Why your drone surveyor must be licensed — and how to check
Anyone can buy a drone, but commercial capture requires registration, a trained pilot and compliance with the rules. What do you risk by hiring an unlicensed operator?
Drones have become affordable — a good model can be bought in any electronics shop. No wonder the market is full of “aerial photographers” offering surveys and drone capture. The problem is that many of them lack the required registrations, training and permits.
For the client, this is not only someone else’s liability. Here’s why.
The rules that apply in Croatia
Since the end of 2020, Croatia — like the rest of the European Union — applies common EU rules for unmanned aircraft (Implementing Regulation 2019/947 and Delegated Regulation 2019/945). The competent authority is the Croatian Civil Aviation Agency (CCAA / HACZ).
In short:
- Operators must register — the operator registration number must be displayed on the aircraft.
- Remote pilots must be trained — passing exams depending on the category and subcategory of flight.
- Operations fall into categories (open, specific, certified) with clear limits — e.g. on height, distance from people and type of operation.
- Geographical zones — restrictions apply around airports, military sites, protected areas and settlements; some operations need prior authorisation.
- Data protection — capturing near people and private property is subject to personal-data rules.
What you risk by hiring an unlicensed operator
- Questionable data — imagery captured in breach of regulations can be problematic as a basis for official procedures.
- No cover for damage — if the aircraft falls on a car, a roof or a person, without insurance and an accountable operator the damage may stay with you.
- Work stoppage — inspectors or police can halt flights on your site.
- Reputational risk — especially for companies and public clients who must prove they hired authorised contractors.
How to check an operator — a quick list
- Do they have an operator registration number and can they show it?
- Does the pilot hold a certificate of competency for the category your project requires?
- Have they checked the geographical zones and, where needed, obtained authorisation?
- Do they have third-party liability insurance?
- Are they a licensed surveyor — if you will use the results for the cadastre, design or official procedures?
A nice aerial photo is not the same as survey data. For a survey base map you need both a legal operator and a licensed surveyor.
How we work
Our office holds all licences and permits required to operate the DJI Matrice 4E legally. Every flight is planned in advance: we check zones and restrictions, assess on-site risks and — where needed — obtain authorisations before going into the field.
In addition, as a licensed surveying office, we tie the results to the national coordinate system and verify them on check points — so you can use them with confidence.
Need drone capture that is both accurate and lawful? See drone surveying or contact us.