Which drone licence do I need?

It depends on the weight and class of your drone – and on how close to people you want to fly.

For most drones from 250 g you need at least the EU A1/A3 certificate of competency. To fly closer to people, you need the A2 remote pilot certificate. For operations outside the Open Category, STS or an operational authorisation may apply.

The quickest way to find out is our licence finder – 5 questions, instant result.

With A1 you may fly class C0 and C1 drones, i.e. drones under 250 g and up to 900 g take-off weight. A3 additionally allows larger drones up to 25 kg – but only with sufficient distance from uninvolved people and at least 150 m away from residential, commercial, industrial and recreational areas.

The maximum flight altitude is 120 m. In Germany you complete the course and exam online directly with the LBA; the fee is €25.

As soon as you want to fly closer to people than A1/A3 allows. With A2 you may operate C2 drones up to 4 kg in populated areas. The minimum distance to uninvolved people is usually 30 m, or 5 m in low-speed mode.

You need the A1/A3 certificate, practical self-training and an additional theory exam. Our A2 courses are available online from €99 or as a one-day course on site.

Yes. With our ONLINE SMART course you learn at your own pace and take the exam online around the clock – supervised by the Polish Civil Aviation Authority (ULC) and with no additional fee for issuing the licence.

Alternatively, we offer the LBA version online from €179 or the one-day intensive course on site from €329.

Yes. Remote pilot certificates under the EU drone regulation are recognised in all EU member states – regardless of the country in which you took the exam.

The A1/A3 certificate and the A2 remote pilot certificate are each valid for 5 years. To renew your A2, we offer an online refresher from €29.

A2 belongs to the Open Category and covers professional operations within the standard European rules. STS belongs to the Specific Category and enables more complex operations in defined standard scenarios.

STS-01 allows flights with C5 drones within visual line of sight (VLOS), under certain conditions also in populated areas. STS-02 allows flights beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) in sparsely populated areas under certain conditions.

With our online upgrade for A2 holders for €329 you extend your A2 to the STS remote pilot certificate for STS-01 and STS-02 – and your A2 is automatically extended by 5 years.

To operate under STS-01 or STS-02 you also need practical training, for example our STS practical course including assessment.

When your operation fits neither the Open Category nor a standard scenario (STS-01/STS-02) – for example professional industrial operations, BVLOS flights outside the STS conditions or individual operational scenarios.

The authorisation is issued by the German Federal Aviation Office (LBA), usually based on an operational concept and a SORA risk assessment. We support you from an operation analysis from €29 through to submission-ready documentation: view authorisation services.

Yes. In Germany, liability insurance for drones is mandatory. In addition, you must register as an operator with the LBA if your drone weighs 250 g or more or has a camera (toys excepted). You then attach your e-ID visibly to the drone.

You can find suitable cover with our partner: view drone liability insurance.

For companies, authorities and teams with several pilots, we recommend a tailored solution – from A1/A3 and A2 to STS and a complete operational authorisation, including drone and accessories on request.

Especially for inspection, photogrammetry, emergency services or industrial operations, a short conversation helps make sure training, drone and authorisation fit together: book a free consultation.