Frequently Asked Questions

Here you can find questions and answers related to our drone app Avidrone and generally about drone flying in Norway.

Woman looking at the camera and smiling while flying a drone by the sea

Important information about the chat feature in Avidrone

Avidrone has a “Live Comms” feature (headset icon on the website) which will not be active initially. Air Traffic Control will not monitor messages here, and you will not receive a response to messages sent via this feature. For urgent contact with Air Traffic Control, please use the telephone.

General Information About Drone Flying and Avidrone

How can Avidrone help me comply with regulations?

In Avidrone you will find maps of airspace and ground areas with information on relevant rules and restrictions for drone flying. Avidrone does not include all rules and restrictions, so you must check some other sources as well. Check the Civil Aviation Authority for an overview of your responsibilities as a drone pilot here.

Can Avidrone help me with compliance reporting to the authorities?

Avidrone stores all flight plans (Flight Requests) that you have registered, as well as all permits and all communication related to these flight plans.

Where can I fly a drone?

In Avidrone, you will find maps of airspace and ground areas with information about relevant rules and restrictions for drone flying. Avidrone does not contain all rules and restrictions, so you should check some other sources as well. Check the Civil Aviation Authority’s guide on where you can fly drones and model aircraft here.

Where can I find restrictions for drone flying?

Limitations and restrictions are displayed as zones on the map. The restrictions also appear as part of the terms and conditions when you outline an operation area. You must review and accept these terms and conditions before you can submit the flight plan (Flight Request).

What is the difference between five-kilometer zones (prohibited zones), CTR (control zones), and the rest of Norway?

Five-kilometer zones (no-fly zones), CTR (control zones), and the rest of Norway have different levels of airspace control and different requirements for permission for drone operations. Avidrone does not include all rules and restrictions, so you must check some other sources as well. Check the Civil Aviation Authority's guide on where you can fly drones and model aircraft here: (https://www.luftfartstilsynet.no/en/drones/no-drone-zones/).

Five-kilometer zone around airports

In this area, manual approval from the air traffic service is required. A flight plan that is wholly or partially within the five-kilometer no-fly zone will be assessed by the air traffic service. Permission will generally be granted as long as your flight plan is compliant with flight safety.

CTR (control zone)

CTR are controlled airspace around larger airports, where parts of the CTR are outside the five-kilometer no-fly zone. A flight plan in the control zone but outside the five-kilometer zone can be automatically approved. Ensure that you follow all rules and restrictions, have an overview of the airspace, and exercise right of way according to applicable rules.

The rest of Norway

In all areas that are outside the five-kilometer no-fly zone and control zones, flight plans will be automatically approved. Ensure that you follow all rules and restrictions, have an overview of the airspace, and exercise right of way according to applicable rules.

In which areas do I need permission to fly a drone?

You must apply for permission to fly a drone in, among other places, no-fly zones around airports, sensor restriction areas, restricted areas, over protected areas, prisons, and military areas. Various authorities can grant permission to fly a drone in these areas. Air traffic services can grant permission to fly a drone in no-fly zones around airports, and you register your flight plan (Flight Request) in Avidrone to apply for permission. Over time, Avidrone will allow other authorities to grant permissions in other areas. Check the Civil Aviation Authority's guide on where you can fly drones and model aircraft here.

Can I fly a drone near an airport?

You must apply for permission to fly a drone in the no-fly zone within five kilometers of an airport. Air traffic services at the airport can grant permission to fly in the no-fly zone. Register your flight plan (Flight Request) in Avidrone to apply for permission.

What documents do I need for a drone flight permit?

To get permission to fly around an airport, you must register your organization, the pilot, the drone, and the flight plan (Flight Request) in Avidrone. Other requirements may apply for permission to fly a drone in other areas. Check the Civil Aviation Authority's guide on where you can fly drones and model aircraft, and which authority that can grant permission to fly a drone in the area here.

Is there anything else I need to remember when planning and conducting drone flights in the no-fly zone?

To ensure that you can receive important messages from air traffic services and other stakeholders, you must ensure that the device you use Avidrone on has sufficient power and network connection. Monitor Avidrone throughout your entire flight.

