Do I need to take drone training when I want to fly a drone? The answer in most cases: yes. European regulations for flying drones often make completing drone training and obtaining the certificate mandatory.
Completing drone training is easier than you think. The training and exam are completely online and you can pass within a day. Exactly which training you need? That depends on the drone you will be flying. In this blog, we explain which drone training you need to take.
What drone training courses are there?
In the open category for drones, there are three subcategories: A1, A2 and A3. In which subcategory you can fly your drone depends on the Cx label of the drone. Each subcategory has different distance requirements from people and buildings.
The low-risk subcategories (small, light drones or many distance restrictions) have been combined into one training course. This is the training to the A1/A3 basic certificate.
Want to fly a C2 label drone, heavier drone with more ability to fly above buildings and close to people. Then you need the additional A2 certificate in addition to the basic certificate.
Drone training A1/A3: the basic certificate
The basic certificate A1/A3 is the first step in any drone pilot training program. This certificate allows you to fly in two subcategories of the open category:
- Subcategory A1 - with light drones (up to 250 grams or with a C0/C1 label) closer to people, but not over crowds.
- Subcategory A3 - with heavier drones (up to 25 kg) at least 150 meters away from buildings, people, industrial and recreational areas.
What will you learn in A1/A3 drone training?
During basic drone training, you'll cover such topics as:
- European drone legislation and drone categories
- Airspace structure and no-fly zones (in the Netherlands)
- General knowledge about UAS
- Fit to fly
- Privacy, insurance, safety (interference)
How does the A1/A3 exam work?
The A1/A3 drone training course concludes with an online theory exam of 40 multiple choice questions. You pass with 75% correctly answered questions. You take the exam from home and Drone Class offers free resits. After passing, apply for your official EU Drone License at the RDW.
Not sure which license you need?
Drone training A2: the additional certificate
Do you want to fly closer to people or fly heavier drones in urban areas? Then you need the additional certificate A2. This certificate is an extension of the basic A1/A3 certificate and gives access to subcategory A2 of the open category.
What are you allowed to do with the A2 certificate?
The A2 certificate allows you to fly drones with a C2 label (up to 4 kilograms) on:
- At least 30 meters away from uninvolved persons
- Or in low speed mode up to 5 meters distance
- Bove and over buildings in urban areas
What will you learn in the A2 drone course?
The A2 drone training goes deeper into the material of A1/A3 and additionally covers:
- Advanced meteorology and weather hazards
- Flight performance and operational procedures
- Technical limitations of the drone
- Risk analysis for flights close to people
- Use of low speed mode
The A2 exam consists of 30 additional multiple choice questions, also to be taken online.
How does the A2 exam work?
The A2 drone course concludes with an online theory exam of 30 multiple choice questions. You pass with 75% correctly answered questions. You take the exam from home and Drone Class allows you to retake it for free. After passing, apply for your official EU Drone License at the RDW.
What drone training should I take?
Which drone training you need for your drone depends on the Cx label of your drone. Through this online selection guide you can easily calculate which certificate you need to obtain for your drone.
Frequently asked questions about drone training
How long does drone pilot training take?
The online A1/A3 drone training takes an average of 6 to 8 hours. The A2 drone training takes an additional 2 to 4 hours of study time.
Is the drone training in the Netherlands available online?
Yes. Both the A1/A3 basic certificate and the A2 supplementary certificate can be taken fully online in the Netherlands, including an exam.
How long is my EU Drone Certificate valid?
The official EU Drone License from the RDW is valid for five years and can be renewed.
May I fly with this drone training throughout Europe?
Yes. The EU Drone License is valid in all EU countries, provided you adhere to local additional rules and no-fly zones.
Start your drone training today
Ready to get started? At Drone Class, you'll get the A1/A3 basic certificate and possibly the A2 supplementary certificate for the open category in one day. You take the drone training course fully online and exam and may retake the exam for free.
Questions about which drone pilot training course is right for your drone? Contact Drone Class. We are happy to help you on your way to safe and legal flight throughout the Netherlands and the EU.
