France (FR) Drone Bible v3.0 — MmowW Drone Compliance SSOT

Version: v3.0 (Gold Standard)

Last Verified: 2026-05-01

Author: ジャック君🦅 + ポッポ🦉 品質ゲート

Primary Sources: 20 official URLs — ecologie.gouv.fr / legifrance.gouv.fr / alphatango.aviation-civile.gouv.fr / bea.aero / sia.aviation-civile.gouv.fr / easa.europa.eu / eur-lex.europa.eu only

Scope: French drone regulations — all 5 compliance flows (F1–F5) + France-specific provisions

EU Framework Reference: For EASA common regulations, see eu_drone_bible_v2.md (three-category system, STS-01/02, SORA 2.5, record retention)

National Authority: DGAC (Direction Générale de l'Aviation Civile) — France's National Aviation Authority (NAA) for UAS

Table of Contents

1. [Regulatory Framework Overview](#chapter-1-regulatory-framework-overview)
2. [F1 — Pilot Registration & Certification](#chapter-2-f1--pilot-registration--certification)
3. [F2 — Aircraft Registration & Identification](#chapter-3-f2--aircraft-registration--identification)
4. [F3 — Flight Planning & Airspace Authorization](#chapter-4-f3--flight-planning--airspace-authorization)
5. [F4 — Flight Logging & Incident Reporting](#chapter-5-f4--flight-logging--incident-reporting)
6. [F5 — Insurance & Maintenance](#chapter-6-f5--insurance--maintenance)
7. [Penalties & Enforcement](#chapter-7-penalties--enforcement)
8. [Key Dates & Upcoming Changes](#chapter-8-key-dates--upcoming-changes)
9. [Industry-Specific Compliance Guide](#chapter-9-industry-specific-compliance-guide)
10. [🦉🐣🐮 Compliance Dialogue](#chapter-10--compliance-dialogue)
11. [Primary Sources Index](#chapter-11-primary-sources-index)

• [Appendix A — Glossary (French–English)](#appendix-a--glossary-frenchenglish)
• [Appendix B — Quick Reference Card](#appendix-b--quick-reference-card)

Chapter 1. Regulatory Framework Overview

1-1. EU Common Framework vs. French National Law

France operates within the EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) regulatory framework as a founding EU member state, and has deep historical national drone regulations that predate EASA. This bible focuses on France-specific rules and procedures; for the common EASA framework (three-category system, STS-01/02, SORA 2.5, record retention), see eu_drone_bible_v2.md.

Key principle: EU Regulation 2019/947 and 2019/945 set the floor; French national law (Code de l'aviation civile, Code des transports, and ministerial arrêtés) adds France-specific requirements. The most critical 2026 change: France has fully abolished its legacy national scenarios (S-1, S-2, S-3) as of 1 January 2026, completing the transition to the EASA framework.

Primary Sources:

• DGAC Drone main portal: https://www.ecologie.gouv.fr/en/french-civil-aviation-authority-dgac
• DGAC Open Category guide: https://www.ecologie.gouv.fr/politiques-publiques/exploitation-drones-categorie-ouverte
• DGAC Specific Category guide: https://www.ecologie.gouv.fr/politiques-publiques/exploitation-drones-categorie-specifique
• Code de l'aviation civile: https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/codes/texte_lc/LEGITEXT000006074234/

1-2. EU Common vs. France-Specific: At a Glance

1-3. Governing Bodies

Chapter 2. F1 — Pilot Registration & Certification

2-1. EU Common: A1/A3 Online Theory Exam (Formation Catégorie Ouverte)

Legal basis: EU Regulation 2019/947, Annex, Part A, UAS.OPEN.020(4)(b); French implementing arrêté

Who needs it:

• All remote pilots (télépilotes) operating in the A1 or A3 subcategory of the Open Category
• Required for C0 (A1), C1 (A1/A3), C3 (A3), C4 (A3) class drones

Where to complete in France:

• Via AlphaTango training platform: accessible from your AlphaTango account at https://alphatango.aviation-civile.gouv.fr
• Also available at approved exam centers across France
• Training and online exam: free of charge

Certificate validity: 5 years; renewal via re-examination

Passing threshold: At least 75% correct answers required

What the exam covers:

• Airspace classification and airspace restrictions
• Aviation regulations for UAS (EU Regulation 2019/947)
• Operational limitations
• Human performance limitations
• Privacy and data protection
• Insurance requirements
• Aeronautics basics (meteorology, airspace, performance)

