one of these tools to check airspace before flying:

• Ublox AirSpace (formerly AirMap): airspace.ublox.com
• Drone Harmony: droneharmony.com
• CAA CZ interactive map: aim.caa.cz

Key restriction types to check: * CTR (Control Zone around airports) — requires ATC permission in CZ * TRA/TSA (Temporary/Segregated Areas) — military, often active * National Parks / Nature Reserves — often restricted * City centre zones — check local municipality bylaws (some Czech cities have additional restrictions beyond EASA minimum)

Telč itself: check for any local heritage/protected area restrictions given the UNESCO historic centre. The skatepark location relative to the old town may affect permitted operating areas.

INSURANCE¶

• Third-party liability insurance is mandatory for all UAS > 250 g in the EU.
• Many Czech home/liability insurance policies do not cover UAS by default.
• Specialist UAS insurance is available from providers including:
• MAST (Coverdrone) — available in CZ
• Allianz UAS rider (check current availability)
• AXA drone insurance
• Annual hobby policies typically start around 1,500–2,500 CZK/year for this class.

Action required before maiden flight.

SUMMARY CHECKLIST¶

Before maiden flight: [ ] Operator registered at registrace.caa.cz [ ] Operator e-ID marked on drone (physical label) [ ] A2 CoC obtained or flight restricted to A3 operating conditions [ ] Third-party liability insurance in force [ ] Airspace checked for flight location via AIM or Drone Harmony [ ] Drone documented (spec sheet, photos) for insurance/inspection purposes

Before each skatepark session: [ ] Airspace check (TFRs change) [ ] Registration proof carried [ ] Operating within A2 horizontal distance rules (or low-speed mode active) [ ] VLOS maintained throughout

USEFUL LINKS (CZECH REPUBLIC)¶

• CAA CZ registration portal: https://registrace.caa.cz
• CAA CZ UAS rules overview: https://www.caa.cz/provoz/bezpilotni-systemy/
• EASA easy access rules for UAS: https://www.easa.europa.eu/en/domains/drones
• Airspace checker: https://aim.caa.cz

"FLY LEGAL. A REGISTRATION LABEL COSTS LESS THAN ONE FINE."¶

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Revision History¶