Does your drone have a C2 label? Then in addition to the A1/A3 drone license, you also need the A2 Drone license to fly in urban areas and near people. In this article, we explain when you need to obtain the A2 Drone license, where you are allowed to fly a drone in subcategory A2 and what the training and exam looks like.
What is the drone license A2?
Within the so-called open category for drones, there are three subcategories: A1, A2 and A3.
The Drone license A2 is an addition to the basic drone license A1/A3. It gives you permission to fly drones up to 4 kg (C2 label) in built-up areas and close to people.
What is the difference between A1/A3 and A2?
The basic A1-A3 drone license allows you to perform low-risk flight. This means drone flight with a light, small drone or drone flights with sufficient distance from buildings.
Whether you want to fly heavier drones above buildings or close to people, you could end up in subcategory A2. To fly in this, you need to obtain the A2 supplementary drone certificate in addition to the basic certificate.
Not sure which license you need?
What are the requirements for the A2 certificate?
To obtain the A2 drone license, you must meet the following requirements:
- You are at least 16 years old
- You have a valid A1/A3 basic certificate
How does the training for the drone license A2 look like?
Step 1: Get your A1/A3 basic certificate
Before you can start the A2 training, you need to have the basic knowledge. First obtain the basic A1/A3 certificate.
Step 2: Choose an accredited flight school
You can only get the drone certificate at a flight school that has been designated by the government. Drone Class is one of the recognized training providers in the Netherlands.
Step 3: Take the online training
After ordering, you'll get instant access to the digital learning environment. Here you will learn about the following topics at your own pace:
- Performance and flight planning of your drone
- Technical knowledge about UAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems)
- Meteorology and the influence of weather on drone flights
Step 4: Practice with mock exams
Each module concludes with a quiz. Before you take the real exam, you can take a practice test. That way you'll know if you've memorized all the information and if you're ready for the exam.
Step 5: Take the official A2 exam
Make the online A2 exam. The A2 exam consists of 30 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 6: Apply for your certificate at the RDW
After passing the exam, you will receive an email from the flight school with a personal link to the RDW. Through this link you request the certificate. After paying 20 euros application costs you will receive the certificate by e-mail.
How long is the drone license A2 valid?
The drone license A2 is valid for five years from the date of the exam.
Extending it is done by taking a refresher course at a recognized flight school and taking the exam again. It is important to do this before your certificate expires. The RDW does not accept renewals after the expiration date. Once your certificate has expired? Then you must take the entire courses (A1-A3 and A2) again.
Do you doubt whether your certificate will expire soon? Check the expiration date on your certificate and take action in time. More information on renewing can be found in our blog on the extending your EU Drone License.
Frequently asked questions about the drone license A2
What does the drone license A2 cost?
The total cost consists of a number of components:
Training and exam: At Drone Class, the drone license A2 costs 99 euros, including 30 days access, practice tests, the official exam and free retakes.
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 A2 drone license is sixteen. This may vary by EU member state.
Can I carry the drone license on my phone?
Yes, you may show the drone license digitally. You do not need to have it printed with you, but you must always be able to show it during a flight.
Does the Dutch drone certificate apply throughout Europe?
Yes. The A2 drone 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 certificate, 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 violations, your drone can be confiscated.
Get your drone license A2 today
Ready to get started? At Drone Class, you'll get your additional A2 certificate in a pleasant online learning environment, with a 100% pass guarantee, free retakes and a free reference book. More than 60,000 participants have gone before you.
Check out the training for the drone certificate A2 or use our license finder if you're not sure which certificate you need.
