Safety News 17 June 2025 - 8 August 2025

Spain fully adopted the EU drone framework in 2021 (EU Regulations 2019/947 and 2019/945), eliminating the recreational vs professional distinction and regulating all flights by risk category. The Agencia Estatal de Seguridad Aérea (AESA) regulates drones nationwide; operator registration is mandatory for drones weighing 250g or more or with a camera, completed online with an operator ID affixed to the drone and controller. Drone operations in Spain are governed by three categories—Open, Specific, and Certified—with Open being low risk and not requiring prior authorization only under specific conditions, while Specific and Certified require permits or licenses. For Open-category pilots, the

On July 21, 2023, New York City implemented the Unmanned Aircraft Permit system (NYPD with DOT) to allow takeoffs and landings in NYC under a city permit after a 75-year ban. The NYC Avigation Law, Administrative Code §10-126, in effect since 1948, makes takeoff or landing of any aircraft, including drones, unlawful within city limits except at designated airports. The five designated model aircraft fields for hobby flying are Calvert Vaux Park (Brooklyn), Marine Park (Brooklyn), Flushing Meadows Corona Park (Queens), Forest Park (Queens), and La Tourette Park (Staten Island). A NYC drone permit requires a Part 107 licensed pilot;