89 Lithuania
Three equal horizontal bands of yellow (top), green, and red; yellow symbolizes golden fields, as well as the sun, light, and goodness. Green represents the forests of the countryside, in addition to nature, freedom, and hope. Red stands for courage and the blood spilled in defense of the homeland.
Flag courtesy of the CIA World Factbook
Map courtesy of the CIA World Factbook
Baltic amber was once a valuable trade resource. It was transported from the region of modern-day Lithuania to the Roman Empire and Egypt through the Amber Road.
Government
According to Britannica, Lithuania’s current constitution was approved by national referendum in 1992. The Republic of Lithuania, formerly the Lithuanian Soviet Socialist Republic, is administered by a president and a legislature, the Seimas, under a parliamentary system. The Seimas consists of 141 members, who are elected to four-year terms. The prime minister, formally appointed by the president, oversees the country’s day-to-day affairs and is generally the leader of the Seimas’s majority party. The president is popularly elected for a five-year term (with a maximum of two consecutive terms).
Lithuania is divided into apskritys (counties), which are then divided into rajonas (districts). The districts are further divided into savivalbyde (regional towns, urban settlements, and localities). The governor of each county is appointed by the national government. The districts are self-governing and elect local councils, which in turn elect the mayors.
Lithuania’s judicial system is headed by a Supreme Court and a Constitutional Court, whose judges are selected by the parliament. There are also district and local courts whose judges are appointed by the president for five-year terms.
Civil / National Aviation Authority (CAA/NAA)
The Transport Competence Agency is a public body established and owned by the state. The Ministry of Transport and Communications of the Republic of Lithuania shall be the institution implementing the rights and obligations of the body owner. In order to create a professional, innovative, business-oriented aviation surveillance system, the Civil Aviation Administration was restructured by transferring its functions to two other sector bodies – Lithuanian Transport Safety Administration and Transport Competence Agency (until 2019 Road and Transport Research Institute). The activities of Transport Competence Agency cover the following areas: licensing of specialists and supervision of their activities; the oversight, accreditation and licensing of aviation sector; planning of transport communications; transport monitoring and research. The purpose of the activity of Competence Agency is to contribute to the development of the public transport system in Lithuania and the supervision and development of the use of state resources allocated to it, ensuring the highest standards of quality, safety and security
Airspace
SkyVector – Google Maps – ADS-B Exchange
ICAO countries publish an Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP). This document is divided into three parts: General (GEN), En Route (ENR) and Aerodromes (AD). ENR 1.4 details the types of airspace classes they chose to adopt from classes A through G. Lithuania AIP
ON ANSP – ON is a certified European air navigation service provider (ANSP), rendering air traffic management, communication, navigation and surveillance as well as aeronautical information services across the airspace of the Republic of Lithuania, also above the territorial waters and within the Baltic Sea airspace, which belongs to Vilnius flight information region (FIR). ON also ensures continuous operation of Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre, organization and coordination of search and rescue operations in case of an aircraft accident. Air navigation service providers are especially significant in the air transport value chain, since they ensure the management of air traffic flows and flight safety, furthermore, acting in cooperation with other stakeholders, they create added value for all the participants of air transport value chain.
Drone Regulations
Drone laws – National Regulation
Lithuanian citizens can only access the system using a qualified signature through the Electronic Government Gateway:
- A mobile signature that can be provided by a mobile operator;
- Electronic banking;
- An identification document with an electronic chip.
Before connecting to the system, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the following documents:
- The procedure for issuing documents confirming the registration of an unmanned aircraft and UAS user;
- The procedure for issuing documents confirming the qualification of a remote pilot.
MOST IMPORTANT TO KNOW:
- Different concepts arise: drone operator (ie, owner) and remote pilot (ie, the person who flies the drone). It can be the same person.
- All owners of drones (whose devices have a camera or weigh more than 250 g) must register in a special TKA system and mark their own drone or drones with the unique number received. The owner registers once, regardless of how many drones he owns. The registration fee is 10 EUR.
