Before conducting your flights, check in just a few steps whether your flight can be carried out without approval or if prior authorization or flight clearance is required.
Overview Features:
- Access to location-based information on airspace structure
- Continuously updated map data based on official aviation charts from Austro Control
- Flight plan submission and request for flight clearances within control zones via Austro Control Dronespace
- The Quick Check function provides a fast overview of relevant airspace restrictions and geographical zones for your flight
- Compliance with applicable legal requirements – the system shows whether drone operations in the selected area are generally permitted, prohibited, or subject to specific approval or clearance.
- Registration as a UAS operator in Austria
- Operator account including management of relevant documents
- Drone management
- Operational records of your flights
- Pilot management for operators registered as legal entities
Austro Control Dronespace guide –
Make use of the Quick Check function!
Our guide provides a clear and concise overview of all relevant information for using Austro Control Dronespace.
Where am I allowed to fly my drone?
Even if you operate your drone without a permit under the Open category or hold an authorization in the Specific category, special regulations may apply in certain areas.
According to Austrian aviation regulations, drone flights in the following areas may only be conducted with prior approval or consent from Austro Control or other authorities:
- Control zones: Operating a drone near airports requires prior approval from the responsible air traffic control unit.
- Security zones: A special permit must be obtained before flying in these areas
- Restricted areas (e.g. Vienna, Lake Neusiedl, Rhine Delta): A special permit must also be obtained here.
- Aerodromes: Near uncontrolled aerodromes, drone operations are only permitted outside of official operating hours. These hours can be found in the Austrian Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP Austria).
- Military control zones: Prior consent from the locally responsible military air traffic authority is required.
- Military aerodrome traffic zones: Prior consent from the local military air traffic authority is also required here.
- Military terminal control areas: Flights require prior approval from the responsible military authority.
- Military restricted areas: A special permit must be obtained from the Federal Ministry of Defence or the competent military authority.
- Security zones of military aerodromes: A special permit from the Federal Ministry of Defence is required for operations in these zones.
Frequently Asked Questions
What functionalities does Austro Control Dronespace offer?
The new Austro Control Dronespace platform offers the following functionalities:
- Access to location-based airspace structure information
- Always up-to-date map material, based on Austro Control’s official aeronautical charts
- Submission of flight plans and request of flight authorisations within controlled airspace
- Direct communication with air traffic controllers
- Quick-Check feature for a fast overview of airspace restrictions / geographical zones relevant to your flight
- Integration of applicable legal requirements, clearly showing whether flight operations are allowed, prohibited, or subject to specific authorisation
- Operator registration for unmanned aircraft in Austria
- Operator dashboard including document management
- Drone management tools
- Flight log for operational records
- Pilot management for operators registered as legal entities
I have already installed the Drone Space app that has been available for several years. Can I continue using this app?
Our previous Drone Space app is no longer available following the launch of the new Austro Control Dronespace app. If you still have the earlier version installed on your device, please note that it will no longer receive updates and can no longer be used due to outdated data.
How do I register as a drone operator?
Once you have created your user account, you can either register as a new operator or transfer your existing registration to the new system.
Please refer to our guides: “Register as an operator” or “Create account with existing registration”.
Please refer to our guides: “Register as an operator” or “Create account with existing registration”.
I already have a valid operator registration. Do I need to register again?
No. If you already have a valid registration, you don’t need to register again. However, if you want to use Austro Control Dronespace, you must transfer your existing registration by entering your registration number and the PIN (the three bold digits at the end of your registration invoice number).
I am getting an error when trying to register with my existing details – how can I resolve this?
For natural persons:
Please check the following:
For legal entities:
Please check the following:
Please check the following:
- Does the name you entered exactly match the name on your registration confirmation?
- Do not enter the 3-digit PIN into the registration number field.
- Double-check your registration number for typing errors.
For legal entities:
Please check the following:
- Does the name entered match the authorised representative listed for your organisation?
- Do not enter the 3-digit PIN into the registration number field.
