29/07/2026
https://www.dmfv.aero/allgemein/bedrohung-fuer-den-modellflug-die-folgen-der-easa-npa-2026-103/
Our member and friends of the DMFV have just published an accurate summary of the state of play of the ongoing discussions with the European Commission and EASA on draft new EU security rules for drones and the impact on our sport. An AI English translation of the German DMFV text is reflected below.
Over the past few months the EMFU, its members (including the DMFV), as well as Europe Air Sports have been working closely together to get the proposals changed so that we can continue to practice our sport without additional and unnecessary restrictions. By the 2nd half of September we should know the result of our efforts. Until then we will keep up the pressure.
We will inform you once we get more information.
Your EMFU Board
A threat to model flying: The consequences of EASA NPA 2026-103
In
General
on 29 July 2026
How blanket security measures designed to combat illegally operated drones are endangering European model flying culture – and why there is still hope for a political turnaround.
A new draft regulation from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has sparked debate within the European model aircraft community. The Notice of Proposed Amendment (NPA 2026-103) has two objectives: firstly, to simplify existing regulations; and secondly, to introduce new technical, operational and administrative regulations designed primarily to counter uncooperative drones (the ‘Security Package’). If it remains unchanged, the Security Package will have a lasting impact on model flying in Europe. For many traditional model aircraft, these requirements would involve a very high level of effort or would be technically impossible or very difficult to implement.
Around 500,000 model aircraft enthusiasts in the EU, including some 150,000 in Germany alone, are viewing this development with considerable concern. Nevertheless, the current situation differs significantly from previous regulatory debates: The European Model Flying Union (EMFU) and the German Model Flying Association (DMFV) are acting in unison and are supported by European Air Sport (EAS), as well as other model flying organisations, such as the DMO. Significant political successes have already been achieved, and there is justified hope for improvements that will benefit model flying.
The starting point for current developments is a comprehensive action plan by the European Commission on drone security and drone defence. The background to this is the real security risks posed by unidentified and non-cooperative drones flying over critical infrastructure such as airports, seaports, military installations and energy supply networks. The Commission identifies hostile states, terrorist networks and organised crime as threat actors. This marks a fundamental shift in direction, distinguishing the current process from the drafting of the EU Implementing Regulation eight years ago. Whilst the provisions at that time were primarily driven by the need to ensure civil aviation safety and the protection of people and property on the ground – the traditional concept of ‘safety’ – the current measures from Brussels are clearly motivated by military and security policy considerations. This is a matter of ‘security’. According to Article 4 of the Treaty on European Union, responsibility for this should lie primarily with the individual Member States, not with the European Union. Furthermore, the threat situation at the EU’s eastern borders must be assessed differently from that in Germany or Portugal.
The real problem, however, is that the EU action plan takes a blanket, ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach and makes no distinction whatsoever based on design, intended use or risk profile. Instruments devised to monitor vulnerable airspace are therefore being applied across the board to model aircraft. Yet it has been proven that model aircraft enthusiasts do not pose a security risk. Without exception, model aircraft enthusiasts operate their aircraft within visual line of sight and in the immediate vicinity. The models generally do not possess the electronics required for autonomous flight beyond visual line of sight, and in all incidents or drone sightings over critical zones, model flying organised through clubs and associations has never been identified as the cause.
Nevertheless, the so-called ‘Security Package’ of NPA 2026-103 provides for massive tightening of regulations. The threshold for registration, proof of training and the requirement for Direct Remote ID is to be lowered from the current 250 grams to an extremely low 100 grams. Furthermore, the draft requires aircraft weighing 100 grams or more to be fitted with technical launch prevention systems that prevent take-off without a loaded and validated ID, as well as mandatory geo-awareness for aircraft weighing 250 grams or more. Whilst this may still seem feasible for commercial ‘ready-to-fly drones’, it effectively spells the end for traditional model aircraft, home-built models, foam models or free flight. The necessary on-board hardware is often technically impossible to install, disproportionately expensive and denies children and young people easy access to this long-established hobby. This is precisely what the DMFV’s International Affairs Officer, Achim Friedl, made abundantly clear and had recorded in the minutes during the EASA stakeholder consultation in June.
Despite this serious threat, a decisive advantage is emerging compared with previous EU legislative procedures: both the Federal Ministry of Transport and EASA are this time receptive to the concerns of the model flying community. In this respect, there is hope that adjustments and exemptions in favour of model flying can still be secured by the time the official EASA Opinion is due to be published in September 2026. To play an active role in shaping this process, the DMFV and EMFU have already taken far-reaching technical and political steps. The DMFV submitted a total of 68 comments on the NPA 2026-103, setting out the significant negative consequences of the proposed measures for model flying and highlighting alternative measures, such as the flyDMFV app.
Furthermore, DMFV President Hans Schwägerl met with the influential MEP Markus Ferber during the gliding exhibition for a face-to-face discussion on this matter. Ferber has since sent a very clear letter to the responsible EU Commissioner, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, which accurately describes the problems facing model flying in Europe and sets out possible solutions. In addition, the DMFV has expressed its wish for a high-level meeting to be held in early September, to be attended by key MEPs, relevant officials from the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport (DG MOVE), and representatives of the association. Such a direct exchange could provide important impetus.
At national level, there is close and very positive dialogue with the Federal Ministry of Transport, and we have received an assurance that the Ministry will champion the interests of model flying. These efforts are being supported by an EASA workshop scheduled for November, in which the DMFV and EMFU will also participate, with the specific aim of ensuring that model flying is exempted from new requirements that are out of touch with practical reality, and that a separate set of regulations is created for model flying, allowing Member States to enact provisions for model flying in such a way that it can continue in the traditional manner.
Model aircraft flying is an established mass sport of great social value and has always been the most important breeding ground for the next generation of technical talent in engineering and aviation professions. It is unacceptable for this culture to become a collateral victim of a blanket safety and drone defence policy. The DMFV is by no means opposed to effective safety measures; however, it strongly calls for complete exemption from excessive and unsuitable technological requirements, as well as a clear, legally secure enshrinement of traditional model aircraft flying in European aviation law.
Ein neuer Regulierungsentwurf der Europäischen Agentur für Flugsicherheit (EASA) hat innerhalb des europäischen Modellflugs zu Diskussionen geführt. Die
