EASA Drone A1/A3

Overview

The EU 'open' category covers most leisure drone flying and low-risk commercial work. It has three subcategories: A1 (flying over people, but not over assemblies of people), A2 (flying close to people) and A3 (flying far from people). Which training a remote pilot needs depends on the drone and the subcategory.

This page covers the two training routes in the open category. The A1/A3 route ends with an online theoretical exam. The A2 route adds a further exam. Training and exams are delivered through National Aviation Authorities (NAAs), not by EASA directly. A certificate from one EASA Member State is accepted across all of them, and you can train and take the exams in the Member State of your choice.

Who needs which training

The requirement depends on the drone's class label (C0 to C4), or on whether it is privately built or was placed on the market before 1 January 2024. The table summarises EASA's rules applying since 1 January 2024.

The minimum remote pilot age is 16 for most of these. A Member State may lower it to 12 within its own territory. A C0 drone that is a toy has no minimum age, and neither does a drone under 250 g that is privately built or sold before 2024.

Levels or stages

A1/A3 online training and exam

You complete the online training course and pass the online theoretical exam. You then hold a proof of completion for online training for the A1/A3 open subcategories. This is the route for C1, C3, C4 and older or privately built drones over 250 g.

A2 certificate of competency

The A2 route builds on the A1/A3 proof of completion. You also:

1. Hold the A1/A3 proof of completion.

2. Carry out practical self-training and declare it.

3. Pass an additional theoretical exam, either at the NAA or proctored online.

The result is a remote pilot certificate of competency for the A2 subcategory. This is needed for C2 drones. An NAA may designate another entity to run the online training, the online exam or the A2 exam.

Marking and results

The number of questions, the time allowed and the pass mark are set through the NAA or its designated provider and were not stated on the EASA pages reviewed. Check these with the provider you use.

Validity and renewal

For the open category, the NAA issues the certificate. EASA says a remote pilot competency certificate is valid for 5 years. If you revalidate before it expires, you may attend a seminar given by the NAA or an entity it recognises. Otherwise you must show your competencies again.

Registration and other rules

Training is separate from registering as a drone operator. EASA says operators of drones in classes C1 to C4 must register, while C0 and light privately built drones need registration only if there is a camera or sensor on board and the drone is not a toy. Registration is valid for a period set by your NAA, after which you renew it. Drones in the open category, with limited exceptions, must also carry a remote identification system. Class-labelled drones (C0 to C4) must be flown below 120 m above ground level.

Fees

Fees were not stated on the EASA pages reviewed. Check the NAA or provider's page for the price in your country.

FAQs