- Flights are divided into three categories: open (with sub-categories A1, A2 and A3), special and certified, with different requirements for flights and remote pilots.
- In order to obtain a permit to fly a drone in the residential areas of the European Union, you need to familiarize yourself with the theoretical knowledge course in the TKA online system, pass an online exam in the same system and obtain a certificate confirming this (certificate price – 10 EUR).
- In order to fly in the A1/A3 subcategories of the open category, it is enough to pass the online exam and receive a certificate confirming this (price – 10 EUR), in the A2 subcategory you will additionally need to pass the exam in the TKA class (exam cost – 16 Eur, registration).
Registration of drone users
From 2020 December 31 all persons owning an unmanned aircraft (UAS) weighing more than 250 grams or using video or audio recording equipment must register as a UAS user in the TKA online system.
A drone operator needs to register once, regardless of how many UAS they own.
Both a natural person and a legal entity can register as a drone user.
Drone marking
A person who registers in the TKA system receives an authentic UAS user registration number with which he must tag all the drones he owns. The code must be readable without the aid of optical devices from a distance of at least 2 meters.
If for objective reasons (the size of the drone, structural features, etc.) it is impossible to display the number in the required size, it can be smaller or displayed on the included parts (e.g. battery).
The price of UAS user registration is 10 EUR.
From 2024 On January 1, when new drones are marked with Class C markings, the same code will need to be entered into the e-identification system.
Classes of drones
From 2024 January 1 all drones for sale will be divided into classes. When purchasing an unmanned aircraft, you will need to pay attention to its class and CE marking, as this may determine the choice of flying category and additional requirements for flights.
IMPORTANT! As long as drones are not classified by classes – that is, until 31 December 2023 – the A1 subcategory of the open flight category will fly drones weighing up to 500g, and A2 – up to 2kg.
Examples of drone classes:
The owner (user) of an unmanned aircraft can transfer control of his aircraft only to a person who has the necessary competence and all mandatory permits to operate an unmanned aircraft.
In the event of an incident, the responsibility for it rests with the owner of the drone.
If the drone is leased or transferred, transfer documents or agreements are required.
Flight categories: open
The most popular category of drone flying that does not require a separate permit for each flight. Basic requirements:
- Check prohibited and restricted areas where you cannot fly and do not fly until the permission of the manager of the relevant area is obtained;
- Keep out of sight of a flying drone;
- Keep a safe distance from outsiders and animals;
- If an unmanned aircraft injures a person or flies into a prohibited area, it is mandatory to immediately inform the controlling authority;
- Follow the requirements of the drone manual.
The open category is divided into three more subcategories – A1, A2 and A3, which are subject to different requirements.
IMPORTANT!
During the transition period, i.e. until drones are classified by classes (until December 31, 2023), the A1 subcategory flies drones weighing up to 500 g, and A2 – up to 2 kg.
In subcategory A2, the 1:1 rule should be applied – if the flight of the drone is planned at a height of 120 m, then the minimum horizontal distance of 120 m from bystanders.
Ensures that the drone’s green flashing light is on when flying at night (requirement effective from 1 July 2022).
During the transition period, subcategory A2 has an additional requirement to keep 50 meters away from outsiders.
There are no changes in sub-category A3 during the transitional period.
Requirements for remote pilots wishing to fly in the open category:
- The pilot can be at least 16 years old;
- All pilots must familiarize themselves with the drone manufacturer’s instructions, learn how to operate the drone according to the recommended safety rules and pass an exam according to the flight subcategory;
- For A1/A3 subcategory flights, it is enough to go through the theoretical knowledge course in the TKA online system, pass the online exam and get a certificate (valid for 5 years).
- For subcategory A1 flights using a class C0 unmanned aircraft, a remote pilot test is not required.
- Remote pilots flying in sub-category A2 need to pass a theoretical knowledge course in the TKA online system, pass an online exam in it, then complete independent practical training and pass an exam in a TKA exam classroom.