Technical information and support

What are the differences between the mobile app Avidrone and the website avidrone.avinor.no?

The website (avidrone.avinor.no) and the mobile app Avidrone are connected and mostly have the same functionality. You can use one or both platforms as it suits you best. The login, password, and one-time code are the same. The website is more practical if you are working on a laptop/PC, while the app is more practical if you are working on a mobile phone in the field.

Note: in a short period after launch, there will be a different web address to Avidrone. You will always find the right address to the web site here.

Which browsers are supported by Avidrone?

Avidrone supports the following browsers:

Google Chrome: 142.x
Microsoft Edge: 142.x
Mozilla Firefox: 144.x
Opera GX: 120.x
Safari: 26.x
Chromium-based browsers: 142.x (Chromium Engine version)

Which Apple iOS versions are supported by Avidrone?

On Apple mobile phones, the Avidrone app requires a minimum iOS version of 16, while the recommended version is iOS 26.

Which Android versions are supported by Avidrone?

On Android mobile phones, the Avidrone app requires at least Android 11 Red Velvet Cake, while the recommended version is Android 15 Vanilla Ice Cream.

How do I submit a report about an error, vulnerability, or a suggestion for change?

To report an error, weakness, or suggest changes in Avidrone, you can use the contact form here (external link).

Create an account and log in

How long does it take to register a new user account?

You must register your organization, your drone pilots, drones, and flight plans (Flight Requests) in Avidrone yourself, and the registration will be automatically approved. You will gain access to the system immediately.

What is the difference between the two types of user accounts: Recreational and Commercial?

You should choose between a Recreational or Commercial user account based on the purpose of your drone operations.

A Recreational user account is tailored for individuals flying drones for personal or leisure purposes. This account provides you with important features like flight planning and situational awareness.

A Commercial user account is intended for organizations or individuals conducting drone operations for business, professional, or research purposes. They include more advanced features such as the registration of drone pilots flying for the organization, assignment of drones to drone pilots, more complex flight plans, and organizational workflows. Choose the Commercial organization type (not Government), regardless of the organization you represent.

I see a message that my email address is confirmed. What do I do now?

When you see a message that your email has been confirmed, your account is ready to use and the system will redirect you to Avidrone's homepage. If you are using a different browser, you must log in again. Complete the setup of two-factor authentication if prompted to do so. After logging in and completing these steps, you can start using Avidrone.

I have not received an email to verify my account. How do I proceed?

If you have not received an email to confirm your account, you should do the following:

Check spam and junk mail folders
Check if automatic email filtering is set up
Ensure that the email address is correct in the registration form or profile
Choose to resend the confirmation email from the login or registration page
If you are using a work email, you should check with the IT department in case the email has been blocked or filtered

What is a "one-time code"?

“One-time code” is a security code that can only be used once and is valid for a short period. You will be asked to provide a one-time code when logging in with two-factor authentication. The code is usually generated by your authentication app and must be entered exactly as shown before it expires.

I can't get the authentication app to work with Avidrone. What should I do then?

If you are unable to get the authentication app to work with Avidrone, you should check the following:

Time settings on the phone: the phone's date and time must be set to automatic update. If the clock is incorrect, the codes from the authentication app may be rejected.
Correct account: if you have multiple user accounts in the authentication app, make sure to use the code that belongs to the Avidrone account
Valid code: you must enter the one-time code that appears in the authentication app and complete the login before the one-time code countdown expires
If you have changed phones or reinstalled the authentication app, you may need to reconfigure two-factor authentication in Avidrone's account settings

I am using a different authentication app than the ones mentioned. Do you support other authentication apps?

Avidrone supports the authentication apps Microsoft Authenticator and Google Authenticator.

I get an error message when I upload pictures of the drone and the serial number. Why is that?

This is usually due to the file not meeting requirements or a connection issue. You should check that:

The image is in a supported file format - JPEG, JPG, PDF
The file size does not exceed the maximum limit - 2 MB
The internet connection is stable and the upload is not interrupted
If you are using the website, check that the browser is supported and up to date. See which browsers are supported under "Technical Information and User Support".

How do I manage pilots and drones in a Commercial user account?

