Pre-flight checklist

Six things to check before every flight, and which authority decides what.

Last updated 29 October 2026

Short answer

Before you fly, check zones and airports (dronesoner.no and NinoxDrone2), NSM’s sensor bans, protected areas, NOTAMs on ippc.no, the weather and your equipment. No single app covers everything, so you need to look at several maps.

The checklist

  1. 1Zones and airportsOpen dronesoner.no and check whether the spot is inside a geographical zone. Within 5 km of an airport you need permission from the tower, usually via NinoxDrone2.
  2. 2Sensor bans (NSM)Check the map from NSM, the National Security Authority. In the ban areas you may not take photos or video from the air, even if you are allowed to fly.
  3. 3Protected areasMany national parks and nature reserves ban drones. Check the Norwegian Environment Agency’s (Miljødirektoratet) map. To fly there, you must apply for an exemption.
  4. 4NOTAMsCheck ippc.no on the day. NOTAMs warn of temporary restrictions, such as exercises or activated danger areas.
  5. 5Weather and lightCheck wind at flight height, precipitation and temperature against your drone’s limits. Cold drains batteries faster. You must be able to see the drone at all times.
  6. 6Equipment and papersCharged batteries, updated firmware, operator number on the drone, certificate of competency and insurance. Ask the landowner for permission to take off and land.

Four authorities, four maps

The rules on where you can fly come from several places. That is why there is no single map that shows everything.

Luftfartstilsynet
The Civil Aviation Authority: drone rules, registration, certificates and geographical zones (dronesoner.no).
Avinor
Runs most airports: NinoxDrone2 and NOTAMs (ippc.no).
NSM
The National Security Authority: bans on photos, video and sensors over protected sites.
Miljødirektoratet
The Norwegian Environment Agency: protected areas and national parks.

Third-party apps combine several map layers in one place and save time. They are not official, so double-check with the sources above if you are unsure.

During the flight

  • Max 120 metres above the ground, with the drone within visual line of sight.
  • Keep your distance from people according to your subcategory (A1, A2 or A3).
  • Land straight away if a helicopter or plane approaches.
  • Flying with a NinoxDrone2 plan: end the flight in the app once you have landed.

Not sure where you can fly? Read the guide to no-fly zones and how NinoxDrone2 works.

Sources: Luftfartstilsynet: No-drone zones, NSM: Airborne sensor systems, Miljødirektoratet: Drones in nature, Avinor: NinoxDrone2. Rules can change; always check Luftfartstilsynet before you fly.

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