- All remote pilots must familiarize themselves with the documents regulating their activities.
Requirements for flights in the special category:
- This category includes all flights that take off higher than 120 meters from the ground, when the remote pilot does not see the drone visually, and other flights that do not fall into the open category.
- A remote UAS pilot must submit a request in the form prescribed by TKA in accordance with 2021. November 5 order no. No. 2-134 “on the approval of the description of the procedure for issuing permits for special category flights using an unmanned aircraft system” Describes Appendix 1 and adds a flight risk assessment. The request is submitted no later than 30 calendar days before the scheduled start of the special category flights to TKA directly, by mail, via courier or electronic means of communication.
- TKA issues a use permit if, after the application and flight risk assessment, it is concluded that the operational risks have been taken into account, and the combination of risk mitigation measures related to the operational conditions for the flight, the skills of the personnel performing it and the technical characteristics of the unmanned aircraft is adequate and sufficiently reliable for the flight to ensure safety, taking into account the identified risks on the ground and in the air.
Legal entities that frequently operate special category flights may obtain special light UAS operator licenses (LUCs).
The LUC certificate is issued when a legal entity proves that it has the competences – responsible qualified specialists – who can assess flight risks, carry out a security assessment and conduct a flight safely without a separate TKA permit.
To fly in the special category, a remote pilot must:
- With confirmation of completion of online training, you need to register for an additional theory exam in the TKA exam class (exam price – 16 Eur) and pass it.
- The classroom exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions (or 30 questions if the remote pilot already holds an A2 certificate). The exam will be passed if at least 75% of the questions are answered correctly. all questions. Aims to assess the remote pilot’s knowledge of aviation rules, human performance limits, operational procedures, technical and operational risk mitigation techniques on the ground, general knowledge of UAS, meteorology, UAS flight performance and technical and operational risk mitigation techniques in the air.
- In the TKA system submit an electronic application confirming that you already have a valid certificate of completion of online training and have passed an additional theory exam in the classroom. If this application additionally confirms that independent practical training has been completed, the Theory Knowledge Certificate (STS) is issued with the A2 subcategory, i.e. A1/A3 & A2 & STS, if you have not completed such training – the A1/A3 & STS certificate is issued.
- Pay for the issuance of the STS theory knowledge certificate (price – 10 Eur).
Examples of drones belonging to the certified category are drone taxis , drones weighing more than 150 kg, etc.
This category includes drone flights in particularly challenging conditions.
Requirements for the certified category:
- The owner of the drone is required to register in the TKA online system.
- A certified aircraft must be registered with TKA – airworthiness requirements apply, and drones are registered in the Civil Aircraft Register of the Republic of Lithuania.
- A remote drone pilot must submit a TKA application online and attach a flight risk assessment prior to flight.
- TKA issues an operating permit if, after the application and flight risk assessment, it is concluded that the operational risks have been taken into account and the combination of risk mitigation measures related to the operational conditions for the flight, the skills of the personnel performing it and the technical characteristics of the unmanned aircraft are adequate and sufficiently reliable for the flight to ensure safety, taking into account the identified risks on the ground and in the air.
After the entry into force of Regulation (EU) 2019/947, a transitional period of two years is foreseen. To make the procedures easier at that time, in 2020 December 30 The National Standard Script came into force , which applies to:
- Part Nsts-01 – for flights in a densely populated environment with an unmanned aircraft weighing from 500 g to 2 kg;
- Part Nsts-02 – for flights in a densely populated environment with an unmanned aircraft weighing between 2 kg and 4 kg;
- Part Nsts-03 – for flights in a densely populated environment with an unmanned aircraft weighing between 4 kg and 15 kg;
- Part Nsts-05 – for flights in a densely populated environment with an unmanned aircraft weighing between 15 kg and 25 kg;
- Part Nsts-06 – flight of bvla in a sparsely populated environment at a height of no more than 120 m above the ground in uncontrolled airspace with an unmanned aircraft weighing up to 25 kg.