With a Manager role for the organization , you can register your organization, add or remove pilots, assign roles (Manager or Pilot), and register all drones that belong to the organization. Each pilot uses their own login, but the flights and drones are linked to the organization so that all operations, permissions, and messages are stored under the same account. A Manager can also be a Pilot for the organization.

Can I assign one drone to multiple pilots?

Yes, in a Commercial user account, one drone can be assigned to multiple pilots. The drone is registered under the organization, and any pilot associated with that organization can select and use the drone assigned to them when they create a flight plan (Flight Request). When a new drone is added, this drone is automatically assigned to all pilots. Review this assignment after the creation if needed. For each operation, only one pilot is designated as the responsible pilot for the specific flight, and the system records which pilot flew which operation.

Can I assign a pilot to multiple drones?

Yes, a pilot can be assigned multiple drones.

Recreational user account: a pilot can register multiple drones on their personal account. When you create a flight plan (Flight Request), you select which drone you want to use. The system records which drone was used for each flight.

Commercial user account: a pilot associated with the organization can use any drone that the organization has registered and made available to the pilot. The Pilot or a Manager selects which drone is used in the operation, and the system logs which drone was used for that flight.

Register flight plan and apply for permission

How do I file my first flight plan?

When you register a flight plan (Flight Request) in Avidrone, it will be assessed based on whether a permit for drone flight in the area is required or not. In the prohibited zone of five kilometers around an airport, the flight plan will be manually reviewed by the air traffic services. Permission will generally be granted as long as your flight plan is aviation safety compliant. If your flight plan is outside the prohibited zone of five kilometers, the flight plan will be automatically approved.

My flight plan is approved – can I start the flight and take off?

When the flight plan (Flight Request) is approved, you should REQUEST ACTIVATION before starting the flight. Note that the flight plan is activated and ready for take-off when the status is displayed as ACTIVATED.

You should also remember the following before taking off with the drone:

You cannot take off with the drone before the start time you have entered in the flight plan. This is the approved time window for your drone flight.
There are no new restrictions or warnings affecting the planned area.
The operational area is safe, and all pre-flight checks are completed.

When these conditions are met, you can take off and conduct the drone flight exactly as described in the flight plan.

What types of notifications will I receive during the flight?

You will receive alerts related to flight safety and changes affecting drone operations. These may include:

Status updates
Changes in the status of your flight plan (for example, approved, suspended, or canceled).
Airspace or ground-related alerts
Messages if new restrictions, warnings, or temporary closures occur in the planned area.
Broadcast messages
General messages to users about information and updates for the airspace.

How can I communicate with the air traffic service/tower at the airport?

You can communicate directly with the tower (air traffic service) through Avidrone when operating within the restricted zone of five kilometers around an airport. Avidrone has a chat function that is connected to the flight plan (Flight Request).

With the chat function, you can send messages to the air traffic service, as well as receive instructions, clarifications, or updates. All communication is stored along with the flight plan.

Why do I need to accept the terms and conditions for the airspace?

You must accept that you have read the terms and conditions (T&C) for the airspace because this describes responsibilities, limitations, and safety requirements for operating a drone in the relevant area.

By accepting the terms and conditions, you confirm that you understand:

The operational rules applicable in the airspace
Any restrictions or conditions you must follow
Your obligations as a drone operator
The safety measures required to fly legally and responsibly

In addition, you must follow all national and pan-European rules for flying drones.

Why do I see a "zero" fee when I register a flight plan?

A fee of "null" means that there is no cost incurred for the operation. There is currently no fee for processing flight plans (Flight Requests).

How can I request multiple flight plans simultaneously?

You can create up to five flight plans (Flight Requests) in one sequence and submit them together. The flight plans can have different dates, times, or areas of operation. Each flight plan will be processed and assessed individually. If you need more than five flight plans, you can submit flight plans in groups of up to five flight plans per group.

Why can't I file a flight plan in certain areas (NFZ)?

Flight plans (Flight Requests) are blocked in some No-Fly Zones (NFZ) because drone operations are not allowed there under current regulations. In these areas, drone flights may be prohibited by law, or the zone may have special requirements managed by the executive authority for the area. In Avidrone, you can create flight plans in areas where the airspace authority allows drone operations and accepts requests through the system.

