Step by Step guide: Operating a drone in Malta

Whether you’re new to drones and aerial photography, or you’ve been flying for a while under the previous self-registration framework - here’s what you need to do to operate a drone legally in Malta

All of the information in this page can be found in more detail on the TM Drones page here: https://www.transport.gov.mt/aviation/drones-4444

This page is not endorsed by TM and in the case of any conflicting advice, please refer to the materials issued by TM-CAD. This guide also only discusses operations in the Open category. Other categories exist for more demanding flights, however these bring additional requirements such as risk assessment

First Steps: Registration on the TM Portal

Step 1. Register on the Transport Malta Drone portal: https://tmcad.idronect.com/ . Registration costs €25 and is paid online, yearly and you will be issued with a UAS Operator Registration Number together with a UAS Operator Certificate.

Step 2: This UAS Operator Registration Number or corresponding QR-code should be printed and affixed to any drones you own/operate. I used a label printer to create a small neat and hard wearing sticker.

Next Step: Insurance

Step 3: You need to get a valid insurance certificate. 3rd-Party is the minimum required by law, however you can opt to also insure your drone. I used https://www.coverdrone.com filled in a couple of online forms and paid €18.70 for 1 year of 3rd party cover. Other operators exist such as Ving insurance brokers.

Step 4: Upload you insurance details to https://tmcad.idronect.com/ . To do this click on the Document Library button and “Add Document”.

Next: Drone Operator Certificates & Examinations

Step 5. Depending on the drone you operate, sit for the A1/A3 operator exam (certificate of competence). To do this you will need to physically go to the TM CAD office in lija, and you will need to book the exam beforehand. In the portal, under the Certificates -> Exams you will be able to see the available exams. Chose a convenient time and book online. This costs €10 and is paid online during booking.

The the EU legislation: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32019R0947 states

As confirmed by Transport Malta, the A1/A3 operator exam certificate is not required for drones under 250g even if they have a camera - so a Mavic Mini pilot will not need this unless there are accessories added that add weight to the drone.

However whilst not required - If i had a Mini i would just get the certificate. It’s pretty simple, takes less than an hour of your time and teaches you what you can and can’t do as a drone operator. Also less possible loopholes for insurance providers

You can find training materials for the A1/A3 exam here: https://www.transport.gov.mt/aviation/drones/training-4446 Make sure you read/study the Powerpoint presentation as well as the video since there will be questions on classes/minimum distances and things you are allowed/not allowed to do as a drone operator. The A1/A3 exam consists of 40 multiple choice question and will change from person to person.

Step 6. If you have a larger drone (> 500g such as the Mavic 2 or Phantom) you will also need to sit for the A2 exam, unless you choose to only fly it in the A3 category (Which brings about additional restrictions such as not being about to fly within 150m of touristic/urban areas/beaches according to the videos on TM’s site) This covers additional topics related to weather conditions and their effect on flight, batteries and flight envelopes. There are many online courses available and I found this PDF from transport sweden quite helpful: https://transportstyrelsen.se/globalassets/global/luftfart/dronare/utbildningsmaterial/drones-a2-education.pdf

There is a (at time of writing this) free online course for the A2 here: https://coptrz.com/shop/cpd-training-courses/a2-certificate-of-competency-a2-cofc/ Thanks to Malcolm debono for finding this

Registration for this exam costs another €10 and can be booked in the same way as the A1/A3 exam.

Both the A1/A3 and A2 exams are valid for 5 years. The exams are multiple choice tests that are done on a computer at the TM CAD office in lija. The process is extremely organised and efficient and you get the results minutes after completion by email

Next: Drone Registration & Flights

Step 7. Register your Drone on the Drones section of the https://tmcad.idronect.com/ . You will need the model and serial number of the drone

You are now ready to fly

Step 8. Before you fly you need to submit your flight within the portal. You will need to provide date, time, altitude and draw a flight plan. If certain conditions are met (during daytime hours, under 60m and in non restricted zones) this flight should be approved automatically by the system

Note: Flight logs are automatically uploaded to DJI’s servers if you are using a DJI drone and are not using “local mode” in the app. If you do not wish to upload the logs to DJI’s servers, you can enable local mode in the app and store the logs yourself. Logs do not need to be uploaded to TM CAD