The drone operator or remote pilot may submit a declaration to the TKA that all conditions of the National Standard Scenario are met, and the TKA will notify the remote pilot of the declaration received. The Declaration Application form is filled out in the TKA online system. After receiving the information, the remote pilot can conduct flights under the conditions provided for in the standard scenario without separate TKA permission for each flight.
The terms of the National Standard Scenario expire in 2026. January 1, and declarations can be submitted until 2023. December 31
The main requirements for those who want to use the National Standard Script:
- It is necessary to pass a theory knowledge exam corresponding to the level of the STS exam – that is, the theory exam in the TKA exam class;
- Independently prepares and learns the subjects and areas provided for in Table 1 of Appendix A of Chapter I of Appendix 1 of the Regulation.
Drones are prohibited from flying in the air traffic zones of airports and airfields, over strategically important objects, in the border zone and in other restricted zones – map of no-fly zones (unofficial)
No-fly zones can only be flown with the permission of the owner of the no-fly zone. Without permission to fly in the airport areas, such flights are considered a serious violation of flight safety. Such a violation is punishable by a fine for the first time, a fine for the second time and mandatory confiscation of the drone.
Even with permission, the rule is that manned aircraft always have priority over unmanned aircraft.
Confirmation of remote pilot qualification: exams and obtaining a certificate
In order to fly in the open category A1/A3 subcategories, you need to obtain an online training completion confirmation in the TKA online system
In order to fly in the A2 subcategory, if you already have an online training completion certificate (A1/A3), you need to additionally pass an exam in the TKA exam class
In order to fly in the special category, you also need to have an Online Training Completion Certificate (A1/A3) or a Remote Pilot Qualification Certificate (A1/A3&A2) and pass an additional exam in the TKA exam class
The issued permits are valid for one year from the date of Regulation (EU) No. 2019/947, i.e. until 2022 January 1
All drone owners with drones weighing more than 250 grams or equipped with a camera are still required to register as UAS users on the TKA online system, obtain a unique identification code and tag all drones they own with it.
All examinations required for the flight category will have to be passed by 2022. January 1
From 2021 there is no longer a requirement to perform a technical inspection of the drone.
REGULATORY DOCUMENTS AND APPLICATION FORMS
REMOTE PILOT QUALIFICATION CERTIFICATES
Drone Regulations Translated into English by Google
Translations
Translations of any materials into English are intended solely as a convenience to the public and are not legally binding. The author has merely attempted to provide a Google translation of the original material to English for convenience. Due to the nuances in translating to a foreign language, several differences may exist so before using for any work or pleasure please have the document translated by a professional service!
DIRECTOR OF THE CIVIL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION ORDER
FOR THE DIRECTOR OF THE CIVIL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION JANUARY 23, 2014
D. ORDER NO. 4R-17 “ON THE RULES FOR THE USE OF UNMANNED AIRCRAFT APPROVAL” CHANGE
in 2016 October 11 4R-200 Vilnius
Amend the Rules for the Use of Unmanned Aircraft approved by Civil Aviation of the director of administration in 2014 January 23 by Order No. 4R-17 “Regarding drones of the approval of the rules of use” and present them in a new version (attached).
CHAPTER I
GENERAL PROVISIONS
1. The rules for the use of drones (hereinafter – the rules) determine the general rules for the use of drones the rules for the use of aircraft, the conditions and procedure for conducting flights with them, applicable to these aircraft technical requirements and the procedure for granting relevant permits.
