Within the open category for drones, there are three subcategories: A1, A2, and A3. They determine where you can fly your drone, how close you can get to people and buildings, and which EU drone license you need.
In this blog, you’ll learn exactly which subcategory your drone falls into, what rules apply, and what the difference is between A1, A2, and A3.
What are the subcategories of the open category?
EASA has divided the open category into three subcategories based on risk. The heavier the drone and the closer you fly to people and buildings, the higher the risk.
Subcategory A1: Light drones, close to people and buildings
Subcategory A1 is the light class and has the fewest restrictions. Because these drones are small and light, the risk associated with these flights is considered low.
Which drones fall under subcategory A1?
- Drones with a C0 label (up to 250 grams)
- Drones with a C1 label (up to 900 grams)
- DIY drones under 250 grams, provided the top speed is limited to 19 m/s (68 km/h)
What are the rules in subcategory A1?
- Flying over uninvolved persons is permitted
- Flying over crowds is prohibited
- Flying over buildings (in uncontrolled airspace) is permitted
What drone license do you need for A1?
For drones under 250 grams, the EU Drone License is not required. If the drone weighs more, you must hold the A1/A3 certificate.
Not sure which license you need?
Subcategory A2: Medium-weight drones in urban areas
Subcategory A2 is the category for medium-weight drones. Drones weighing up to 4 kilograms are permitted to fly over urban areas and near people. These drone flights carry a slightly higher risk than the other subcategories in the open category.
Which drones fall under subcategory A2?
- Drones with a C2 label (up to 4 kilograms)
What are the rules in subcategory A2?
- Minimum 30-meter horizontal distance from bystanders
- In low-speed mode—tripod or cine mode—this distance may be reduced to 5 meters (the drone’s speed is then limited by software, reducing the impact in the event of an incident)
- Flying over and near buildings is permitted
- Flying over crowds remains prohibited
What drone license do you need for A2?
In addition to the basic A1/A3 certificate, you need the supplementary EU Drone License A2. To obtain this certificate, you must be familiar with additional theory. An exam must be taken for the EU Drone License A2.
Subcategory A3: Heavier drones in rural areas
Subcategory A3 is the subcategory for heavier drones and for all drones without a Cx label that weigh more than 250 grams. In this subcategory, you must fly at a considerable distance from people and buildings.
Which drones fall under subcategory A3?
- Drones with a C3 or C4 label weighing up to 25 kilograms
- All drones without a Cx label weighing over 250 grams
- DIY drones weighing over 250 grams
What are the rules in subcategory A3?
- Minimum distance of 150 meters from residential, industrial, commercial, and recreational areas
- Flights over non-participants are not permitted.
In practice, this means that A3 flights must take place in rural areas: fields, remote nature reserves, and industrial sites in open airspace.
What drone license do you need for A3?
The EU Drone License A1/A3 is sufficient for subcategory A3. Due to the distance restrictions, these flights are low-risk.
Subcategory overview
Below is an overview of the differences between the three subcategories.
|
Subcategoría |
A1 |
A2 |
A3 |
|
Drones |
C0, C1 |
C2 |
C3, C4 |
|
Max. weight |
900 g |
4 kg |
25 kg |
|
Distance from people |
Overflight permitted (C0) |
30 m |
No bystanders in the area |
|
Distance to buildings |
N/A |
N/A |
150 m |
|
EU Drone License Required |
A1/A3 |
A1/A3 + A2 |
A1/A3 |
Always check your device for a Cx label; if none is present, check the weight.
Frequently asked questions about the subcategories
What is the difference between subcategories A1, A2, and A3?
A1 is for light drones (up to 900 g) that you are allowed to fly over individual people. A2 is for medium-weight drones (up to 4 kg) with a minimum distance of 30 meters from people (or 5 meters in low-speed mode). A3 is for heavier drones (up to 25 kg) and for older drones without a Cx label, requiring a minimum distance of 150 meters from buildings.
How close can I fly to people with an A2 drone?
With a C2 drone in subcategory A2, a minimum distance of 30 meters from bystanders applies. In low-speed mode, this distance may be reduced to 5 meters, as the drone’s speed is then limited by software.
What is a Cx label on a drone?
The Cx label (C0 through C4 in the open category) is a European class identification label issued by the manufacturer. This label indicates at a glance in which subcategory the drone is permitted to fly.
Since January 1, 2024, drones newly introduced to the market must have a Cx label.
What happens to my older drone without a Cx label?
Drones without a Cx label weighing 250 grams or more automatically fall into subcategory A3 as of January 1, 2024. This means a 150-meter distance from buildings and no bystanders in the operational area. Therefore, you are not allowed to fly them in a residential area.
Get started: Get your EU Drone License
The EU Drone License is the foundation for conducting safe and legal drone flights. By staying informed about drone regulations, you can avoid illegal flights and fines. The EU Drone License is for every drone pilot: beginner, hobbyist, or professional.
Want to fly a drone today? Our training is fully online and can be completed in a single day. View the training courses for the EU Drone License.
