Guide
Drone rules in Stavanger: the Sola airport zone, registration and permits
Much of the Stavanger region sits close to Stavanger Airport Sola, and drone flights here often require clearance. This guide explains the rules that apply in 2026 — whether you plan to fly yourself, or you're hiring a drone company and want to know the job is done legally.
Last updated June 2026. Regulations change — always check the current rules with the Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority and Avinor.
Who do the drone rules apply to?
The EU drone framework, implemented in Norwegian law through the drone regulation of 1 November 2024, divides all drone flying into three categories: open (with subcategories A1, A2 and A3), specific and certified. Most commercial work — surveying, inspection, photography — flies in the open or specific category. The maximum altitude in the open category is 120 metres above ground, and distance requirements to people and buildings apply depending on subcategory and drone class.
Can you fly a drone in central Stavanger and around Sola?
Without permission from air traffic services, flying a drone closer than 5 kilometres to an airport is prohibited. Stavanger Airport Sola sits in the middle of the region, and large parts of Stavanger, Sandnes and Sola fall within the 5-kilometre zone or the control zone (CTR). Flying there requires clearance: requests go through Avinor's drone app, and inside the 5-kilometre zone they are handled manually by the tower. Check Avinor's drone map for exact boundaries before planning a flight.
Registration and marking
Everyone flying a camera drone — with exceptions for toy drones and drones under 250 grams without a camera — must register as a drone operator with the Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority at flydrone.no. You receive an operator number that must be marked on the drone. Businesses register the organisation as the operator, with associated pilots. Registration renews annually; in 2026 the fee is NOK 230 for private individuals and NOK 1,500 for organisations.
Insurance is mandatory
Liability insurance is mandatory for all drones except toys — including small drones in commercial use. The requirement follows from the Aviation Act and the drone regulation, with minimum cover of 750,000 SDR for third-party damage. A serious drone operator can document both registration and insurance — ask for it when collecting quotes.
Crowds, protected areas and privacy
Flying over events with large crowds — concerts, sports events — is prohibited. Military areas, embassies and prisons require permission from the local authority in charge. Several protected areas in Rogaland — such as the Jæren beaches — may have their own drone restrictions, especially in nesting season. And drone photography must comply with privacy rules (GDPR): whoever films is responsible for ensuring people are not identified without a legal basis.
What does this mean for your project?
These rules are why professional buyers use a registered drone operator: the operator handles clearance with air traffic services, flies within the regulations and keeps the insurance in order. When you collect quotes for drone services in the Stavanger region, check that the operator is registered with the Civil Aviation Authority and can document liability insurance — then legality is the least of your worries.
Frequently asked questions about drone rules
Can I fly a drone in central Stavanger?
Parts of Stavanger fall within the 5-kilometre zone or the control zone around Stavanger Airport Sola, and flying there requires clearance from air traffic services via Avinor's drone app. Outside the zones the standard rules apply: max 120 metres above ground, distance requirements to people — and never over crowds. Check Avinor's drone map before flying.
What is the 5-kilometre rule around Stavanger Airport Sola?
Without permission from local air traffic services, flying a drone closer than 5 kilometres to an airport is prohibited. Around Sola, requests are handled manually by the tower. In the control zone outside the 5-kilometre zone, flight plans can be approved automatically via Avinor's drone app.
Must drone operators be registered with the Civil Aviation Authority?
Yes. Everyone flying a camera drone must be registered as a drone operator via flydrone.no, and the drone must be marked with the operator number. The exceptions are toy drones and drones under 250 grams without a camera.
Do drone operators need insurance?
Yes. Liability insurance with at least 750,000 SDR in cover is mandatory for all drones except toys — whether the flight is private or commercial.
What does it cost to be a registered drone operator?
Registration renews annually with a fee to the Civil Aviation Authority via flydrone.no — in 2026 it is NOK 230 for private individuals and NOK 1,500 for organisations. Operators in the specific category pay substantially more. The online course and exam are free.
Need a drone job done in the Stavanger region?
We handle clearance and fly within the regulations. Describe the job and you'll get a concrete quote — usually within one business day.
Request a quote