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Regulations, Permissions & Professional Best Practice

Lofoten offers some of the most visually striking landscapes in the world — and also some of Norway’s most strictly regulated airspace and protected nature.

For professional film, TV, and commercial productions, drone operations require careful planning, local knowledge, and full regulatory compliance.

 

This page provides an overview of current Norwegian drone regulations and explains why working with experienced local drone pilots is strongly recommended for all professional productions in Lofoten.

Regulatory Framework (Norway / EEA)

Norway follows the EU / EASA drone regulations, enforced by the Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority (Luftfartstilsynet).

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Operator & Pilot Requirements

• All drone operators must be registered as a drone operator (Operator ID).

• Drones over 250 g require the pilot to hold a valid A1/A3 (or higher) competence certificate.

• The Operator ID must be clearly marked on all drones.

• Liability insurance is required for professional operations.

These rules apply equally to Norwegian and foreign productions operating in Norway.

⚠️ Foreign production companies may operate under their home EEA registration, but local airspace restrictions, environmental rules, and land-use regulations still apply in full.

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Operational Flight Rules

Professional drone flights in Lofoten must comply with the following baseline requirements:

• Maximum altitude: 120 m AGL

• Visual Line of Sight (VLOS): mandatory at all times

• No flights over crowds or public gatherings

• Strict airport control zones (Svolvær, Leknes, Røst)

• Temporary flight restrictions (NOTAMs) may apply at short notice

All controlled, restricted, and prohibited airspace must be checked before every flight.

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Airports & Controlled Airspace

Drone flights are prohibited within a 5 km radius of airports unless specific clearance has been obtained.

Key airports in Lofoten include:

• Svolvær Airport (SVJ)

• Leknes Airport (LKN)

• Røst Airport (RET)

Professional productions requiring drone footage near airports must:

• Apply for permission via official aviation systems

• Coordinate with air traffic control

• Follow strict time windows and altitude limits

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This process can be complex and time-critical — local pilots with established workflows significantly reduce risk and delays.

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National Parks, Nature Reserves & Environmental Restrictions

Large parts of Lofoten are environmentally protected, and drone use is fully prohibited in many of these areas.

This includes:

• Lofotodden National Park

• Nature reserves and bird sanctuaries

• Seasonal wildlife protection zones (especially during nesting periods)

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Importantly:

• Many protected zones are not clearly marked on location

• Some restrictions are seasonal or temporary

• Violations can result in serious fines and production shutdowns

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Local drone pilots understand:

• Exactly where restrictions begin and end

• Seasonal limitations that affect filming schedules

• How to achieve strong visuals without breaching regulations​

 

Landowner Rights & Takeoff Permissions

Even when airspace is technically legal:

• Takeoff and landing often require landowner permission

• This applies to private land, quays, fields, and some coastal areas

Local operators often:

• Already have standing agreements with landowners

• Know which areas are public, private, or restricted

• Can advise on alternative launch sites when access is denied​

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Privacy, GDPR & Public Areas

Norwegian privacy laws and GDPR apply to all filming:

• Avoid recording identifiable individuals without consent

• Exercise additional care in populated villages, harbors, beaches, and hiking routes

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Experienced local pilots are familiar with:

• Common conflict areas

• Tourist peak times

• Practical ways to minimize privacy concerns while maintaining production value
   

Weather & Local Conditions

Lofoten’s weather is highly dynamic and unpredictable, with:

• Rapid wind changes

• Strong rotor turbulence near cliffs and ridges

• Coastal gusts not visible in standard forecasts

Local pilots:

• Understand micro-weather patterns

• Know safe wind thresholds for each location

• Can adapt plans quickly without compromising safety
   

Why We Strongly Recommend Using Local Drone Pilots

While international productions are legally allowed to operate drones in Norway, Lofoten is not a standard filming environment.

Using local, professional drone pilots:

• Ensures full legal compliance

• Reduces risk of fines or production stoppage

• Saves time on permits, scouting, and logistics

• Provides access to tested, drone-safe filming locations

• Improves safety for crew, public, and nature

Our pilots operate regularly in Lofoten and are deeply familiar with:

 

• Restricted and sensitive areas

• Regulatory interpretation in practice (not just theory)

• Locations that look dramatic on screen but remain compliant

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For many productions, local drone operation is not only safer — it is the most efficient and cost-effective solution.

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Recommended Planning Tools (Professional Use)

We use and recommend official aviation tools for all operations:

• National drone airspace and restriction maps (www.safetofly.no)

• Approved aviation planning apps

• Environmental and protected-area databases

• NOTAM and temporary restriction monitoring

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These systems are updated frequently and must be checked before every flight.

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Our Role in Your Production

We regularly support:

• Feature documentaries

• High-end commercials

• TV series and streaming productions

• International co-productions

Our services include:

• Fully licensed drone pilots

• Location scouting with regulatory assessment

• Permit coordination when required

• Risk assessment and operational planning

• Integration with ground-based cinematography teams
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Contact & Pre-Production Advice

If you are planning drone filming in Lofoten, we strongly recommend involving us early in the pre-production phase.

We are happy to advise on feasibility, locations, regulations, and scheduling — even before formal production starts.

 

Early planning prevents delays, protects your production, and ensures you get the strongest possible footage — legally and responsibly.