Looking For Inspiration? Check Out Category A1 Rules
Category A1 Rules For Motorcyclists
Category a1 rules are for those who want to ride small motorbikes. These motorcycles have a maximum capacity of 35 kW. They cannot be derived from vehicles of more than double their power.
Open category drone operations are split into three subcategories, namely A1 to A3. You can fly drones with the class label C0 or C1 in the A1 subcategory (fly over people) until January 2024.
A1
Category A1 is one of the three EASA drone categories and applies to aircrafts that have a maximum take-off mass (MTOM) of up to 25 kilograms. It requires a log of flights and a flight plan as well as an identification system for remote use and a geoawareness. The drone must also be in the view of the pilot at all at all times. It is prohibited to fly over individuals or areas used for recreational, commercial or industrial purposes. The drone must remain below 120 meters.
If you plan to fly drones that aren't included in the above-mentioned categories You will need a special licence from the Civil Aviation Authority. This is referred to as an operational authorization. You can find more information on how to apply for this here.
A1 applicants must have a minimum of 16 years experience in two-wheeled vehicles. They must also have completed the obligatory basic training and passed both a theory as well as a practical test. In addition, they must possess a valid medical certificate.
A1 license holders are permitted to drive mopeds with a cylinder capacity of no more than 1250cc, and a power-to-weight ratio that is not more than 0.01 kW/kg. They can also drive motorcycles with a cylinder capacity of no more than 125 cc, as also trikes and quad bikes.
The category A1 licence is designed to allow drivers to be able to move to the next vehicle category. This allows drivers to drive vehicles with an maximum mass of 35 kW. This is a way to gain some experience driving less powerful vehicles before moving onto the higher licence categories.
Drones that are in use but don't have the CE mark are able to be operated under the subcategory "A1" until January 1st 2024. This is because they are thought to be low risk and are not a major risk to the public. However, they must be at a distance of 150 meters from structures or industrial areas, as well as recreational and recreational zones. Additionally, they should not fly over crowds or operate within 5 km of airfields and airports.
A2
If you've completed your CBT training and are planning to obtain a motorcycle licence you could be eligible for a category A1 licence. This allows you to drive a small motorcycle without a sidecar. The vehicle must have a maximum cylinder capacity of 125cc, and the maximum power output of 11kW. You must be at least 16 years old in order to get this licence. You can learn more about the various categories and their rules by viewing your driving licence information online.
You can also fly in the A2 sub-category using drones with a mass of up to 4kg however, you must keep them at an appropriate distance from people during take off and landing. The drones must be at least 30m in horizontal distance from people when in low-speed mode or 5m if they are not in use. You must also pass the A2 Certificate of Competence (A2 CofC) exam to fly in this class.
If you're looking to fly larger drones, you'll have to apply for an operator's license in a specific category. This requires you to complete the General VLOS Certificate training, flight assessment, and create an Operations Manual. The process for applying for a specific category permit is very similar to that of the PfCO, and you can find more about the requirements by reading our comprehensive guide.
A2 permits drones that are transitional, which are not yet CE-marked but have been modified to reduce collision risks with people. These drones will only be allowed to be flown in A2 up until the end of 2022. After that, they'll need to adhere to the A3 rules.
The A1 and A2 categories are designed to aid you in becoming a safer and confident motorcyclist. The amount of lessons you will have to complete will depend on your ability and learning development, but a certain amount of special rides should be taken. This includes a minimum five lessons on country road, four on highways, and three in the morning or in darkness.
A3
This category permits drones with a a maximum takeoff mass of 25 kg. This is a safer operation, however strict precautions must be taken to avoid incidents. A safe distance of 150 metres is required from industrial, commercial, residential and recreational areas. kategoria a1 requires drones to be equipped with an identification system for remotes and a Geoawareness System.
This tier is further divided into sub categories, A1, A2 or A3. The A1 subcategory permits flights over people who are not involved and is only restricted to drones that have the Class identification label C0 or C1. It imposes the requirement of a minimum distance of 30m from third parties when flying at a high altitude or 5 metres in slow flight mode.
Drones that have the Class Identification Label C2 can be operated under subcategory A2 provided they meet the requirements of size, and the remote pilot has passed an additional theoretical knowledge test. This exam is designed to test the remote pilot's understanding of the operational and technical mitigations that address the added risks associated with flying slightly larger drones (class C2, weighing less than 4kg mass) close to people. Successful completion of this exam will result in the awarding of a 'certificate of competence to fly category A2'.
There are 'transitional arrangements' which allow older drones which are not certified, to be operated in the categories A1 and/or A2 for a period of two years following the implementation of the new EU regulations. The drones of the past cannot be deliberately flown overhead of people and must be operated with an A2 CofC.
To operate a drone within this category, you need to first complete the online flyer identification test and then take a theoretical exam. You must also prove that you have some practical understanding of your drone and submit a written declaration of competence. These requirements are similar in nature to the model of a driving license, whereby a driver who first obtains their licence for a vehicle in a lower category is then able to move on to an upper category.
A4
The DOH is preparing specific guidelines for category A4. These guidelines will be consistent with other operations, and will include specifics such as the number of dressings changed per day. These guidelines will be presented to the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infections, (IATF-EID) as well as the DOH National Immunization Technical Advisory Group. The IATF-EID and the DOH-National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization will examine and approve these guidelines before they are finalized.
In this category, drones with the class identification labels C0 and C1 are permitted to fly within a minimum distance of 50 metres of people who are not involved. This is a very low-risk category, but strict precautions must be taken to avoid accidents. Drones that are not classified in either A1 or A2 must have passed an additional theoretical knowledge examination to operate in this subcategory.
This test is designed to assess knowledge of the added dangers of flying drones near people. Successful completion of the test earns an official certificate of competence for this subcategory. The pilot must also maintain at least 30 meters from any person who is not involved or 5 metres if flying in a slow-flying mode.
You have to complete some time to pass the theory test and then you have to pass the practical test. The amount you need to complete depends on your age, abilities and progress in learning. But, at least 12 lessons lasting 90 minutes must be completed.
During these lessons, you will familiarize yourself with your machine and traffic rules. Moreover, you will receive useful tips for driving in difficult areas. You must also attend a certain number of special rides in addition to the mandatory driving lessons.
The new category E integrates classes A1 (retail) and class A2 (financial and professional services) and class B1 (offices), class A4 (restaurants/cafes) and classes A5 and B5 (hot food takeaway). This category also includes health/medical reasons, creches and nursery schools, as well as indoor sports/recreational facilities. The new licensing system is expected to simplify and cut costs. It will also permit landlords to utilize their buildings in ways not currently permitted.