2. Terms used in these rules:
2.1. unmanned aircraft – any aircraft without a crew (including toy aircraft and model aircraft) which can be controlled remotely or whose flight is automatically controlled, yes even a free-flying aircraft;
2.2. drone controller – a person who controls the flight path of a drone;
2.3. free-flight aircraft – a heavier-than-air unmanned aircraft whose lift during flight, free air is formed due to the dynamic interaction of air with fixed lifting surfaces flight is not directly controlled remotely or automatically;
2.4. special activity – drone flight in Vilnius, Kaunas, Šiauliai and Palanga in the air traffic control area of the aerodrome, under constant visual observation by the controller of the unmanned aircraft;
2.5. closed room – a room separated from the outside by stationary partitions.
3. The requirements established in these rules apply to all airspaces of the Republic of Lithuania for operators of drones conducting flights or performing special activities with them and respectively for drones with a maximum take-off mass of 300 grams to 25 kilograms. During flights or special operations flights with unmanned aircraft, which the maximum mass of the carpet is up to 300 grams, only the requirements set out in point 11 of these rules apply.
4. Conduct flights with drones with a maximum take-off weight of over 25 kilograms, is available only at the Civil Aviation Administration (hereinafter referred to as the CAA) or its authorized representative on aircraft registered with the organization and with the prior permission of the CAA, which specifies such conditions and restrictions apply to the flight, as well as determining the suitability of the aircraft and special qualification requirements for the operator of such aircraft.
5. The requirements of these rules, with the exception of the provisions of point 3, do not apply:
5.1. rope-controlled drones (i.e. circling aircraft whose position and the height is regulated by a fixed-length rope attached at one end, which limits the flight while in control person) for flights not exceeding 150 feet (45 meters) above the ground;
5.2. tethered unmanned balloons and kites that do not rise above 150 feet (45 meters) from the surface of the earth, for flights;
5.3. for all indoor drone flights;
5.4. for military aircraft.
6. The drone operator is directly responsible for the use of the drone in accordance with the requirements of these rules. Drones are only allowed to be operated independently by individuals from the age of 16. People under the age of 16 are only allowed to operate drones up to 3 kg weight and only supervised by adults.
7. It is forbidden to operate an unmanned aircraft while using any means that limit human capabilities narcotic or psychotropic substances, medicines, as well as when sick, very tired or in the presence of others for reasons that the drone operator cannot adequately secure the drone flight safety.
8. Before the flight, the pilot of the drone must familiarize himself with all flight safety information, requirements of legal acts, restrictions of local municipality and military commander, meteorological situation (and weather forecast if necessary).
9. The drone operator is personally responsible for ensuring that the aircraft is technically sound tidy The drone operator must inspect all drones before each flight operation of the aircraft’s controls and power plant, to make sure that all its controls and power plant works properly. If the drone operator has doubts about the technical aspects of the drone
condition and/or meteorological situation, the flight is prohibited.
OPERATION OF FLIGHTS WITH UNMANNED AIRCRAFT
10. It is prohibited to fly a drone in the airspace of the Republic of Lithuania:
10.1. over areas where such flights are restricted by the local municipality. Flights above such territories may be allowed only in compliance with the conditions and restrictions set by the relevant municipality (if they are established) and without violating the requirements of these rules;
10.2. over military territories where such flights are restricted by the commander of the Lithuanian army.
Flights over such territories may be allowed only in accordance with the instructions of the Commander of the Lithuanian Armed Forces conditions and restrictions (if they are established);
10.3. without seeing the drone visually, without seeing its flight direction and position, etc in which cases further than 1000 m from the physical location of the drone operator;
10.4. within 50 meters (in all directions) of all types of vehicles, persons on the ground or water surface, structures or bystanders;
10.5. in uncontrolled airspace above 400 feet (120 meters) above ground level;
10.6. over cities and towns, densely populated areas, or in open areas of crowding places;
10.7. In the air traffic zones of the airfields of the Republic of Lithuania (vertical and horizontal planes), except in cases where the written consent of the aerodrome user is obtained and complied with conditions set by the aerodrome user. This provision does not apply when flying in parts of the airspace, listed in Annexes 1 to 4 of these rules.
11. Maximum permitted altitudes for special flight activities of unmanned aircraft presented in Annexes 1-4 of these rules.