Primary source:

• https://www.ecologie.gouv.fr/politiques-publiques/formation-categorie-ouverte-uas

2-2. France-Specific: A2 "OPEN A2" Exam (Catégorie Ouverte Sous-Catégorie A2)

Legal basis: EU Regulation 2019/947, Annex, Part A, UAS.OPEN.030; Arrêté du 23 janvier 2026

Who needs it:

• Remote pilots operating C2-class drones (900 g to 4 kg) in the A2 subcategory
• Enables closer approach to uninvolved persons: 30 m horizontally (normal mode), 5 m (Low-Speed Mode)
• Without A2 certification, C2 drones are restricted to A3 subcategory rules (150 m from residential/commercial/industrial areas)

Where to take in France:

• Online from your AlphaTango account (https://alphatango.aviation-civile.gouv.fr)
• At exam centers (centres d'examen agréés) authorized by DGAC

Exam fee: €30 (Exam fee for CATS — Certificat d'Aptitude Théorique au STS; exemption available for unemployed persons)

Certificate validity: 5 years

Important 2026 change: BAPD certificates (Brevets d'Aptitude de Pilote à Distance) obtained by declaration of honor are no longer valid since 1 January 2026. All pilots must hold a proper CATS certificate for STS operations.

Primary sources:

• https://www.ecologie.gouv.fr/politiques-publiques/examens-theoriques-telepilote-drone
• https://www.ecologie.gouv.fr/sites/default/files/documents/Guide_candidats_OPEN_A2.pdf

2-3. France-Specific: Specific Category Pilot Requirements (CATS Certificate)

Legal basis: EU Regulation 2019/947; Arrêté du 23 janvier 2026 — télépilote requirements

For Specific Category operations (STS-01, STS-02, PDRA, or SORA 2.5 OA), the télépilote must hold:

• CATS (Certificat d'Aptitude Théorique au STS) — theoretical knowledge certificate
• Practical training and competency demonstration as specified in the Operations Manual (Manuel d'Exploitation / MANEX)

Exam format:

• Can be taken via AlphaTango account or at exam centers
• Fee: €30 per attempt
• Passing threshold: 75% correct answers

Cross-border validity: French pilot certificates are recognized across all 31 EASA states.

Chapter 3. F2 — Aircraft Registration & Identification

3-1. Operator Registration (Enregistrement d'Exploitant UAS)

Legal basis: EU Regulation 2019/947, Article 14; DGAC implementing procedures

Who must register:

• Any operator planning to fly a drone weighing more than 250 g, OR
• Any operator flying a drone equipped with sensors that can collect personal data (camera, microphone) — regardless of weight

Registration portal: AlphaTango — https://alphatango.aviation-civile.gouv.fr

Fees: Free of charge (France does not charge for operator registration, unlike some other EASA states)

Result: EU Operator ID — valid across all 31 EASA member states (single registration, pan-European validity)

Operator ID display: Must be affixed to each drone operated (label, marking, or electronic means)

Primary sources:

• https://www.ecologie.gouv.fr/politiques-publiques/alphatango
• https://alphatango.aviation-civile.gouv.fr/creationCompte

3-2. Remote ID (Identification Électronique à Distance)

Legal basis: EU Regulation 2019/945 (product requirements); EU Regulation 2019/947, UAS.SPEC.050

Key dates:

• From 1 January 2024: All drones operated in the Specific Category must be equipped with a remote identification system (direct remote identification), updated with the EU Operator registration number
• CE-marked C1, C2, C3, C5, C6 drones have Remote ID built-in (class mark requirement)
• Operators with non-CE drones operating in Specific Category must add an external Remote ID module

What Remote ID broadcasts:

• UAS serial number
• EU Operator registration number (from AlphaTango)
• Geographical position and altitude of the UAS
• Direction and speed
• Take-off coordinates

Enforcement: Only authorized French authorities (DGAC, Police Nationale, Gendarmerie) can query the database to associate operator registration number with a name.

Primary source:

• https://www.easa.europa.eu/en/document-library/general-publications/remote-identification-will-become-mandatory-drones-across

3-3. Drone CE Class Marks (CE Marquage)

⚠️ Legacy drones (no CE marking): Drones purchased before CE marking was required may be operated under legacy transition rules — check eu_drone_bible_v2.md for transition deadlines. From 2026 onwards, new drone purchases must be CE-marked to operate in the intended subcategory.

