Drone regulation now rests on three pillars: the EU EASA framework (2019/947 and 2019/945), national obligations (France: signalement électronique, AlphaTango), and the FAA Part 107 / Remote ID regime in the United States. Mastering those references lets you qualify an overflight quickly and trigger the right response.
Europe: one framework, three categories
Since 2021 EASA sorts operations into three risk categories: OPEN (low risk, up to 25 kg, ≤ 120 m AGL, visual line of sight), SPECIFIC (moderate risk, requires authorisation or a standard scenario) and CERTIFIED (closer to conventional aviation).
Every drone placed on the EU market from 1 January 2024 carries a class (C0 to C6) that determines what it is allowed to do in the OPEN category. C1–C6 must broadcast a Direct Remote ID compliant with EN 4709-002.
France: signalement électronique and AlphaTango
In France, the so-called signalement électronique (Order of 27 December 2019) mandates that any civilian drone above 800 g broadcasts a remote identification frame. This French obligation pre-dates EU Direct Remote ID and remains in force as a complement for non-classed drones.
AlphaTango is the DGAC portal where operators register themselves and their drones above 800 g (or fitted with a camera). The operator number must be physically marked on the airframe.
Worth noting: the European action plan unveiled on 11 February 2026 proposes to lower the registration and Direct Remote ID threshold to 100 g for every drone — a significant change that both operators and detection vendors must anticipate.
United States: Part 107 and Remote ID
In the US, FAA Part 107 governs commercial drone operations up to 25 kg / 55 lb. Pilots need a Remote Pilot Certificate. Recreational operations follow another path (TRUST) but remain subject to registration.
US Remote ID (14 CFR Part 89, ASTM F3411-22a) has been in force since 2023. It imposes most drones to broadcast in the clear identifier, position and velocity during the entire flight — exactly the type of frame the DECTYR RX-5 captures.
No-fly zones and geo-awareness
In France and the EU, certain areas are no-fly: airfields, military sites, correctional facilities, power plants, upper-tier Seveso sites and temporary zones decided at the prefectural level. Drones from class C1 upwards embed a geo-awareness function that warns the pilot.
In the US the FAA publishes No Drone Zones and TFRs (Temporary Flight Restrictions) enforced through B4UFLY and compliant firmwares.
Enforcing rules on your site
Regulation does not prohibit an overflight by default — but in case of an infringement you must be able to produce material evidence: timestamp, trajectory, pilot identity if available, picture or VMS clip. RF detection with timestamped Remote ID is today the most legally usable route, in France as abroad.
Without a cooperative identifier, the report relies on converging clues (RF, witness statements, VMS video). That is why a detection system paired with a VMS and a signed PDF evidence pack carries strong operational and legal weight.
FAQ
Do I need an authorisation to install a passive RF detector in France?
No, not for a strictly passive detector like the DECTYR RX-5. No RF emission is produced; installation is free. Jamming or spoofing a drone, on the other hand, is strictly reserved to the State and requires explicit authorisation.
Is my site a no-fly zone by default?
It depends on its nature. Energy, military, correctional and certain industrial sites are permanent no-fly zones; others depend on temporary prefectural orders (events). The French Géoportail map lists the zones.
Does Remote ID identify the pilot?
EU Direct Remote ID and US ASTM F3411 broadcast the UAS Operator ID and the pilot position, which enables identification via the AlphaTango or FAA Operator Registry databases after a judicial request.
Will the 100 g rule really happen?
The European Commission action plan of 11 February 2026 does propose lowering the registration and Direct Remote ID threshold to 100 g, with a possible extension of geo-awareness. The direction of travel is clear; the precise calendar will be confirmed by implementing acts.