Want to fly a drone in Europe? Then you need a drone license in most cases. The basic A1/A3 certificate is the starting point for every drone pilot. In this blog, we explain exactly what the A1/A3 drone license is, when it is mandatory, what it costs, how to get it and where you can fly with this certificate.
What is the A1/A3 drone license?
The Drone License A1/A3 is the official EU basic certificate for drone pilots. It is a European certificate you need to fly a drone weighing 250 grams or more. The certificate is valid in all countries of the European Union, Switzerland, Norway and Iceland.
The drone certificate A1/A3 serves as proof that you are aware of European drone rules as a drone pilot. To obtain the drone licence A1/A3, you need to take an online theory exam.
When is the drone licence A1/A3 mandatory?
The A1/A3 drone license is mandatory if your drone weighs more than 250 grams. For drones under 250 grams with a camera, registration as an operator is mandatory the drone licence is strongly recommended.
Flying without a valid drone license while it is mandatory can result in a fine that can reach hundreds of euros. Repeated offences could see your drone confiscated.
It does not matter whether you fly recreationally or for business. In the open category, the same rules apply for both purposes.
Not sure which license you need?
Where are you allowed to fly with the A1/A3 drone license?
General drone rules apply in European airspace. In addition to these general drone rules, restrictions and distance limitations apply per subcategory.
The A1/A3 basic certificate is a combined certificate of two of the three subcategories in the open category:
Subcategory A1
In subcategory A1, you are allowed to fly light drones (C0-label: under 250 grams, or C1-label: under 900 grams) and self-built drones below 250 grams. This allows you to fly over buildings and above a single uninvolved person. Flying over groups of people is not allowed.
Subcategory A3
In subcategory A3 you fly heavier drones (C3 or C4 label, or drones without Cx label above 250 grams). In this subcategory, you must keep at least 150 metres away from residential areas, industrial areas and recreational zones.
What is the difference with the A2 certificate?
The A2 certificate is an addition to the basic A1/A3 certificate. You can only obtain the A2 certificate after you have obtained the A1/A3 certificate. The A2 certificate allows you to fly in subcategory A2. This means a C2-labelled drone allows you to fly closer to people and over buildings.
How to get the A1/A3 drone license?
Getting the A1/A3 drone license is a straightforward process that you go through entirely online:
Step 1: Choose an accredited flight school
You can only get the drone license from a flight school designated by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management. Drone Class is one of the recognised training providers in the Netherlands.
Step 2: Follow the online training
After ordering, you will get immediate access to the digital learning environment. Here you will learn about the following topics at your own pace:
- Air regulations and drone rules
- Airspace restrictions and no-fly zones
- Human performance and limitations (human factors)
- Operational procedures and safety
- Technical knowledge about drones and GPS
- Privacy and data protection
Step 3: Practice with mock exams
Each module ends with a quiz. Before you take the real exam, you can take a practice exam. That way, you'll know if you've remembered all the information and if you're ready for the exam.
Step 4: Take the official exam
The exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions. You take the exam online, on your own computer or laptop, whenever and wherever you want. To pass, you must answer at least 75% of the questions correctly.
Step 5: Apply for your certificate at the RDW
After passing the exam, you will receive an e-mail from the flight school with a personal link to the RDW. After paying an application fee, you will receive the certificate by e-mail.
How long is the A1/A3 drone license valid?
The A1/A3 basic certificate is valid for five years from the date of the exam.
You extend it by taking a refresher course at an accredited flight school and taking another exam. It is important to do this before your certificate expires. This is because the RDW does not accept renewals after the expiry date. Once your certificate has expired? Then you have to take the full course again.
Do you doubt whether your certificate will expire soon? Check the expiry date on your certificate and take action in time. You can find more information on renewal in our blog on the extending your EU Drone License.
Frequently asked questions about the A1/A3 drone license
What does the A1/A3 drone license cost?
The total cost consists of a number of components:
Training and exam: At Drone Class, the basic A1/A3 certificate costs 99 euros, including 30 days access, practice tests, the official exam and free resits.
RDW costs: After passing the exam, you apply for the certificate at the RDW. You pay 20 euros application costs.
What is the minimum age for the drone license?
In the Netherlands, the minimum age for obtaining the A1/A3 drone licence is 16 years. This may vary per EU member state.
Can I carry the drone license on my phone?
Yes, you may show the drone license digitally. You don't need to carry it printed out, but you must always be able to show it during a flight.
Does the Dutch drone license apply throughout Europe?
Yes. The A1/A3 basic certificate is an EASA certificate valid in all EU member states, plus Switzerland, Norway and Iceland.
What happens if I fly without a drone license?
Without a valid drone license, you are not allowed to fly a drone weighing 250 grams or more. Fines for flying without a drone license can amount to hundreds of euros. For more serious offences, your drone can be confiscated.
Get your drone license A1/A3 today
Ready to get started? At Drone Class, you get your basic A1/A3 certificate in a pleasant online learning environment, with 100% pass guarantee, free resits and a free reference book. More than 60,000 participants have already gone before you.
Check out the course for the Basic Certificate A1/A3 or use our license finder if you are not sure which certificate you need.
