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There's nothing worse: everything is ready for take-off, but the motors just won't turn. Many drone pilots have had to experience this moment first-hand. Reason enough for you to spend a few minutes today looking at the activation of no-fly zones.
Flight restrictions and where to find them
DJI's GEO system protects you from flying in illegal areas. To do this, the position of the drone is continuously synchronised with the Fly Safe database , which DJI users will be familiar with from the frequent update messages. The synchronisation takes place locally on the device and not on external servers. So-called no-fly zones are stored in the Fly Safe database.
What are no-fly zones, authorisation zones and restricted zones?
The term no-fly zone (NFZ for short) originates from the military and describes airspace that is generally forbidden to fly through. NFZs can be further subdivided, e.g. into authorisation zones and restricted zones.
The legislator uses the word flight restriction area instead of no-fly zone. These areas worthy of protection include, for example, facilities of federal authorities as well as power generation plants. Depending on the type of restriction, either only the direct overflight (e.g. nature reserves) or a complete radius (e.g. airports or prisons) is restricted. In addition, no-fly zones can also be set up temporarily around major events, forest fires and other risk areas.
How can I find them?
Introductory note: By law, only official ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation) charts may be used for flight planning. These are available from Eisenschmidt .
You can use the DJI Geo Zone Map in the browser to prepare your flight. Not all zone types prohibit flights - the "Warning Zones" and "Enhanced Warning Zones" only indicate safety risks and are not displayed on the Geo Zone Map by default. If required, you can tick the boxes at the bottom of the screen.
Restricted zones in Germany are mainly prisons and larger airports. The restricted area is outlined in red and requires a great deal of effort to clear.
Altitude zones are also set up in the approach lanes of airports. A click in the grey field reveals the maximum permitted altitude - clearance is not possible.
The situation eases somewhat from the blue Authorisation Zone onwards. This zone is mainly found around military facilities, sports centres and medium-sized airfields. The activation effort is rather low.
No activation is required for Warning Z ones and Enhanced Warning Zones. With the valid warning zone, you will only be informed about the flight in the zone before take-off. In an Enhanced Warning Zone, you must enter a few details before take-off - but the effort involved is very low.
How do I activate a no-fly zone?
The effort required to activate a zone depends on the risk level of the zone. DJI distinguishes between Extended Warning Zones, Authorisation Zones and Restricted Zones.
For those who understand English, we recommend the following video. For more detailed step-by-step instructions in German, simply scroll on.
Video source: DJI
Extended warning zones
The Extended Warning Zone has the lowest risk. To activate it, you only need to have your telephone number ready before take-off. Neither a DJI account nor an internet connection is required. Follow the instructions on the display.
Authorisation zones
To activate an authorisation zone, you need a DJI user account, i.e. you only need to provide your email address and a name. Almost every DJI owner already has such an account.
There are two ways to unlock this type of zone: either on site shortly before take-off or in advance via the DJI unlocking website. We recommend unlocking in advance as part of the recommended pre-flight checks via the website. This minimises potential sources of error and avoids unnecessary stress on site.
Step 1: Visit the DJI activation website.
Step 2: Log in with your e-mail address and password.
Step 3: Click on "Self-Unlocking" at the top.
Step 4: Select your drone model (e.g. Mavic 2 or M300).
Step 5: Enter your target area in the search box at the top right.
Step 6: Search for your desired zone.
Step 7: Select this by clicking on the corresponding marker.
A window appears with the message that the zone can be unlocked ("Authorisation Zone Unlock Available"):
Step 8: Enter the serial number of your remote control and select the time period.
Notes:
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The serial number of the remote control can be found either on a sticker on the back of the remote control (small QR code with number) or in the app menu.
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Often the serial number of the drone also works, which can be found on the drone or in the app menu.
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The authorisation is usually valid for three days.
Step 9: Submit the form.
Step 10: Read and accept the terms and conditions.
Step 11: Confirm authorisation and full responsibility.
Notes:
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Authorisation in the vicinity of airports must be obtained from the responsible air traffic control authority. This may be the tower, for example. A phone call is often sufficient. Please make sure you receive the authorisation in writing.
Step 12: Use SMS authentication. After entering your telephone number and accepting the conditions, send the request. You then have 30 seconds to enter the code you received by SMS and click on Verify.
Almost done! Just one last click on continue...
...and the activation is confirmed.
Step 12: Now you need to activate the licence on the drone. To do this, go to Settings, then General settings and Activation licence.
That's it!
But...you still want to activate the licence on site? Have your phone number, your DJI login and an internet connection ready! Your drone will automatically display a warning message. Follow the instructions on the screen.
Restricted zones (Restricted Zones)
A restricted zone has higher security requirements than an authorisation zone. Therefore, you must submit your authorisation to DJI. If you have obtained permission to fly in a restricted zone, you can use the special unlock on DJI's website. To do this, go to the Flysafe website.
The request is usually processed within one working day. However, it is better to allow two to three working days to allow for delays due to missing documents. Also make sure that your system has the latest firmware. A special activation may result in the loss of some autonomous flight functions. You should therefore plan a manual flight - this will allow you to react more quickly in the event of an emergency.
Step 1: Obtain the necessary documents. This is primarily a written flight authorisation from the person responsible for the facility, e.g. the responsible flight supervisor at an airport. A quick Google search will usually reveal the telephone number of the tower. Make sure that the authorisation is in English - otherwise there may be delays.
As a company pilot, you should also have documents to hand that prove your function as a representative of the company. For example, use official stationery or have the documents signed by the company management.
Step 2: Open the official website and click on Custom Unlocking.
Step 2: Scroll down and select Unlocking Requests.
Step 3: Enter your status (individual, organisation/company, registration on behalf of a third party), your personal details, location and the desired time period.
Step 4: Enter the e-mail address or telephone number of your DJI account. Then select your drone model and write the serial number of the drone or remote control in the field. If you want to use multiple drones, enter the remaining drones as well.
Step 5: Select your industry or write it in the field. Describe your mission briefly and clearly in the field below. The application process is faster if you use English. The last field is optional and is for individual requests that you would like to address to DJI.
Step 6: Finally, upload the important documents. Applicants on behalf of companies should upload a declaration clearly stating that they are authorised by the company management to submit this application. For all applicants, you must provide the official authorisation to operate the flight . In particular, this should provide information about the authorised area, the time and the issuing organisation.
Note: Different rules apply depending on the type of restricted zone.
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Airport: Permission from the airport or air traffic control (e.g. DFS)
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Nuclear power plant: Permission from the operator or air traffic control
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Prison or similar: Permission from the operator or air traffic control
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Stadium: Permission from the operator or air traffic control
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Military base: Application must be made by the facility itself
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Disaster area: Application must be submitted by the authorities (e.g. police, fire brigade) and the flight supervisory authority
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Other: Permission from the flight supervisory authority or a public safety organisation
Step 7: Click Next Step to continue.
Step 8: Select your drone model.
Step 9: Enter the desired facility in the search and select it using the marker. Add further important data on the right-hand side. Then confirm with Confirm.
You will be asked to accept the conditions and finally land on the confirmation page.
You've done it!
...or still have questions? For businesses with special flight plans, we offer free advice by phone or e-mail. We are here for you.
Manage activations
You can manage your authorisations directly in the app. to do this, open the settings, click on General settings, then on Activation licence and finally on Aircraft. There you can activate and deactivate all activation licences.