- Double-check your registration number for typing errors.
I have multiple registration numbers. Which one should I use?
Multiple registrations by the same operator are not permitted under Article 14 of Regulation (EU) 2019/947.
Please inform us which registration number(s) should be cancelled and use the most recent registration number for all your drones.
Please inform us which registration number(s) should be cancelled and use the most recent registration number for all your drones.
Payment issues – what are my options?
Payment for registration can be made via credit or debit card (newly issued bank cards). These must be Visa or Mastercard-branded debit cards and must be enabled for online payments.
Still having issues? Contact dronespace@austrocontrol.at
Still having issues? Contact dronespace@austrocontrol.at
My registration is about to expire. Do I need to register again?
No. You can renew your registration directly through the Austro Control Dronespace system.
Where can I find details about my account and flight location?
Go to the “Map” menu (left icon in the bottom navigation bar). Select a drone and set the intended flight altitude and radius. The map will display whether flying at your current location is allowed or prohibited.
Why is my location not detected?
Ensure that the app has permission to access your GPS location in your device’s settings.
How can I check if I’m allowed to fly at a certain location?
Click anywhere on the map to receive airspace information for that location.
Alternatively, use the search icon at the top left to enter an address.
Alternatively, use the search icon at the top left to enter an address.
What do the map colours mean?
Dark blue: Flight plan submission required
Orange: Restricted zones / additional authorisation required
Light blue: Informational zones
Red: Drone flight not permitted
Orange: Restricted zones / additional authorisation required
Light blue: Informational zones
Red: Drone flight not permitted
What do the abbreviations in zone descriptions mean?
- SFC: Surface (ground level)
- AGL: Above Ground Level
- H24: Active 24 hours
- UNL: Unlimited
- NOTAM: Notice to Airmen / Notice to Air Missions
How can I update my personal details?
Only your academic title, phone number, and insurance policy number can be updated directly. For other changes, email dronespace@austrocontrol.at with your registration number and supporting documents.
The authorised representative of my organisation has changed – how can I update this?
Please send the new representative’s details to dronespace@austrocontrol.at.
Does the map provide all flight-related information?
The map only displays airspace-related information. It does not show local regulations (e.g., nature conservation laws).
Always check weather conditions and other airspace users on your flight day.
Always check weather conditions and other airspace users on your flight day.
Can I submit flight applications via the map?
Applications must still be submitted via email: dronespace@austrocontrol.at
Forms are available at: https://www.dronespace.at/downloads
Forms are available at: https://www.dronespace.at/downloads
Can I handle all necessary steps for my drone flight via Dronespace?
You can complete operator registration and request ATC clearance for flights in controlled zones.
All other applications must be submitted as before via email.
All other applications must be submitted as before via email.
Do I always have to submit a flight plan in Austria?
Flight plans are only mandatory in controlled airspace (dark blue zones).
However, we recommend submitting a flight plan for all flights.
However, we recommend submitting a flight plan for all flights.
Why can’t I enter a flight plan with a duration longer than four hours?
We aim to ensure that all flight plans entered into the Dronespace system accurately reflect the actual use of airspace.
If you intend to carry out multiple flights throughout the day, please enter each flight separately.
If you intend to carry out multiple flights throughout the day, please enter each flight separately.
Can I change my flight times after submitting the flight plan?
No, it is not possible to change the scheduled start/end time after submission. Please take potential delays or changes into account when specifying your flight times.
Who can I contact for questions or feedback about the app?
For all questions and feedback regarding dronespace.at, Austro Control Dronespace, or operational authorisations, please contact: dronespace@austrocontrol.at
Where can I register my drone in the system?
You can add drones in your operator account under “Devices.” There you can view all registered drones, add new ones, or update specifications for existing devices.
I want to fly at several locations, but I can only draw one area. How large should I make the geometry?
Please define the flight area so it corresponds to the area of one individual flight. For multiple flight locations, especially if take-off/landing areas differ, a separate flight plan must be submitted for each.
