Apologies for any duplication because I also posted this at the bottom of the “Flying in the EU” thread but it’s so far down I though it may not be seen so here goes again.
I’m travelling to France and the Netherlands soon so want to register for an operator ID. As far as I can tell I’m supposed to register in the first country (France) and then I can fly all over the EU. As you can see from the attached I took the Dutch test last year which as given me (I presume) a flyer ID but when I went to register for an operator ID on the French site I got the second screenshot from Alphatango. I’m dubious that this is my Operator ID because a) I didn’t have to pay for it and b) it runs for 5 years instead of the 1 year that I was expecting. However, it didn’t have any test associated with it which is more like an Operator ID. I’d be grateful if anyone could shed some light on this for me please because iI’m a bit confused at the moment and want to get it right. Many thanks in advance for any help you could give.
Hi Mark
I registered using Alphatango in January 2021. I recall completing a basic test similar to that of the CAA. I received a certificate entitled “Training of Pilots of Civil Unmanned Aircraft Used for Recreational Purposes” There was no charge for this and the certificate expires January 2026.
I also have a certificate entitled “Extract of the Civil Unmanned Aircraft Register”. This followed the registration of each drone and lasts for 5 years. Again this was provided at no charge. I have since changed drones and have been issued with new certificates from Alphatango following a new registrations for the new drones.
I have flown many times in France and have never been asked for this documentation. However most of my flying has been coastal or in relatively open country whilst photographing chateau / churches and the like.
Hope this helps
Chris.
Hi Chris and Mark, my experience is pretty much identical to Chris’s. I used the Alphatango site last year, didn’t pay anything and obtained my Remote Pilot Identifier after passing a very similar test to the UK one. It lasts 5 years. I also registered my drone on the French site for no cost as well.
Wrt flying in either country, check the various Geozone sites. I’ve found the following link very useful.
Just a quick update. I have managed to register myself and both of my drones in France and have both a French and a Dutch Op ID so thanks to Chris and Ian who helped me out.
Hi All. Can anyone share their experiences flying a drone on the French Riviera? I have an Air2S and we will be in the south of France from 5th of August. Cheers
Hi all, apologies if I’m missing something here… I have my EASA certificate but need an operator ID. I’ve been on both Denmark & Netherlands sites and always seem to get to a point where you need to register but can only do so if you’re a citizen? Am I missing something here as it’s very complicated and confusing!
Going to the Netherlands in a couple of months and keen to take my Mini 5 Pro with me.
EDIT - I’m now assuming that I can just register via Alphatango and that’s all I need (as well as putting it on the drone)
I think you can register in any EU country even if you’re not a citizen there. In Spain, for example, you might need an electronic certificate, which is usually only for locals. Maybe an easier option is Ireland (mainly because of the language), and I think you don’t need an eID there.
Hi try this Phil
You have applied for an operator number for one or more drones. I have processed your application. You can read more about this in this email.
What you need to do
Your operator number is NLDewgui6v4wo6ie-uxm. You need to attach the part of the operator number before the dash to the outside of your drone. For example, with a sticker. Leave out the last 3 letters. Do you have drone software to program the number? Then you must also program the complete number. Check rdw.nl/operator for more information about this.
Operator number valid for 1 year
Your operator number is valid for 1 year from 07-08-2025. We will send you a reminder email 6 weeks before it expires. You can then renew the operator number. You always remain responsible for renewing it on time.
Contact
Do you have any questions? Then go to rdw.nl/en/contact or call +31 88 088 74 47. We will be happy to help you.
Kind regards,
On behalf of the management of the RDW,
S. van Tol
Manager Liability and Registration of Persons
I got my EU certification from the German equivalent of the CAA (LBA). I passed a test similar to the one in the UK, after paying around €20, which got me a Flyer ID immediately. I then paid €25 to have my Operator ID issued around 3 weeks later (had to chase them). I checked multiple dutch and German sites before choosing one. I took the German exam, as I speak the language. But all sites offered the tests in English. The IDs are now valid EU wide (plus Switzerland and Iceland, amongst other) for 5 years.
I too, am registered with RDW. Just a heads up to say that I didn’t receive a reminder email this year, so OP ID ran out . It was sorted with a couple of emails and a payment - I was able to keep my previous number.