Chapter 4. F3 — Flight Planning & Airspace Authorization

4-1. France's Airspace System for UAS

France has one of Europe's most complex drone airspace frameworks, particularly around:

• Paris and Île-de-France region — extensive permanent and temporary restrictions (LF-P zones)
• Military sites — extensive protected zones, especially in regions with active defense installations
• Nuclear installations — strict no-fly zones (central to French energy infrastructure)
• National parks and nature reserves — overflight restrictions
• Airports — standard CTR restrictions per EASA, plus France-specific CTR rules

Primary airspace information tools:

• SIA UAS Geographic Zones Data: https://www.sia.aviation-civile.gouv.fr/produits-numeriques-en-libre-disposition/donnees-zones-geographiques-uas.html
• Geoportail Drone Restriction Map (Loisir): https://www.geoportail.gouv.fr/donnees/restrictions-pour-drones-de-loisir
• Geoportail UAS Open Category Map: https://www.geoportail.gouv.fr/donnees/restrictions-uas-categorie-ouverte-et-aeromodelisme
• AlphaTango — integrated airspace checking and flight declaration

⚠️ Always check current zone data: SIA updates UAS geographic zones with each AIRAC cycle (every 28 days). The Geoportail tool reflects current restrictions and should be consulted before each flight.

4-2. 🔴 KEY 2026 CHANGE: Arrêté Espace — Urban Open Category Flight Now Permitted

⚠️ Critical France-Specific Change: From 1 January 2026, the Arrêté du 23 décembre 2025 modifying the Arrêté du 3 décembre 2020 (Arrêté Espace) entered into force.

Legal basis: Arrêté du 23 décembre 2025 modifiant l'arrêté du 3 décembre 2020 relatif à l'utilisation de l'espace aérien par les aéronefs sans équipage à bord

• Légifrance reference: https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/jorf/id/JORFTEXT000053166739

What changed:

(1) Open Category urban flight now permitted for C0/C1 drones

• Previously: France banned Open Category flights in agglomérations (urban areas)
• Now: C0 and C1 class drones can fly in urban areas under the Open Category, provided the télépilote:
• Maintains VLOS (line of sight)
• Does not fly over rassemblements de personnes (gatherings of people)
• Respects all other Open Category rules

This aligns France with the broader EU framework and significantly expands operational possibilities for commercial operators using light drones.

(2) Déclaration préfectorale (Prefectural declaration) — now via AlphaTango

• Electronic declaration via AlphaTango is now formally recognized
• New CERFA form *1547604** applies
• Replaces older paper-based declaration processes for certain flight types

(3) BAPD (Brevets d'Aptitude de Pilote à Distance — declaration of honor)

• Fully abolished from 1 January 2026 — no longer accepted by DGAC or AlphaTango

4-3. 🔴 KEY 2026 CHANGE: National Scenarios S-1, S-2, S-3 Abolished

⚠️ Critical France-Specific Change: As of 1 January 2026, France's legacy national standard scenarios are completely abolished.

What was abolished:

Operators who held S-1/S-2/S-3 authorizations must now:

1. Hold a valid CATS certificate (Certificat d'Aptitude Théorique au STS) for STS operations
2. Switch to an applicable EASA Standard Scenario (STS-01 or STS-02), PDRA, or obtain an OA via SORA 2.5
3. Update their MANEX (Manuel d'Exploitation) to reflect the new framework

Primary sources:

• AlphaTango Bulletin #22 on end of national scenarios: https://salledelecture-ext.aviation-civile.gouv.fr/externe/DSAC/alphatango/AlphaTango_Bulletin_22/AlphaTango_Bulletin_22.html
• DGAC Specific Category guide: https://www.ecologie.gouv.fr/sites/default/files/documents/Guide_categorie_Specifique_0.pdf

4-4. Specific Category: Operational Authorization (OA) via DGAC

For operations not covered by STS-01/02 or published PDRAs, operators must apply to DGAC for an Operational Authorization (OA) using SORA 2.5.