Why am I receiving an error that my flight does not comply with the Open category?
Your entered flight parameters exceed the limits of the Open category. The system uses your drone’s take-off weight, flight area size, and altitude to evaluate compliance.
For details on Open category limits, visit: https://dronespace.at/open
For details on Open category limits, visit: https://dronespace.at/open
I am registered as a pilot but cannot submit a flight plan. Why?
Flight plans can be submitted up to 1 minute before the scheduled flight time. However, consider that air traffic control (ATC) clearance, especially in controlled zones, may require additional lead time.
How far in advance must I submit my flight plan?
Flight plans can be submitted up to 1 minute before the scheduled flight time. However, consider that air traffic control (ATC) clearance, especially in controlled zones, may require additional lead time.
Are my personal data visible when I submit a flight plan?
Your personal data are handled confidentially. However, the following flight plan details are publicly visible:
- Public flight plan name
- Flight area geometry
- Planned start and end time
- Planned flight altitude
- Flight plan status (Pending / Accepted / Activated)
I want to fly in the German part of the Salzburg control zone. What must I consider?
Ensure compliance with German regulations and obtain necessary authorisations in advance. More information: https://maptool-dipul.dfs.de/
Flight may only start with approval from Salzburg ATC, which can be obtained via the Austro Control Dronespace system.
Flight may only start with approval from Salzburg ATC, which can be obtained via the Austro Control Dronespace system.
My flight plan was rejected. Why?
Possible reasons include:
- Flight area exceeds 1.5 x 1.5 km for VLOS operations
- Flight location is in a no-fly zone or outside Austrian airspace
- Overlap with a BVLOS flight plan
- High manned aviation traffic; ATC may deny clearance to ensure airspace safety
My flight plan remains yellow. What does that mean?
A yellow status means your flight plan is submitted but not yet accepted. Most are processed within seconds. Longer processing times may occur for Specific category flights. If status remains yellow for several days, contact: dronespace@austrocontrol.at
How do I know if my flight has been approved by ATC?
Once ATC has granted clearance, the flight plan status changes to “Active” (green) in the system.
My flight plan overlaps with another. Can I still fly?
The system does not automatically manage conflicts between VLOS flight plans. It is the pilot’s responsibility to avoid collisions.
What should I do after finishing my flight?
You must close the associated flight plan in the Dronespace system after completing your flight.
I received a message in Austro Control Dronespace. What now?
All instructions received must be followed. Some messages require manual confirmation that you have read, understood, and will comply with the content.
I don’t check my phone during flight. How will I know if I receive a message?
In zones requiring ATC clearance, a constant connection to the Dronespace system is mandatory. If the pilot cannot monitor the phone, another qualified person must do so.
Who can see my submitted flight plan?
Flight plans are visible to all Dronespace users, including other pilots, operators, air traffic control, and selected Austro Control staff. Public data includes:
- Public flight name
- Flight area geometry
- Start and end time
- Duration
- Maximum altitude
Are my flight plan data used to monitor me?
No. Flight plan data are used solely for airspace safety and to improve situational awareness for other drone operators.
Do I need a new flight plan after landing to change batteries?
Short breaks (e.g., battery changes) are considered part of the same flight activity. No new flight plan is needed. End the flight plan only when the flight activity is fully completed or paused for an extended time.
Can I get clearance to fly in military zones via Dronespace?
No. Only flights in Austro Control-managed controlled zones (dark blue in the system) can be cleared via the app. Clearance for military zones must be requested from the Ministry of Defence.
I have more questions. Who can I contact?
For general enquiries, call 05 1703 7111, option 2.
For account support or data updates, email: dronespace@austrocontrol.at
For account support or data updates, email: dronespace@austrocontrol.at
I cannot link my user and operator account. How can I resolve this?
User and operator details must match exactly. Ensure all name fields (including titles and spaces) are identical. Contact dronespace@austrocontrol.at for assistance.