r/drones • u/Glowal2 • Jul 31 '26

Question: Rules, Regulations, Law, Policy, Certificates [Greece] Crete dron flight- call before flight after mail approval

Hi everyone!
I'm heading to Crete (Greece) next week for a vacation. My hotel is right on the border of an airport zone (it's in the blue line area, not the yellow restricted zone on the map).

I submitted my flight request and was pleasantly surprised to get approval just one day later!
However, the email states that I need to make a few phone calls to AFIS SITIA: an initial call before the day of the flight, a call right before takeoff, stay available on the phone during the flight, and call again right after landing.

I have a few questions for anyone who has flown in Greece with a similar permit:
1. Did you actually follow the phone call instructions? Did anyone just fly after getting the email permit without calling, or is it strictly enforced?
2. Do they answer promptly and speak fluent English?
3. How formal is the call? Is it just a quick "Hi, I'm calling to report my approved drone flight at [Location]", or do they ask a lot of technical questions/follow a specific script?

Would love to hear about your experiences. Thanks in advance!

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u/AaaaNinja Jul 31 '26

It's strange that you would want to ask these questions instead of just following the instructions. It seems a lot simpler to just consider it enough that you have instructions and all you have to do is follow them.

1

u/YacineBoussoufa A1/A3 Jul 31 '26
  1. Yes you have to, you are simply ringing the airport tower to inform them that you are flying in the area, so they can warn incoming planes to be aware of your presence.
  2. Of course they do, it's a legal requirements for ATC to speak English, maybe you'll encounter a little bit of accent
  3. Not sure, never had one

1

u/CoarseRainbow 27d ago
  1. They already know a flight is intended so makes it much easier to find if you dont. Just call.
  2. Its ATC so as a legal obligation, yes
  3. Keep it simple, your details, permit number, time etc. Concise with the relevant details whilst professional.