Are your commercial drones ready for the new rules?

The regulatory framework for drones in France has recently reached a major milestone. This is not merely an administrative development, but a fundamental shift in the way operations are regulated.

Many drone pilots have heard about this transition. Some have already adapted their practices and completed the necessary training. Others prefer to wait and see how these new rules are actually applied in the field. However, there can be a significant gap between being informed and being truly compliant, and this gap can put your business, your liability, and that of your clients at risk.

This article isn’t going to remind you that the S1, S2, and S3 scenarios have been eliminated. You probably already know that.
Instead, it will help you answer a key question: Would you be able to demonstrate your compliance during an audit, when dealing with a client, or in the event of an incident?

What Has Really Changed

As of January 1, 2026, the former national scenarios S1, S2, and S3 have been eliminated. They have been replaced by a harmonized European framework overseen by theEuropean Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), in which requirements are based on the risk level of the operation rather than on the distinction between “commercial” and “recreational” use.

This shift is fundamental. You are no longer in a system designed “for professionals.” You are in a system designed “by risk level.” It’s not the same logic.

The End of the CATT as the Primary Reference

The The Theoretical Proficiency Certificate for Remote Pilots(CATT) is no longer the standard for operations under European scenarios.

To operate under standard European scenarios, remote pilots must now obtain the Certificate of Theoretical Competence for Standard Scenarios(CATS), supplemented by appropriate practical training. Without the CATS, STS-01 or STS-02 flights are not authorized.

If you previously carried out missions under S3, particularly in urban environments, it is essential to verify that your training is now compliant.

STS-01 and STS-02: What Do They Mean for Your Fleet?

Today, two standard scenarios form the basis for most professional operations in the " Specific " category:

STS-01 pertains to visual line-of-sight (VLOS) operations in populated areas and requires Class C5 drones.

STS-02 regulates beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) flights in sparsely populated areas and requires Class C6 drones.

In other words: if your device is not certified for the corresponding class, you cannot operate under those scenarios. Your drone’s CE class is no longer just a technical detail—it is a prerequisite for carrying out your missions. It is a factor that must be considered in every decision to purchase or renew your fleet.

Flying in Urban Areas: More Accessible, but Still Regulated

One significant change involves certain operations in the city.

Professional drone pilots can now operate in urban areas under the Open Category using C0, C1, or C2 drones without going through the CATS process. An A1/A3 or A2 certification is sufficient for this type of operation.
For certain light-duty missions in urban areas (site surveys, short video recordings, or building facade inspections), this can significantly reduce the administrative burden.

However, this simplification is subject to several significant limitations:

Pitfall #1 — The rules for the Open category remain strict: Recreational flights are still prohibited over public spaces in urban areas. If you use the same drone for both professional and personal purposes, keep a record of each flight.
Pitfall No. 2 — The operator remains liable: Even in the Open category, the drone pilot must ensure that the environment is suitable for the planned operation. A poor risk assessment may result in liability.
Pitfall #3 — The documents required during an inspection have changed: During an inspection, you must be able to present several documents: your training certificate, your UAS operator number, proof of a professional assignment, and aviation liability insurance covering the operation of the drone. This insurance is mandatory whenever a drone is used for professional purposes, in accordance with the Transportation Code. Professional liability insurance may exist, but it does not replace the specific coverage related to aviation risks. Failure to present any of these documents during an inspection may result in a violation.

Advance notice in populated areas: 10 days, not 3

For projects falling under the “Specific Urban Area” category, the administrative processing time is often underestimated.

The pre-flight notification must be submitted using form CERFA 15476*04, which must be sent to the appropriate prefecture with 10 full business days’ notice, not including the day of notification or the day of the flight.

In practice, this amounts to nearly three calendar weeks. This is a factor you should take into account in your quotes and sales planning.

MANEX: An Often-Overlooked Document

Professional operators are required to keep their Operations Manual (MANEX) up to date. This document must now include procedures specific to STS, list the C5/C6 drones used and their electronic identification devices, and update internal training programs.

A MANEX dating from 2023 or 2024 is now outdated. In the event of an incident or a dispute, it is one of the first documents an investigator or attorney will request. If it does not reflect the reality of your current operations, you are at risk.

Remote ID: A Technical Requirement

Drones operating in many professional settings must be equipped with a remote electronic identification (Remote ID) system. In 2026, this European requirement will be fully enforced, particularly for class drones operating under the EASA regulatory framework.

In France, there is an additional requirement: French electronic identification is still required for all drones weighing more than 800 g. This means that even if your drone already has a Remote ID that complies with European requirements, it must also be equipped with an electronic identification system that complies with national regulations.

In practice, this creates a regulatory overlap: a drone may be required to transmit both a European Remote ID and a French electronic identification.

So please make sure your equipment is installed, activated, and properly configured. A drone without a functional electronic identification system is considered noncompliant, regardless of your training or flight authorization.

2026 Compliance Checklist

Before your next flight, ask yourself these questions:

Training: Do I have a certificate (A1/A3 or A2)? Do I need a CATS certificate if I’m flying in STS?
Equipment: Does my drone have a CE class that is compatible with my intended uses?
Remote ID: Is my equipment compliant and in working order?
Registration: Is my UAS operator number active on AlphaTango?
MANEX: Does my operations manual reflect my current operations?
Insurance: Is my operation covered by aviation liability insurance that is appropriate for my operations?

If you're unsure about any of these answers, it's best to clarify your situation before your next flight.

Our Approach at Hellyos

At Hellyos, we design our drones for demanding professional applications (industrial inspection, security, surveillance, mapping). In these contexts, regulations cannot be viewed as a secondary constraint.

That’s why nothing is left to chance. We don’t try to adapt an existing device to new requirements; we build it so that those requirements are met natively, right from the design stage.

Would you like to track the progress of our work or discuss your operational challenges for 2026? Contact our teams.