Overview:

In detail:

Before you can fly a drone in Russia, you have to go through a complex procedure. First, the drone must be registered with the Russian Air Surveillance. 24 hours before each flight you have to call the local air traffic control. It is necessary to specify exactly where and how long you want to fly and what the purpose of the flight is. A second call must be made two hours before the flight – with the same information (where, how long, why?). As soon as the drone is in the air, another call to the Russian air traffic control is due. Finally, after landing, you have to log off at the authorities. In addition, the drone pilot must always carry proof of insurance with him. But that’s not all: any pictures and videos of the flight must be sent to the Russian Federal Security Service for inspection. It is recommended that you obtain an additional flight permit from the Federal Security Service in addition to the approval from the Russian air traffic control authority. In principle, drone flights are prohibited in military areas, at major events and at night. At an uncontrolled airfield, a distance of 5 km is required, otherwise 15 km. Surprisingly, there is no regulation for flight altitude.

Altogether it is almost impossible for a tourist to fly a drone in Russia.

Exceptions:

Exemptions are granted by the Russian Air Traffic Control Authority or the Federal Security Service.

Important links:

• Russian aviation authority
• News article regarding the new drone regulations