Real estate drones and licence

Paid filming is a commercial operation

Under EASA and NAA rules, any paid flight — including property photography, video tours or aerial surveys for a client — is a commercial operation. This means: mandatory operator registration, competency certificate and insurance.

Even a one-off photo shoot for a friend's small business counts as commercial if payment is involved. Revenue from any flight removes the recreational exemption.

Why real estate filming typically needs A2

Property locations are often in residential areas or near people. The A2 certificate allows flight at 30 m from uninvolved persons (5 m in Low-Speed Mode) with a C2-class aircraft — giving closer, more flexible framing.

Without A2, A1/A3 limits you to greater separation distances. In urban and suburban settings this can significantly restrict camera angles and property coverage.

Insurance for property drone work

Real estate agencies and vendors often require proof of drone insurance. Third-party liability (OC) insurance protects against claims if an incident damages property or injures someone.

Your policy must list commercial operations as the purpose — a hobby policy typically does not cover commercial flights. Compare commercial UAV policies by insured sum and activity type.

Additional permits for property flights

If the property is in controlled airspace (CTR), ATC permission is required — apply via utm.ans.lt. Some municipalities may require an additional permit for flights over private land.

Check geo-zones before every shoot using the utm.ans.lt map. Vilnius and Kaunas city centres and surrounding CTR areas may have restricted zones.

Frequently asked questions

Is A1/A3 enough for rural property photography?

In rural areas far from people, A1/A3 with a suitable aircraft may suffice operationally. However, any paid flight still requires operator registration and commercial insurance regardless of subcategory.

Can I film for a real estate agency without a licence as a one-off?

No. Even a single paid flight is a commercial operation. Operator registration and a competency certificate are required.