Flying Drones in the Azores: Laws, Wind, and How to Return Home with Your Drone
A professional guide to EASA regulations, the specific Portuguese "image permit," and surviving the Atlantic winds.
The Azores are arguably one of the most spectacular places on Earth for aerial photography. The contrast between the deep blue Atlantic, the neon-green pastures, and the black volcanic rock creates imagery that looks almost prehistoric.
However, flying here isn't just about launching and pressing record. Between the fierce Atlantic winds and a unique set of Portuguese laws that differ from the rest of Europe/US, you need to be prepared.
Here is the no-nonsense guide to keeping your drone legal and in the air.
1. The Legal Reality: It’s Not Just "Fly and Go"
Portugal follows EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) rules, but it adds a specific layer of bureaucracy regarding image capture that surprises many visitors.
Here is the breakdown of what you need to be legal:
A. The EASA Basics (The "European" Rules) If you are coming from the US or outside the EU, understand that we operate under EASA categories:
Registration: If your drone has a camera (which it does), you must be registered as a UAS operator in an EU country. If you are already registered in another EU country, that registration is valid here. If not, you must register with ANAC (Portugal’s Civil Aviation Authority). You must display your Operator ID on the drone.
Where to Register: ANAC UAS Platform
The Open Category: Most travel drones (Mavic, Mini, Air) fall here.
A1/A3 (Under 250g): You can fly over people (not crowds) but should avoid it.
A2 (C2 class or heavier legacy drones): You must maintain a safe distance (usually 50m) from uninvolved people.
Max Altitude: 120 meters (400 ft) from the closest point of the surface.
VLOS: You must keep the drone in Visual Line of Sight at all times.
B. The "Portugal Special": The AAN Permit (The "Military" Rule) This is where Portugal differs. While ANAC controls the airspace, the AAN (National Aeronautical Authority) controls the images.
Technically, capturing aerial images in Portugal requires permission from the military (AAN).
You must register and request permission via their online platform. It is free but mandatory for capturing footage.
Where to Apply: e-AAN Platform
C. No-Fly Zones (NFZ) The Azores have small islands with active international airports. This creates large NFZ bubbles.
The App You Need: Download the app "Voa Na Boa" (created by ANAC). It is the official map for Portugal. It will tell you instantly if you are in a Red Zone (Forbidden) or a Yellow Zone (Height restricted).
Web Map Version: ANAC Voa Na Boa Map
Airports: Do not mess around near PDL (Ponta Delgada), TER (Lajes), or HOR (Horta). The fines are heavy.
D. Insurance Liability insurance is mandatory in Portugal for drones weighing more than 900g. However, even for lighter drones, it is highly recommended. If a gust of wind slams your drone into a rental car, you want to be covered.
2. The Invisible Enemy: The Wind
The wind in the Azores is deceptive. It might feel calm at ground level, but 50 meters up, gusts can exceed 40 km/h (25 mph).
Professional Insight: Why I Use a Mavic 3 Pro (Not a Mini) I often get asked if a "Mini" drone is enough. While the image quality is great, physics matters.
Stability: I use larger drones because they can fight the Atlantic gusts without shaking, ensuring usable video footage.
Battery Drain: A sub-250g drone fighting a 30km/h wind burns its battery twice as fast. If you fly a Mini, never push your battery below 40% before returning home. The return trip against the wind might take longer than you think.
3. Birds: The Local Air Force
Seagulls and Terns (Garajaus) are extremely territorial, especially in spring/summer nesting seasons.
The Danger: They will dive-bomb your drone.
The Escape: If attacked, fly straight up immediately (birds struggle to climb vertically), then bring the drone home. Do not try to outrun them horizontally.
4. Power Management
Since you will likely be driving between spots all day:
Car Charger: Essential. Charge batteries between locations.
The "Lunch Charge": Most local restaurants are friendly. If you ask nicely, they will usually let you plug in a battery while you eat your Alcatra or Bife.
5. Etiquette: Respect the Silence
The Azores are a destination for nature and silence.
Don't hover: Get your shot and land.
Avoid crowds: Never fly directly over groups of people at viewpoints like Vista do Rei. It is illegal and annoying.
Fly with a Local Pro
If you want to capture the best aerial angles of the Azores without worrying about reading wind currents or finding the legal spots alone, join me on my next adventure.
I’m hosting a 10-day Drone & Landscape Workshop covering São Miguel, Flores, Corvo, and Terceira. We handle the logistics, the permits, and the location scouting—you just focus on flying and capturing the portfolio of a lifetime.
[Link to Drone Workshop Details]
This article was created with the support of AI and refined with first-hand local knowledge and field experience by Azores-based photographer and guide Bruno Ázera.
