Searching for a lost pet with a drone in France
The open category covers leisure and work alike, but France adds two limits that matter for a search: no night flights without a waiver from the Préfet, and no flying over public space in built-up areas.
| Aviation authority | Direction générale de l'aviation civile (DGAC) |
|---|---|
| Registration | Register as an operator if the drone weighs 250 g or more, or less if it has a camera (unless it is a toy). One number for all your drones, shown on each one and valid in every EASA country. On AlphaTango. Drones over 800 g, or with an electronic signalling device, are also registered individually. Register. |
| Test or certificate | EU A1/A3 online training and exam, free on the DGAC platform. |
| Maximum height | 120 m (400 ft) above the ground. |
| Line of sight | Always in sight with your own eyes. An observer standing next to you may help. |
| Night flights | Not allowed in the open category. The local Préfet can grant a waiver; apply at least 30 days ahead. |
| Remote ID | Required on class C1, C2 and C3 drones; not on C0 drones or drones without a class mark. Drones over 800 g also need the national electronic signalling. |
| No-fly zones | Géoportail map of drone restrictions |
| Controlled airspace | In the restricted zones on Géoportail, flights are banned or need specific authorisation from the zone manager. |
What matters for a search in France
- Flying over public space in built-up areas is not allowed in the open category.
- Minimum age 14.
- Tell people nearby if the drone has a camera; publishing recognisable images of people or private property needs consent.
- National park cores are restricted zones; temporary nesting-season bans are not on the map, so ask the prefecture.
Before every search flight
- Check the no-fly zones for the exact area in Géoportail map of drone restrictions.
- Ask the landowner if you take off from private land.
- Keep the drone in sight and below the height limit, away from people, roads and buildings.
- Let the owner of the animal know you are flying, and where.
Official sources
A summary to help you prepare a search, not legal advice. The official sources have the final word.
Reviewed on October 22, 2026.
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