Process overview:

1. Register as operator on AlphaTango
2. Prepare MANEX (Manuel d'Exploitation) — operations manual
3. Submit SORA 2.5 risk assessment to DGAC via AlphaTango
4. DGAC reviews; issues OA if compliant
5. OA is valid across all EASA states once issued by France as the operator's home state

Key requirements for MANEX:

• Organization structure and responsibilities
• Operational procedures
• Aircraft maintenance procedures
• Télépilote training and competency programs
• Emergency procedures
• Risk assessment documentation

Primary source:

• https://www.ecologie.gouv.fr/politiques-publiques/exploitation-drones-categorie-specifique
• DSAC Guide Catégorie Spécifique: https://www.ecologie.gouv.fr/sites/default/files/documents/Guide_categorie_Specifique_0.pdf

4-5. Paris and Île-de-France — Special Airspace Considerations

Paris has some of the most restrictive drone airspace in Europe:

Permanent restrictions:

• LF-P 23 Paris — permanent prohibited zone in Paris city center, created by Arrêté du 2 avril 2025 (Légifrance: https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/jorf/id/JORFTEXT000051429076)
• Major government buildings, Élysée Palace, Assemblée Nationale, Sénat — all have protected zones
• Multiple CTR (Control Zones) for Paris airports (CDG, Orly, Le Bourget)

Temporary restrictions (ZIT — Zones Interdites Temporaires):

• Regularly established for major events, security operations, military exercises
• Check AlphaTango and NOTAM service before any flight in Île-de-France

⚠️ Flying in Paris without authorization is a serious criminal offence — penalties include fines up to €45,000 and 1 year imprisonment (see Chapter 7).

Chapter 5. F4 — Flight Logging & Incident Reporting

5-1. Flight Log Requirements

Legal basis: EU Regulation 2019/947, UAS.SPEC.090 (record retention for Specific Category)

Scope: Mandatory for Specific Category operations (OA holders, STS declarants). Open Category operators are not required by law to keep flight logs, but DGAC guidance strongly recommends it for insurance and liability purposes.

What must be logged (Specific Category):

• Date, time, and location of each flight
• UAS serial number and registration
• Remote pilot identity (télépilote)
• Duration of each flight
• Any technical issues or anomalies observed
• Maintenance actions performed

Retention period: 3 years from the date of the flight (EU Regulation 2019/947, UAS.SPEC.090 / EASA AMC/GM)

⚠️ France applies the EU standard of 3 years — this is stricter than the UK (2 years).

MmowW value: MmowW's flight log module automates this requirement, capturing flight data digitally and generating audit-ready reports at the click of a button. DGAC inspectors can request flight logs at any time — being unprepared is a compliance risk.

5-2. Occurrence Reporting (Signalement d'Événements)

Legal basis: EU Regulation 376/2014 (mandatory occurrence reporting); Code de l'aviation civile

Mandatory reporting triggers (rare but critical):

• Fatal accident involving the UAS
• Serious incident involving a manned aircraft (near-collision)
• Event involving a Certified Category drone

Voluntary reporting encouraged:

• DSAC strongly encourages operators to report all significant events voluntarily via the official incident notification channel
• Voluntary reports go to DSAC and contribute to safety improvement across France's aviation community

How to report:

• Via ECOLE system (Système de Collecte et d'Analyse des comptes rendus d'occurrence): https://www.ecologie.gouv.fr/politiques-publiques/notifier-incident
• Reports are submitted to DGAC/DSAC
• For accidents and serious incidents: a copy must also be sent to BEA at permanence@bea.aero

Primary source:

• https://www.ecologie.gouv.fr/politiques-publiques/notifier-incident
• https://bea.aero/en/the-bea/safety-investigation-/-judicial-investigation/

5-3. BEA Investigation Process

BEA (Bureau d'Enquêtes et d'Analyses pour la sécurité de l'aviation civile) is France's independent aviation safety investigation body.

Key characteristics:

• Completely independent from DGAC — BEA's mission is safety improvement, not enforcement
• BEA conducts safety investigations; it does NOT prosecute operators
• 2026 Safety Recommendations published: https://bea.aero/en/recommandations/recommendations-2026/

BEA notification contact: permanence@bea.aero (available 24/7 for serious incidents and accidents)

⚠️ Dual obligation: A serious UAS accident triggers TWO separate reporting obligations:

1. Notify DGAC/DSAC under EU Regulation 376/2014 mandatory occurrence reporting
2. Notify BEA for safety investigation (if accident or serious incident qualifying under ICAO Annex 13)

Chapter 6. F5 — Insurance & Maintenance

6-1. Insurance — Mandatory for ALL French Drone Operators

Legal basis:

• Regulation (CE) 785/2004 — insurance requirements for aircraft operators (EUR-Lex: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/fr/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32004R0785)
• Code de l'aviation civile, Articles L175-1 à L175-29 (https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/codes/section_lc/LEGITEXT000006073984/LEGISCTA000024365310/)
• Arrêté du 29 juillet 2005 implementing Regulation (CE) 785/2004 in France (https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/jorf/id/JORFTEXT000000809242)

Scope: All drone operators in France — recreational, commercial, open category, specific category, regardless of drone weight.

