{"id":99305,"date":"2023-05-26T17:39:53","date_gmt":"2023-05-26T15:39:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/drone-normandie.com\/third-party-exclusion-zone\/"},"modified":"2026-06-29T15:09:17","modified_gmt":"2026-06-29T13:09:17","slug":"third-party-exclusion-zone","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/drone-normandie.com\/en\/third-party-exclusion-zone\/","title":{"rendered":"Third-party exclusion zone"},"content":{"rendered":"

When a remotely piloted aircraft is operating under scenarios S-1, S-2 or S-3, the operator must set up a third-party exclusion zone.<\/p>\n

This zone is used to keep people who are not involved in the mission away, to limit the risks in the event of a crash or emergency landing.<\/p>\n

The operator must ensure that no third party enters the exclusion zones at any time during the flight.<\/p>\n

Who can be considered a third party?<\/u><\/strong>
\nA third party is a person who is not directly concerned by the mission. Under no circumstances may these third parties enter the exclusion zone. <\/p>\n

The following are not considered third parties:
\n<\/strong>– individuals involved in piloting the aircraft (the remote pilot)
\n– people involved in the operation of mission equipment (the cameraman, for example)
\n– people isolated by a system of safety<\/a> or a structure that provides them with adequate protection
\n– individuals directly involved in the specific activity who have signed a certificate (available by clicking here)<\/a> stipulating that they have been informed of the emergency measures defined by the operator in the event of an in-flight incident involving the aircraft (this may be the case, for example, at a wedding: the guests photographed are not part of the mission, but in order to be photographed, they must agree to be overflown by the drone, and therefore sign an attestation).<\/p>\n

Case for Scenario S-1:<\/u><\/strong>
\nFor an aircraft used in Scenario S-1, the maximum third-party exclusion zone is a disk with a radius of 30 meters<\/strong> centered on the aircraft\u2019s ground projection.<\/p>\n

However, when the remote pilot has ground speed data, the 30-meter radius may be reduced (but never less than 10 meters<\/strong>) if the remotely piloted aircraft is:
\n– an aerostat (airship) weighing < 8 kg
\n– an aerodyne equipped with a third-party protection device (parachute) weighing \u2264 8 kg
\n– an aerodyne weighing \u2264 2 kg when operated at an altitude of \u2264 50 meters<\/p>\n

In this case, the radius of the circle constituting the third-party exclusion zone must be calculated using the following formula:
\n(source : JO n\u00b00298 du 24\/12\/2015<\/a>)<\/p>\n

In practice, this formula proves complex to implement. If you need to know it (especially for the exam), the Guide Drones : Guide Cat\u00e9gorie Sp\u00e9cifique<\/a> contains an appendix of tables containing R correspondences according to the altitude and speed of the remotely piloted aircraft. These handy tables simplify the preparation of your mission. They are given at the bottom of the page. <\/p>\n

Note that, in the case of scenario S-1, it is possible to move the third-party exclusion zone at the same time as the unmanned aircraft is moving! However, care must be taken: in the event of loss of connection with the radio, the device must be correctly parameterized so as not to leave the exclusion zone. <\/p>\n

Case of Scenario S-2:<\/u><\/strong>
\nFor an aircraft operating under Scenario S-2, the minimum third-party exclusion zone is an area, established for the entire duration of the flight<\/strong>, corresponding to the ground projection of the maximum flight volume plus a horizontal safety margin of 30 meters<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Unlike the S-1, here the zone cannot be moved at the same time as the remotely piloted aircraft. It is therefore advisable to plan the flight route in advance, so as to create a single exclusion zone encompassing all the drone’s possible evolutions. <\/p>\n

Case of Scenario S-3:<\/u><\/strong>
\nFor Scenario S-3, the procedure is very similar to that of Scenario S-1.
\nHowever, one point has been added:
\n– For tethered aerodynes with a > s of 8 kg and tethered aerodynes with a mass greater than 2 kg that are not equipped with a third-party protection device, a disk centered on the attachment point of the restraint device, with a radius equal to the maximum cable length intended for use plus 5 meters.<\/p>\n

The formula and the way it is used therefore remain identical to the S-1 scenario.<\/p>\n

Methods:<\/u><\/strong>
\nThere are many ways to mark the route:
\n– use route markers
\n<\/p>\n

– marker tape :
\n<\/p>\n

– in the city center, you can call on the municipal police or security guards:<\/p>\n

In some cases, you’ll be able to use existing barriers: for example, you can use the fence surrounding a building over which you need to make your flight. However, it remains your responsibility to ensure that no third party enters this area, so don’t hesitate to display signs! <\/p>\n

Summary Tables:<\/u><\/strong>
\nThe summary tables below are provided to simplify the use of the formula shown above.
\nThey are taken from Appendix 7 of the Drones Guide: Specific Category Guide<\/a>.
\nOf course, you don\u2019t need to memorize them, but they will be useful for your mission planning.
\n<\/p>\n

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See also<\/p>\n