In many industries, drones are an important tool. Real estate agents, the construction industry, farmers, network companies, and rescue teams are some entities that need to collect data from the air. Technological advancements in drone systems, cameras, and sensors are progressing very quickly, allowing drones to be equipped with increasingly advanced optics and measuring equipment. In some cases, drones replace the use of manned aircraft. The postal service has started testing delivery services with drones.
Aviation is also facing major changes related to unmanned aerial vehicles – eVTOL.
Norwegian drone operators generally have good access to airspace where the drone operates within visual line of sight and lower than 120 metres above the ground. Within the open category, courses and exams are provided on the Civil Aviation Authority's drone portal, flydrone.no. Everyone who flies a drone with a camera and/or weighs more than 250 grams is required to register with the Civil Aviation Authority.
From 2024, there will also be a requirement for remote identification of several types of drones.