Critical warning — household insurance does NOT cover drones:

Standard French home insurance (assurance habitation / assurance multirisque habitation) typically does NOT cover drone operations. Operators must obtain a specific drone liability policy (assurance responsabilité civile aéronef sans équipage à bord).

Required coverage type:

• Third-party liability (responsabilité civile — RC)
• Must cover risks of physical injury, death, and property damage to third parties
• Coverage for terrorism and extraordinary events may also be required under Article 4 of Regulation 785/2004

Minimum coverage amounts:

• Varies by drone MTOM — consult the Arrêté du 29 juillet 2005 and your insurer for specific minimums
• Commercial operators should seek at minimum €1,000,000 per occurrence; many clients and event permits require higher limits

Recreational operators: Even recreational pilots must have a dedicated drone policy. Operating without valid insurance is a serious violation under French aviation law.

Primary sources:

• https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/fr/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32004R0785
• https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/codes/section_lc/LEGITEXT000006073984/LEGISCTA000024365310/
• https://www.ecologie.gouv.fr/sites/default/files/documents/Notice_Aeronef_Sans_Equipage_a_Bord.pdf
• https://www.ecologie.gouv.fr/sites/default/files/documents/Fiche_CDC_Assurances_Responsabilies_Corpus_juridique.pdf

6-2. Maintenance Requirements

Legal basis: EU Regulation 2019/947, UAS.SPEC.090; Operator's MANEX (for Specific Category)

Open Category:

• No formal maintenance certification required
• Operators should follow the manufacturer's maintenance guidelines
• Keep drones in airworthy condition; pre-flight inspection is expected

Specific Category:

• Maintenance procedures must be documented in the MANEX (Manuel d'Exploitation)
• Records of all maintenance actions must be kept and available for DGAC inspection
• Maintenance records are part of the 3-year record retention obligation

Chapter 7. Penalties & Enforcement

7-1. Criminal and Administrative Penalties

France has some of Europe's highest drone violation penalties. Penalties are established in the Code de l'aviation civile (CAC), Title III — Sanctions Administratives et Pénales (Articles L6231-1 à L6232-23).

Legal basis:

• Code de l'aviation civile, Articles L6231-1 à L6232-23: https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/codes/section_lc/LEGITEXT000023086525/LEGISCTA000023075563/
• Loi n° 2016-1428 du 24 octobre 2016 relative au renforcement de la sécurité de l'usage des drones civils: https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/jorf/id/JORFTEXT000033293745

🔴 Paris and Restricted Zones: Flying in the LF-P 23 Paris permanent prohibited zone, or in Temporary Restricted Zones (ZIT) without authorization, is treated as a criminal offence — not merely an administrative infraction. DGAC and law enforcement take enforcement seriously.

7-2. Enforcement Bodies

Chapter 8. Key Dates & Upcoming Changes

8-1. 2026 Changes Already in Force

8-2. Upcoming Watch Items

Chapter 9. Industry-Specific Compliance Guide

9-1. Aerial Photography & Videography (Photographie Aérienne)

Context: One of the most common commercial drone uses in France — real estate, tourism (Châteaux of the Loire Valley, Alps, Provence), event coverage.

Paris aerial photography note: Any commercial aerial photography within central Paris (within the LF-P 23 permanent restricted zone) requires specific DGAC authorization — this is not automatic and requires advance planning. Many aerial photographers use the Île-de-France region and surrounding areas to capture Paris skyline legally.

9-2. Construction & Infrastructure Inspection (Inspection de Bâtiments et Infrastructures)

Context: Growing sector in France — inspection of bridges (France has ~300,000 bridges), EDF power infrastructure, telecommunications towers, historical monuments.

EDF/nuclear infrastructure note: French nuclear power plants (centrales nucléaires) have extremely strict no-fly zones with criminal penalties. No drone flight is permitted near nuclear installations without exceptional DGAC and EDF authorization.

9-3. Agriculture (Agriculture de Précision / Pulvérisation Aérienne)

Context: Significant sector in France — precision agriculture, crop monitoring, aerial application in vineyards (Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne), large-scale grain farming.

