A1/A3 license. The basic step for drone pilots
The A1/A3 qualification is usually the first step for people who start flying drones. It is a basic qualification in the Open Category. Flights may be conducted up to 120 m above ground and only within visual line of sight, meaning VLOS, Visual Line of Sight.
Training and examination take place online. The purpose is to teach the basics of safe and legal drone flying.
With A1, you can fly in practice:
- light drones under 250 g marked with class C0, also over people
- heavier drones under 900 g marked with class C1, while maintaining a greater distance from uninvolved persons
With C1 drones, you may not intentionally fly over people. An accidental overflight must be limited to the minimum possible time.
With A3, you can fly:
- in areas at least 150 m away from residential, commercial and industrial areas as well as uninvolved persons
- drones marked with class C3, meaning advanced drones with electronics
- drones marked with class C4, meaning typical model aircraft drones without advanced electronics
With A1/A3, many popular drones used recreationally and commercially can be flown. However, for heavier models, restrictions apply to flights near people.
Not sure which license fits your drone?
Our overview helps you understand A1/A3, A2, STS and operational authorizations.
View drone license overviewA2 license. Which drones can I fly and when is it worth it?
The A2 license is an extension for people who want to fly closer to people and who have a drone marked with class C2 under 4 kg.
To obtain the A2 license, you must submit a declaration of practical self-training and pass an additional theoretical exam. You can also do this with us.
With A2, you can fly:
- drones marked with class C2
- at least 30 meters away from uninvolved persons in standard flight mode
- at least 5 meters away from uninvolved persons if the drone has an active low-speed mode
In practice, this means that you can work much closer to people than with A3. However, you still need to control the risk and the surrounding environment.
A2 is especially suitable for operations:
- near buildings
- in urban and suburban areas
- for real estate photography
- for marketing or commercial recordings
This is a major difference compared with A3, where flights should take place far away from people.
Summary
- The A1/A3 and A2 remote pilot certificates allow flights in the Open Category and the use of subcategories A1, A2 and A3.
- Each subcategory has specific drone classes assigned to it.
- The main limitations of the Open Category are a maximum altitude of 120 m and the requirement to keep the drone within visual line of sight, meaning VLOS.
- Generally speaking, A1 means light drones close to people or even over people.
- A2 means heavier drones and flights close to people.
- A3 means heavy drones used at a large distance from uninvolved persons and urbanized areas.
Q&A about the A1/A3 and A2 drone license
Can I fly a drone without class marking in the Open Category?
Yes. If your drone does not have a C class marking, you may still fly it in the Open Category if it was placed on the market before 1 January 2024 or if it is a privately built drone.
A drone without class marking under 250 g may be flown in A1. A drone without class marking above 250 g and up to 25 kg may only be flown in A3.
Can I fly a drone without any license?
Yes, but only in specific cases. This applies to privately built drones under 250 g, drones without class marking under 250 g and drones with class C0. Registration and reading the user manual are required. However, obtaining the basic A1/A3 certificate is recommended in order to understand the basic rules.
Does the A2 license replace A1/A3?
No. To obtain A2, the A1/A3 training must be completed first. A2 can be understood as an extension of the basic qualification.
How do I know which class my drone has?
The class, for example C0, C1 or C2, is usually shown on the drone body or in the manufacturer’s specifications. If you are not sure, you should check this before your first flight, because the legal rules depend on the class of the device.
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