Can I change or cancel a submitted flight plan?

A submitted flight plan (Flight Request) can be canceled, but it cannot be changed. You can cancel the flight plan right up until the flight starts. If changes are necessary (for example, area, altitude, or time) you must create a new flight plan. All updates, cancellations, and status changes are stored with the flight plan.

What happens if my flight plan conflicts with other flights in Avidrone?

If a flight plan conflicts with another planned operation in Avidrone, the overlapping area will be marked. This helps you understand potential conflicts. Avidrone will not automatically block the request.

What happens if the airspace is suddenly closed or suspended?

If the airspace is closed or suspended, all active or planned drone operations in the area must be halted immediately. Suspension or closure may be due to flight safety, emergencies, other air traffic, or temporary restrictions.

In such cases, the following will happen in Avidrone:

The system may display a warning or status change for your flight plan (Flight Request).
Air traffic services may send instructions via the built-in chat.
An active operation must be stopped or landed safely, and you must send confirmation to air traffic services through the chat function.
When the suspension is lifted, you shoud REQUEST ACTIVATION and await status ACTIVATED before the drone operation can resume.

When the airspace is closed, all drone operations will be terminated.

Why is my flight plan suspended?

You must land and keep the drone on the ground if the airspace is suspended. Air traffic services may suspend a Flight Request as needed. This can be triggered by an emergency, an incident, or other operational reasons. When the suspension is lifted, all flight plans that are still within the time window will automatically return to approved status.

How does Avidrone handle emergency declarations or forced landings?

The air traffic service can declare an emergency and send you instructions. In emergency situations, the air traffic service can also suspend or close the airspace for drone operations.

How can I obtain permission to fly within the no-fly zone of airports with remote control towers?

Airports with remote-controlled towers (RT) have not yet adopted Avidrone. For these airports, you must call or send an email to request permission for a drone operation. You can find contact information for air traffic services in Avinor's drone map.

If I receive an approved flight plan in a zone belonging to the National Security Authority (NSM), does that mean I have permission for sensor use from NSM?

No, NSM and the facility owner cannot currently grant permission for sensor use via Avidrone. You must apply to NSM or the facility owner for sensor use alongside the flight plan in Avidrone. See information on NSM's website here.

How long does it take to get approval for a flight plan?

Permission to fly a drone in the no-fly zone around an airport is assessed continuously as time permits by the air traffic controller. Normally, a response will be given within a few hours.

What happens if my flight plan is rejected?

Permission will generally be granted as long as your flight plan (Flight Request) is safe. A rejection will usually be given because the flight plan is not safe. Often, the air traffic controller will suggest a modified flight plan that is safe, for example by reducing altitude, operational area, or changing the time frame for the flight.

Other functions

Can I see if other drone operations will take place near me before I start my flight?

When you file a flight plan in Avidrone, you will see other drone operations nearby. Avidrone only shows operations that are registered in the system. You are always responsible for maintaining awareness of the airspace and exercising the right of way according to applicable rules. Check the Civil Aviation Authority for an overview of your responsibilities as a drone pilot here.

Can I get information about the weather conditions and forecast in Avidrone?

Avidrone displays both airport-based and coordinate-based weather forecasts. The weather for an airport is shown on the home screen and includes METAR and TAF information. Additionally, weather details for specific coordinates are also displayed.

When registering a flight plan (Flight Request), the weather forecast for the planned operation area is also displayed. This includes METAR and TAF data from the nearest airports.

How can I ensure good situational awareness in the airspace during drone flight?

In Avidrone you can see other drone operations near where you plan to operate, and you can find live data from planes, helicopters, and drones. Some aircraft do not share their position electronically, and you are always responsible for keeping an overview of the airspace and exercising right of way according to applicable rules. Check the Civil Aviation Authority for an overview of your responsibilities as a drone pilot here.

What happens if my drone flies outside the area or altitude I have specified?

If you are flying in the area around an airport and your drone leaves the operational area, then land or fly back to the agreed operational area immediately and notify air traffic services through the chat function in Avidrone. Air traffic services will assess measures to maintain flight safety and may instruct you on what to do through the chat function.