Before you open this checklist
Airspace in Ireland is regulated by the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) under EASA rules. Most commercial survey work falls under the Specific Category and requires an operational authorisation. This checklist will not make you compliant on its own. It exists to make sure you have not missed a permission on a site you are planning to fly.
1. Regulatory authorisations
- Operator registered with IAA, operator ID displayed on the aircraft
- Remote pilot holds the correct competency for the class of operation
- EASA Specific Category operational authorisation valid and in scope
- Public liability insurance minimum €13 million in force
- Flight logged in operator logbook with date, pilot, aircraft, site
2. Airspace zone check
- Site checked on the IAA drone map
- Controlled airspace (CTR, CTA, TMA): ATC coordination confirmed if applicable
- Restricted or prohibited zone (military, prison, nuclear): not entered
- Aerodrome proximity: if within 5 km, written consent from the aerodrome operator obtained
- NOTAM check for the flight window: no active conflicts
- Temporary airspace restrictions (sporting events, state visits, emergency response): checked
3. Site permissions
- Landowner or client has granted take-off, landing and overflight permission
- Third-party property overflight understood and mitigated
- Public area access: local authority notified if the take-off or landing point is in a public space
- Natura 2000, SAC, SPA or NPWS site: check for seasonal restrictions (nesting birds, marine mammals)
- If flying over a coastal zone: An Coimisiún Pleanála or local authority permissions checked where relevant
4. Data protection
- GDPR impact assessment completed
- Signage posted if capturing in a public area
- Retention and deletion policy in force
- Client data handling addressed in the contract
5. Safety documentation
- Risk assessment signed by the Chief Remote Pilot
- Operations Manual current version on board
- Emergency procedures briefed to all crew
- First aid kit, fire extinguisher, PPE on site
- Contact details for nearest hospital and local emergency services recorded
Need this customised for a specific project? If you are preparing a tender, condition survey, or project handover and need this tailored to your site, asset type, or regulatory context, we can usually turn a custom version around in a day. Talk to our team or browse the full Assets Hub for more templates.