EASA Stops the Re-Certification of C0 Drones to C1 – What Does This Mean for Drone Pilots?
The EU regulatory authority EASA has decided to completely discontinue C1 certifications as of November 19, 2025. This change is based on an amendment to the relevant EU regulation of the EASA aviation authorities.
Until now, it was possible to retroactively re-certify certain drone models, particularly from the manufacturer DJI, from the C0 class to the C1 class. This option will no longer be available in the future. According to DJI support, this decision came as a surprise and was not announced to manufacturers in advance.
What does the regulatory change mean in concrete terms?
- No more re-certification: A drone will permanently remain in the certification class in which it was sold.
- Reduced planning security: Pilots who had hoped for a later C1 approval must now live long-term with the restrictions of the C0 class.
- Flights above 120 m AGL: Anyone planning flights that must take place above 120 meters above ground level (AGL) will absolutely require a C1 drone or higher. An upgrade is no longer possible.
- Manufacturers also affected: According to support information, even DJI was not informed in advance, and the change is unexpected for them as well.
Open questions
A written inquiry has been submitted to EASA today but has not yet been answered. It remains unclear whether there will be transitional arrangements or how strictly the new requirements will be implemented in practice. We will of course keep you informed as soon as further information becomes available.
Are you interested in this topic? Check it out!
