Model aircraft clubs or associations can apply for an authorization from Austro Control to operate model aircraft within their organization. This authorization specifies the conditions and requirements under which model aircraft operations may take place, including:
- Location of operation
- Maximum flight altitude
- Maximum takeoff mass
- Competency and age requirements for remote pilots
- Minimum distances from uninvolved persons, and other safety-related criteria
The authorization is only valid for the specific location for which it was granted (e.g., a designated model aircraft airfield).
Required Documents for an Article 16 Authorization Application
To apply for club/association authorization under Article 16, the following documents must be submitted to Austro Control GmbH at :
- Completed application form (fully filled and signed)
- Current extract from the club/association register
- Power of attorney (if the applicant is not legally authorized to represent the club/association based on statutes, e.g., if not the chairman)
- Usage agreement (e.g., lease contract) or land registry extract if the property is owned by the club/association
- Ground and air risk assessment, explaining why the operation is considered safe (e.g., no residential buildings in the flight area, no low-altitude manned aircraft activity)
- Model Aircraft Field Operating Regulations (MFBO), which must include established operational procedures, covering:
- Procedures for membership admission and clarification of who is authorized to use the model flying site
- Minimum age requirements and measures to ensure safety when younger pilots (under 16) are allowed to fly solo
- Operational responsibility – Who ensures compliance with the operational requirements?
- Procedures for helping remote pilots acquire necessary competencies and point of contact for regulatory questions
- Procedures and measures to ensure safe simultaneous operation of multiple UAS
- Procedures for maintaining frequency interference-free operation
- Measures to prevent overflight of uninvolved persons or restricted areas (e.g., parking lots, power lines, etc.)
- Allowed UAS propulsion types
- Weight limitations
- Operating hours
- Maximum flight altitude
- Permitted flight area including coordinates, map/sketch, and a detailed layout of key zones (parking area, preparation zone, runway, no-fly zones, etc.)
- First aid and fire safety equipment (e.g., location of emergency equipment)
- Emergency procedures for incidents during operations, including an Emergency Response Plan (ERP) outlining the steps to follow in case of an emergency
- Additional Guidance
For assistance in developing a Model Aircraft Field Operating Regulations (MFBO), model aircraft representative organizations often provide guidance and templates.
For further inquiries, please contact Austro Control at .
