Airspace Exam Questions: Classes, Zones and Heights
Where can you fly, where do you need clearance, and where is flying banned outright? These questions appear in every exam.
- Maximum flight height of 120 m above ground
- Control zones around airports require prior clearance
- Checking geographical UAS zones on the map before flying
- Keeping distance from nature reserves and major roads
- Manned aircraft always have right of way
Airspace is divided into classes, but for open-category drone flights the relevant airspace is almost always uncontrolled airspace below 120 m. On top of that, national authorities publish geographical UAS zones where operations are restricted, require authorisation, or are banned outright. These zones are shown on official drone-flying maps and geo-awareness platforms provided by the national aviation authority or air navigation service provider.
The 120-metre rule and its exceptions
In the open category, the maximum height is 120 m above the surface directly beneath the drone. When flying over an obstacle taller than 105 m, you may climb to within 15 m of the obstacle's top if the owner has agreed. On sloped terrain, height is measured relative to the ground directly below the drone, not the take-off point — a detail that's a popular exam trap.
Control zones and airports
Around aerodromes there are control zones where drone flights are only permitted with clearance from air traffic control or the aerodrome operator. For aerodromes without a control zone, a lateral distance of around 1.5 km typically still applies. As a general rule, manned aircraft always have right of way: if a helicopter or aeroplane approaches, you must give way immediately and land.
Geographical UAS zones
Flying is banned or restricted over nature reserves and national parks, hospitals, emergency response sites, prisons, military installations, industrial plants, and major roads or railway lines. Above private residential property, a threshold of 250 g applies without the owner's consent, and drones fitted with optical sensors are generally barred from overflying it at all.
Before every flight: check the map
The exam expects you to check the current airspace situation before every flight, using your national geo-awareness app or platform. You must also watch for NOTAMs and temporary restricted areas, for example during major events or official visits. Responsibility for this check always rests with the remote pilot.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high am I allowed to fly a drone?
In the open category, a maximum of 120 m above ground, measured from the nearest point on the surface below.
Can I fly inside a control zone?
Only with prior clearance from the relevant air traffic control unit or the aerodrome operator.
Where can I find current no-fly zones?
On your national aviation authority's official drone map or geo-awareness platform, which shows geographical UAS zones updated in real time.
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