Geo-zone for drones around Knokke Heliport
The use of drones in the surroundings of Knokke Heliport (EBKW) is subject to a permit from the operator. On Droneguide(https://map.droneguide.be) the geo-zone is indicated in red when you do a search.
Moreover, the geozones of Knokke Heliport and those of the AZ Zeno helipad (hospital) overlap by almost 50%.
Any drone flight within either (or both) geo-zones must be requested in advance from the geo-zone manager.
The geo-zone manager can set the conditions and independently determine whether a requested flight can be allowed.
Conditions for authorising drone flight geozone EBKW
- Only professional flights allowed(NO recreational flights)
- RPAS pilot in possession of former (Belgian) Class 1 licence and/or EASA Open A2 licence
- Registered operator
- Professional insurance(NO family insurance) in accordance with EU directives EC 785/2004 and EC 947/2019
- If flight time is longer than 45 minutes or various flights are spread over a period longer than 1 hour: mandatory use of an EKW radio observer and standby radio communicator at the heliport
- The delivery of a permit as well as the deployment of a radio observer / standby radio communicator is subject to a cost (see below)
Prices for authorized drone flights Knokke-Heist
All prices are excluding 21% VAT, payable in advance subject to a positive credit check.
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Administration fee delivery admission € 85,00
Reimbursement for research conditions, preparing file for insurer, issuing authorization, communication with MUG Heli
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EBKW radio observer deployment per hour started € 55,00
Minimum 2 hours deployment. Includes use of licensed radio station on location, standby person at heliport.
Manned aviation & drones: high risk
The conditions for using drones in the geo-zone EBKW (Knokke Heliport) are strict because of the increased risk. Knokke Heliport is a frequently visited heliport where helicopters can take off and land unexpectedly.
Because the geozone includes the approach axes, helicopters fly at low altitudes and in different directions.
All breaches related to illegal drones, unauthorised flights, breaches of conditions, loss of communication, etc. are reported to the DGLV Drones Unit and to the DGLV AAIU (Air Accident Investigation Unit).