Pesticide application note: Aerial application of phytosanitary products (produits phytosanitaires) in France requires:

1. Authorization from the Ministère de l'Agriculture et de la Souveraineté Alimentaire
2. Compliance with water buffer zones and Natura 2000 protected areas
3. Notification to neighboring property owners in many cases

⚠️ Official source for phytosanitary application by drone: consult DGAL (Direction Générale de l'Alimentation) — https://agriculture.gouv.fr/

Chapter 10. 🦉🐣🐮 Compliance Dialogue

🦉 Owl (MmowW expert — Gyoseishoshi for the world) · 🐣 Chick (first-time French drone operator) · 🐮 Cow (experienced French commercial pilot with strategic questions)

🐣: I just bought a DJI Mini 4 Pro for recreational use in France. It weighs about 249 g and has a camera. Do I need to register?

🦉: Yes, even though it's under 250 g. France, like all EASA states, applies the EU rule that requires operator registration for any drone equipped with sensors capable of capturing personal data — and a camera qualifies. So you need to register as a UAS operator via AlphaTango at alphatango.aviation-civile.gouv.fr. The good news: registration in France is completely free, unlike some other countries. You'll get an EU Operator ID that's valid not just in France but across all 31 EASA member states. You also need to complete the A1/A3 online training and pass the theory exam — also free, done directly through your AlphaTango account.

🐣: My household insurance policy (assurance habitation) covers me for all accidents. Does that include my drone?

🦉: Almost certainly not. This is one of the most common and dangerous misconceptions among new drone pilots in France. Standard assurance habitation policies typically contain explicit exclusions for aviation activities — and drones are considered aircraft (aéronefs sans équipage à bord) under French law. You need a specific assurance responsabilité civile drone policy. Insurance is mandatory for ALL drone operators in France, regardless of whether you fly recreationally or commercially, regardless of your drone's weight. Operating without proper insurance violates Regulation (CE) 785/2004 as implemented in France. A dedicated recreational drone policy typically costs around €30–€80 per year — inexpensive compared to the potential liability if your drone injures someone.

🐣: I heard France used to have its own drone scenarios called S-1, S-2, and S-3. Can I still fly under those?

🦉: No — those are completely abolished as of 1 January 2026. France had a national transition period allowing those legacy scenarios alongside the new EASA framework, but that transition ended. If you previously held an S-1, S-2, or S-3 authorization, it is no longer valid. The replacements are: STS-01 (Standard Scenario 01, VLOS urban with C5 drone), STS-02 (Standard Scenario 02, BVLOS with C6 drone in sparsely populated areas), various PDRAs (Pre-Defined Risk Assessments), and for non-standard operations, a full Operational Authorization via SORA 2.5. If you were a professional operator under S-1/S-2/S-3, you need to assess which of these new pathways fits your operations and transition accordingly. The DSAC published guides on AlphaTango — AlphaTango Bulletin #22 covers this transition specifically.

🐣: I want to photograph the Eiffel Tower area from my drone. Is that allowed?

🦉: The Eiffel Tower and its surroundings are among the most restricted drone areas in Europe. Central Paris is covered by permanent prohibited zones — including LF-P 23 Paris, established by Arrêté du 2 avril 2025. Flying a drone in those zones without specific DGAC authorization is a criminal offence in France, not just an administrative infraction. Penalties are serious: up to 6 months imprisonment and a €15,000 fine for overflight of a prohibited zone, and up to €45,000 and 1 year if you violate a takeoff ban. For legitimate professional aerial photography of Paris landmarks, you need specific DGAC authorization obtained well in advance. Many professional photographers instead work from legal vantage points outside the restricted zones to capture Paris skyline shots.

🐮: Our company does facade inspections on buildings across France. We have an A2 OPEN certification and operate C2 drones. Can we also work in Paris with this certification?

🦉: The A2 / OPEN A2 certification is your baseline, but Paris requires more. For facade inspections within the Paris permanent restricted zone (LF-P 23), you need a specific DGAC authorization regardless of your certification level. For work in the broader Île-de-France region outside the permanent restricted zone, your A2 certification and proper registration allow you to operate in the Open Category under A2 rules — 30 m minimum horizontal distance from uninvolved persons, or 5 m in Low-Speed Mode. However, commercial facade inspection typically brings you closer to occupied structures, which likely pushes the operation into Specific Category territory (proximate to people, near infrastructure). For Specific Category work you need a CATS certificate, a MANEX, and possibly a DGAC Operational Authorization via SORA 2.5. The DSAC Guide Catégorie Spécifique is your primary reference for this pathway.

