Flying model aircraft in the Netherlands as a non-resident

You can choose to become a member or guest remote pilot at a model flying club in the Netherlands. Ask the relevant club about the conditions.

Flying at a model flying club is subject to the rules for drones under the Specific category (medium risk).

The main requirements are:

Model flying club permit

The model flying club must hold a valid permit. This states, among other things:

• The skills remote pilots must have as a minimum.
• The requirements their model aircraft must meet.
• The distance they must keep from people, buildings, roads and railway lines.

Permits may contain additional requirements or exceptions which differ per club. The club must inform you about this.

Operator number

When flying at a model flying club, you must affix an operator number to your model aircraft. If you are resident in an EASA Member State, request the operator number from your own aviation authority.

If you are resident outside the EU, apply for an operator number in the first EASA Member State where you intend to fly. In the Netherlands, apply for an operator number through Rijksdienst voor het wegverkeer, RDW (Netherlands Vehicle Authority).

When flying model aircraft outside the context of a model flying club, the rules for drone category Open (low risk) apply. You do not need a permit for this. However, you must:

• Have at least an A1/A3 pilot licence, if your model aircraft has a maximum take-off mass of more than 250 grams. It does not matter in which EU Member State you obtain this licence. In the Netherlands, you can obtain your licence through Rijksdienst voor het wegverkeer, RDW (Netherlands Vehicle Authority).
• Affix an operator number to your model aircraft, if it has a maximum take-off mass of more than 250 grams or has sensors such as a camera. If you are resident in an EASA Member State then request the operator number from your own aviation authority. If you are resident outside the EU, apply for an operator number in the first EASA Member State where you want to fly. In the Netherlands, apply for an operator number through RDW.