In this article, you will learn:
1. Which three questions are decisive from 2024 (OPEN? C-Class? <250 g?).
2. What applies to manufacturers from 01.01.2024 (C-Classification according to DVO 2019/947 Art. 20).
3. Rules for C1 in A1 (close to people; Remote ID mandatory).
4. Rules for C2 in A2 (1:1 rule, 5 m slow flight / 30 m normal; 100 m to special areas; Remote ID).
5. What applies to >250 g without C-Class (only A3, far away from residential/crowded areas).
6. What applies to <250 g without C-Class (still OPEN A1/A2 close to people).
7. Options without C-Class: Retroactive certification for selected models vs. no option (e.g., M300, M2EA).
8. Alternative: SPEC via individual application (OM + SORA/PDRA) – more effort/time.
9. Exceptions: Self-built <249 g; Indoor outside the regulations; observe consent/data protection.
10. Service path: Pro Fly Center (LUC Group Solectric) with expedited notifications; Overview of EASA C-List & DJI models.
Three Questions That Make the Difference in 2024
1) Do you fly only in OPEN? 2) Does your drone have a C-Class (C0/C1/C2 …)? 3) Does it weigh <250 g?
As soon as the answer to any of these is NO, the framework changes noticeably for you as an operator.
Manufacturer Obligation & Classification from 01.01.2024
New models must be assigned to one of the C-Classes. Classes differ, among other things, in weight, maximum speed, and noise – which facilitates risk grouping. EASA List: C-classified drones.
C1 in A1 – Close to People (with Remote ID)
Operation close to uninvolved persons (avoid flying over individuals if possible), no minimum distance to residential/recreational/commercial/industrial areas, Follow-Me up to 50 m. Remote ID is mandatory: e-ID/UAS operator number must be stored and transmitted in the software.
C2 in A2 – 1:1 Rule, Distances & Remote ID
Distance to people: 5 m in slow flight, 30 m in normal flight; 100 m to roads/railways/waterways etc. Remote ID is also mandatory.
>250 g without C-Class – only A3
From 2024, such UAS may only be operated in OPEN A3: far away from people and with distance (e.g., 150 m to residential/recreational/commercial/industrial areas). This affects, among others, Avata, DJI FPV, Air 2(S), Mavic 1/2 Pro (which previously could be flown closer under transitional law).
<250 g without C-Class – still close to people
Mini-drones <250 g remain usable in OPEN A1/A2 close to people – popular for, e.g., real estate photos or light roof checks.
No C-Class – Are there ways out?
Partially yes: Some series can be retroactively certified (e.g., Mavic 3 Pro, Mavic 3 Enterprise/Multispectral/Thermal, Matrice 30/30T) – steps via dji.com/Blog. Others like Matrice 300 or Mavic 2 Enterprise Advanced cannot be certified → remain A3.
Alternative: SPEC via individual application (OM + SORA/PDRA at the LBA) – more documents and often several months lead time.
Exceptions, Obligations & Practice
- Self-built <249 g also falls under the mentioned A1/A2 rules.
- Indoor is exempt from the regulations.
- Consent/Privacy must be maintained; the 249 g limit must not be exceeded by attachments.
Expedited Path via LUC Group
Through the Pro Fly Center (LUC-certified Solectric Group), Special Category notifications with DJI UAS are possible after internal training – sometimes with a decision within 72 hours (easier/faster than the initial LBA application, but subject to a fee).
CE-Certified DJI Drones (As of 09.01.2023)
C0: Mini 4 Pro, Mini 3, Mini 2 SE, other Mini series
C1: Mavic 3 series, Mavic 3 Classic, Air 3, Air 2S (End of January)
C2: Mavic 3 Pro series, Mavic 3 Enterprise, Matrice 30
C3: Matrice 350
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