🐮: We want to expand our operations from France to Germany and the Netherlands. Do we need to re-register with LBA and ILT?

🦉: No — that is one of the great advantages of the EASA framework. Your French EU Operator ID issued by DGAC through AlphaTango is valid across all 31 EASA member states, including Germany and the Netherlands. You do NOT need to register again with LBA (Germany) or ILT (Netherlands). Your operator ID must be affixed to your drones exactly as in France. However, each country has national specificities: Germany requires insurance for all operators (same as France) and has specific geographical zones under LuftVO §21h; the Netherlands added 225 new no-fly zones around critical infrastructure in 2026, and new OA applications in the Netherlands require SORA 2.5 since April 2026. MmowW's multi-country compliance tracking is built exactly for cross-EASA operations like yours.

🐮: We received a DGAC Operational Authorization in 2024 based on SORA 2.0. What do we need to do now?

🦉: Your SORA 2.0-based OA remains valid for the period stated in the authorization itself. Like other EASA states, France is transitioning to SORA 2.5, which became mandatory for new OA applications. EASA has indicated that SORA 2.0 OAs issued before the mandate should be extended through their validity period, but any renewal requires SORA 2.5. Practically, you should: (1) check your OA's expiry date, (2) start your SORA 2.5 conversion planning at least 6 months before renewal to allow time for DGAC processing, and (3) update your MANEX to reflect SORA 2.5 methodology. If your operations have changed materially since 2024, you may also need to review whether your current OA still accurately covers what you're doing — material changes require OA amendment regardless of the SORA version.

🐣: My drone crashed into a hedge and broke. Do I need to report that?

🦉: Under EU Regulation 376/2014 mandatory reporting, a UAS accident involving only property damage to your own drone — without injury to persons, significant property damage to third parties, or involvement of a manned aircraft — does not trigger mandatory reporting to DGAC or BEA. However, DSAC strongly encourages voluntary reporting of all significant events, because the data helps improve safety for everyone. If anyone was injured, or if there was damage to third-party property, or if the accident occurred near manned aircraft operations, the analysis changes — those may trigger mandatory reporting obligations. When in doubt, report voluntarily via the ECOLE system. It won't harm you and contributes to aviation safety improvement.

🐮: We want to operate a large agricultural drone (45 kg MTOM) for vineyard treatments in the Bordeaux region. What's the full compliance path?

🦉: At 45 kg MTOM, your drone is outside the Open and Specific Category limits under EU Regulation 2019/947 — those categories cap at 25 kg for UAS. A 45 kg drone falls into the Certified Category, which requires a higher level of oversight equivalent to manned aviation. For the Certified Category in France: DGAC applies full aircraft certification processes, which are complex and time-consuming. Most large agricultural drone operators in France operate within the 25 kg limit to stay in Specific Category. If you're determined to operate at 45 kg, engage DGAC directly and early. On the agricultural application side: beyond aviation compliance, dispersal of phytosanitary products by drone requires separate authorization from the Ministère de l'Agriculture et de la Souveraineté Alimentaire, coordination with DGAL, and compliance with water buffer zones and Natura 2000 protected area restrictions. These agricultural authorizations are entirely separate from your aviation compliance stack. I'd recommend consulting DGAL directly for the agricultural authorization pathway.

🐣: What is AlphaTango exactly, and why does MmowW complement it rather than replace it?

🦉: AlphaTango is France's official DGAC web portal for drone administration — operated by DSAC, it's where you register as an operator, complete your A1/A3 training and exam, declare STS operations, submit flight plans for certain operations, and access aeronautical zone information. It's the official administrative backbone. MmowW is different: we're a compliance management SaaS. AlphaTango handles your administrative procedures with the government. MmowW handles your ongoing compliance operations — flight logging, maintenance records, audit readiness, multi-country compliance tracking, document vault. Think of AlphaTango as your relationship with DGAC, and MmowW as your internal compliance system. When a DGAC inspector asks for 3 years of flight logs, you want MmowW. When you need to submit a new OA application, you go to AlphaTango.

Chapter 11. Primary Sources Index

All URLs verified against official government and EU institutional sources as of 2026-05-01. No private or commercial sources used as primary sources per MmowW policy.

