Heading to Rhodes with Mini 5 Pro: HCAA vs. EASA Conflict (Remote ID & 50m Rule)

Travel Tips & Flying Abroad
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Hi everyone,

Looking for some clarity from well-travelled flyers who have dealt with the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA) recently.

I’m heading to Rhodes in a couple of weeks with my DJI Mini 5 Pro. I’ve spent the day ensuring I am 100% compliant, so on paper, I have the basics totally covered:

  • Registered as a UAS operator with European credentials.

  • Completed A1/A3 theory, and went ahead and completed my A2 just to have all bases completely covered.

  • Extended my drone insurance policy for European liability cover.

However, digging into the local Greek application of the rules has thrown up some massive contradictions compared to standard EASA EU 2019/947 regulations. I can’t find a definitive answer on three things:

  1. The Remote ID Paradox
    Under EASA, a C0 sub-250g drone like the Mini 5 Pro has zero legal requirement for Remote ID. Yet, in my direct communications with the HCAA, they explicitly state I must activate Remote ID. How are people handling this? Do you just toggle it on in the DJI Fly app anyway (and does it let you broadcast an operator number on a C0 profile out there), or ignore the blanket template email?

  2. The “Green Free-Fly Zone” vs. Pre-Approval Rule
    Some sources state that if you check the HCAA’s Drone Aware GR (DAGR) map and you are in a “Green Zone,” you can fly freely within standard open category rules. Other official-looking HCAA guidance says all tourist flights require a formal email application form (info.dagr@hcaa.gr) submitted days in advance, even for green zones. Which is it in practice?

  3. The 50-Metre Bubble
    I’ve read an HCAA clause stating that you don’t need a formal flight pre-approval if you fly in a Free-Flying (Green) Zone, but only if you stay within 50 metres (horizontal and vertical) of the pilot. If you want to fly up to the standard EASA 120m AGL or further away, you supposedly have to submit a formal flight polygon to them. Has anyone actually encountered local police enforcing this 50m bubble?

I really want to stay on the right side of the local laws while capturing some aerial footage of the coastline, but the local gold-plating of EASA rules is a headache. Any recent experiences on how strictly this is enforced on Rhodes would be massively appreciated!