It is undisputed that great film and photo recordings can be made with drones. "In particular, untouched landscapes lure with the opportunity for unique shots," says Benjamin Hetzendorfer, drone expert at the ÖAMTC.

"But be careful, these are often protected areas over which you should - if at all - fly very carefully." The reason for this is obvious: drone sturgeon disturb wild animals and birds incubating or raising their young, as they are seen as a threat. “For example, birds of prey can be so irritated by drones that they even attack smaller models in extreme cases”; warns Hetzendorfer. But even those looking for relaxation can quickly find the aircraft annoying.

From the point of view of aviation law, there are hardly any restrictions when it comes to flying over protected areas - but there are in the legislation of the individual federal states. "In Austria, nature conservation is a matter for the federal states and is regulated in different nature conservation or national park laws," explains the ÖAMTC drone expert. "For drone pilots, any interference with plant clothing or animal life is prohibited and can be prosecuted." In addition, signs often indicate a possible drone flight ban.

Of course it is possible to fly legally over a protected area. Above all, this requires consideration and information. "An essential tool for this is the ÖAMTC's drone information app," recommends Hetzendorfer. "It has recently also shown whether the area to be flown over is a protected area and what special restrictions apply there." The app also contains contact options for any permits, because it is advisable to inform those responsible for the affected protected area about planned drone flights. "Flying with consideration for people and animals should also be a matter of course outside of protected areas," says Hetzendorfer. “Neither wild nor grazing animals may be flown directly to or even pursued. Therefore, always ensure a sufficient minimum distance of 50 to 70 meters.”

The free ÖAMTC Drone Info App for Android and iOS offers a lot of important information as well as helpful tips and tricks for safe flying pleasure.