Using airspace
What is it?
It is prohibited to take off or land an aircraft (including small aircraft) on any terrain other than an airport. If you wish to do so, you must apply for an exemption from the province.
Flying a drone
For safety reasons, you are not allowed to fly a drone everywhere. For example, it is prohibited in areas around airports. You are allowed to fly in the free part of the airspace. This part is not controlled by air traffic control. You can find the rules for flying a drone on the US government website .
Balloons
You usually need permission if you want to fly a balloon or balloons near an airport. This also applies to glider airfields. Permission may be refused if air traffic could be disrupted. For example, if the wind direction affects the speed of the balloon(s).
What should I do?
You apply for an exemption from the province where you want to land and/or take off. You can obtain an application form from the province.
Release balloons
You must request permission to release balloons if you wish to release balloons near an airport or glider airfield. These rules apply to:
Small free balloon: a balloon or combination of balloons with a maximum height of 2 m or a maximum volume of 4 m³.
Decorative balloon: small free balloon, or combination of small free balloons, with a height or width not exceeding 75 cm.
How long will it take?
- The province will decide on your application within four weeks.
- The exemption is valid for a maximum of 12 days per year.
Additional information
If you have been granted an exemption, you must inform the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate. You can do this by sending a notification at least 24 hours in advance to: meldingtug@ivw.nl. Please include the following information in your notification:
- for which area you have been granted an exemption
- at what times you will be flying
- description of the activity