12. The activity of special flights above the maximum permissible heights specified in point 11 may be allowed in coordination with the air traffic service provider. The air traffic service provider determines conditions for such operations and the drone operator is responsible for enforcing those conditions.
13. In exceptional cases, when mutual air and ground radio communication with air traffic is not ensured service provider, but may be supported by alternative radio means and on board the aircraft is equipped with a transponder, air traffic clearance may be granted for such a flight in controlled airspace permission of the service provider in accordance with the relevant agreement. This is an agreement between a drone controller and air traffic service provider, by which the flight plan and permission are determined without providing flight procedures.
14. In dangerous, temporarily isolated, special gliding areas as well as reserved air drone flights can only be carried out in the airspace after obtaining the user of this airspace the relevant permit, and in the prohibited, restricted and border zone airspace only with the possession of Lithuania a permit issued in accordance with the procedure established by the commander of the army and in compliance with the restrictions and conditions set forth therein.
15. The air traffic service provider must, when coordinating or permitting drone flights to ensure that it does not interfere with the main air traffic.
16. Manned aircraft always have priority over unmanned aircraft. By drone it is prohibited to fly and endanger aircraft taking off and landing.
17. Objects, various substances or liquids may be thrown or sprayed from the aircraft unmanned aircraft only after obtaining permission from the CAA and complying with the conditions set out in it.
18. If during the flight the pilot of the unmanned aircraft loses the ability to control the aircraft (aircraft control is enabled) and the latter takes off from the drone controller outside the visual field of view, it is necessary to immediately inform the nearest flights by phone control center, whose contacts are published on the CAA website. The notification must include the following information: the name and surname of the drone operator, the place where the drone was lost control, the last known altitude and direction of flight of the drone.
GRANTING OF EXEMPTIONS
19. A person can apply to the CAA with a request to grant an exemption in clauses 10.3-10.6 of these rules requirements if it can justify a level of flight safety acceptable to the CAA by appropriate means.
20. Before applying to the CAA for an exemption, a person must apply to be approved by the CAA organizations (hereinafter – organizations) to evaluate the technical capabilities of the drone and the drone theoretical and practical skills of the aircraft controller. Evaluation is done by organizations approved methodology and requirements aligned with the CAA. If the evaluation is carried out in organizations not possible, the assessment is carried out by the CAA. CAA may use experts to carry out the assessment.
21. Within 10 working days from the date of receipt of the request and assessment conclusion, the CAA accepts a decision on whether or not to grant an exemption. The decision to grant an exception shall specify the flight performance conditions and restrictions and aircraft airworthiness requirements, civil liability insurance and other special qualification requirements for the drone operator. An exception may be granted for a maximum period of 1 year.
FINAL PROVISIONS
22. These rules establish only general safety requirements for drone flights and does not exempt the drone operator or in some cases the owner from any form legal responsibilities against other persons, if the rights and legitimate interests of these persons will be violated or their property damaged.
23. CAA approved organizations and their experts are published on the CAA website.
Advanced Air Mobility (AAM)
Short Essay Questions
Question 1
You have been hired by a Drone Startup Company. Your boss has immediately assigned this job to you.
They need you to prepare a one-page memo detailing the legalities of using a drone to film in Lithuania.
They need you to mention any national laws and local ordinances.
They specifically want to know what airspace you will be operating in and whether or not you need an airspace authorization.
Does it matter whether or not you are a citizen of the country?
Lastly, there is a bonus for you if, as you scroll through this chapter, you find any typos or broken links!
Question 2
Do you need a certificate to fly UAS?
If so, how do you obtain one?
Are there fees associated with this?
If so, how much?
Question 3
May you operate beyond visual line of sight?
If so, what procedures must you follow?
Question 4
Does the country have UAM/AAM laws? If so, describe, citing the exact law.
Question 5
Are you aware of any new laws or policies not mentioned above? If so, describe, citing the exact law or policy.