Appendix A — Glossary (French–English)

Appendix B — Quick Reference Card

France Drone Compliance at a Glance (as of 2026-05-01)

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│           FRANCE (FR) DRONE QUICK REFERENCE                      │
│   National Authority: DGAC (Direction Générale de l'Aviation     │
│                        Civile) via DSAC                          │
│   Registration Portal: AlphaTango (alphatango.aviation-civile    │
│                                    .gouv.fr) — FREE             │
│   Regulatory Framework: EU 2019/947 + Code de l'aviation civile │
├──────────────────┬──────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ OPERATOR         │ FREE registration on AlphaTango              │
│ REGISTRATION     │ Required: UAS ≥250g OR any UAS with camera   │
│ (Enregistrement  │ EU cross-border validity: ALL 31 EASA states │
│  exploitant)     │ Operator ID: label on each drone             │
├──────────────────┼──────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ PILOT CERT       │ A1/A3 online: FREE via AlphaTango            │
│ (Télépilote)     │ OPEN A2 exam: €30 via AlphaTango or center   │
│                  │ CATS (STS): €30 via AlphaTango or center     │
│                  │ Validity: 5 years; 75% pass threshold         │
├──────────────────┼──────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ CE CLASS MARKS   │ C0 (<250g) / C1 (250g-900g) / C2 (900g-4kg) │
│                  │ C3 (4-25kg) / C5 (STS-01) / C6 (STS-02)     │
├──────────────────┼──────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ ALTITUDE LIMIT   │ Open Category: 120 m AGL (max)               │
│                  │ Exception: within 50 m of tall structures     │
├──────────────────┼──────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ URBAN FLIGHT     │ C0/C1: NOW ALLOWED from 2026-01-01           │
│ (Agglomérations) │ Must avoid gatherings; VLOS; no LF-P zones  │
│                  │ Paris LF-P 23: PERMANENT PROHIBITION          │
├──────────────────┼──────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ LEGACY           │ S-1, S-2, S-3: ABOLISHED 2026-01-01          │
│ SCENARIOS        │ BAPD certificates: INVALID from 2026-01-01   │
│                  │ Use: STS-01 / STS-02 / PDRA / SORA 2.5 OA   │
├──────────────────┼──────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ REMOTE ID        │ Specific Category: Mandatory from 2024-01-01 │
│                  │ C1/C2/C3: Mandatory (CE marking includes it) │
├──────────────────┼──────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ INSURANCE        │ MANDATORY for ALL operators                   │
│ (Assurance RC)   │ Household insurance: DOES NOT cover drones   │
│                  │ Get dedicated assurance responsabilité civile │
│                  │ Legal basis: Regulation (CE) 785/2004        │
├──────────────────┼──────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ FLIGHT LOGS      │ Specific Category: 3-year retention (EU law) │
│ (Journaux de     │ Open Category: strongly recommended          │
│  vol)            │ MmowW automates this requirement             │
├──────────────────┼──────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ INCIDENT RPT     │ Mandatory: fatal UAS accident; near-miss w/  │
│ (Signalement)    │ manned aircraft. Report to DGAC + BEA        │
│                  │ Voluntary: ECOLE system strongly encouraged   │
│                  │ BEA emergency: permanence@bea.aero (24/7)    │
├──────────────────┼──────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ ZONE CHECK       │ AlphaTango + Geoportail BEFORE every flight  │
│ (Zones)          │ SIA data: updated each AIRAC cycle (28 days) │
│                  │ Paris LF-P 23: PERMANENT no-fly city center  │
├──────────────────┼──────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ PENALTIES        │ Prohibited zone overflight: €15,000 + 6mo   │
│ (Code aviation   │ Takeoff ban violation: €45,000 + 1 year      │
│  civile)         │ No documentation/airworthiness: €75,000 +1yr│
└──────────────────┴──────────────────────────────────────────────┘

AIRSPACE TOOLS:
  AlphaTango:  https://alphatango.aviation-civile.gouv.fr
  Geoportail:  https://www.geoportail.gouv.fr/donnees/
               restrictions-uas-categorie-ouverte-et-aeromodelisme
  SIA zones:   https://www.sia.aviation-civile.gouv.fr/
               produits-numeriques-en-libre-disposition/
               donnees-zones-geographiques-uas.html

MmowW SaaS → mmoww.net/fr/app/ (€6.08/drone/month)
For EU framework details → eu_drone_bible_v2.md