Category A1 Rules For Motorcyclists
Category a1 rules are for those who wish to drive small motorcycles. These vehicles have a capacity of up to 35 kW. They cannot be directly derived from vehicles with more than twice their power.
Open category drone operations are separated into three subcategories: A1 to A3. You can fly drones that have the class label C0 or the A1 in the A1 subcategory (flying over people) up to January 2024.
A1
Category A1 is the first of three drone categories that are controlled by EASA. It is available to aircrafts with a maximum takeoff mass (MTOM), which is 25 kilograms. It requires a flight plan and an account of flight along with a remote identification system and a geoawareness system. The drone must also be in the view of the pilot at all at all times. It is not permitted to fly over large groups of people or in areas used for commercial, industrial or recreation purposes. The drone should also remain less than 120 meters above the ground level.
If you plan to fly drones that aren't included in the above-mentioned categories You must obtain an additional licence from the Civil Aviation Authority. This is known as an operational authorization. Here you can find out more about how to apply.
Applicants for an A1 license must have at least 16 years of experience riding two-wheeled motor vehicles. They must also complete the mandatory basic training and have passed an exam in theory and a practical test. visit this page must also possess an official medical certificate.
A1 license holders are allowed to use two-wheeled mopeds as long as their capacity for cylinders is not greater than 125 cc, and their power to weight ratio is no more than 0.1 kW/kg. They can also drive motorcycles with the capacity of cylinders that are not more than 125cc, as well as quad bikes and trikes.
The category A1 licence has been designed to make it easier for drivers to be able to move to the next category of vehicle. visit this page allows them to drive vehicles that have an maximum mass of 35 kW. This permits you to get experience driving less powerful vehicles prior to making the move to higher categories of licence.
Drones that are being used but do not have the CE mark are able to be flown under the subcategory "A1" until January 1 2024. They are safe and do not pose a significant threat to the general public. However, they must be at least 150 meters away from industrial buildings, and recreational areas. Additionally, they should not fly over crowds or operate within 5 kilometres of airfields and airports.
A2
You may be eligible for an A1 motorcycle licence after you have completed your CBT and are looking to obtain a motorcycle license. This permits you to operate an unrestricted motorcycle with no sidecar. It must have an engine capacity of up to 125 cc and the power output can be up to 11 kW. This licence is only available to those who are at least 16 years of age. Viewing your driving licence online allows you to find out more about the categories and regulations.
You can also fly drones that have a maximum mass of 4kg in the A2 category However, they must be kept at a safe distance from people during take-off and landing. The separation distances are horizontal, not vertical and drones should be kept 30m or more away from people who aren't involved, or 5m when they're in 'low-speed mode'. You must also pass the A2 Certificate of Competence (A2 CofC) exam to fly in this class.
If you want to fly larger drones you will require a specific category operator's permit that requires you to complete the General VLOS Certificate (GVC) training and flight assessment, as well as the preparation of an Operations Manual. The process for applying is similar to applying for a PfCO. Learn more about the requirements in our detailed guide.
A2 allows you to fly transitional drones that are not yet CE registered, but have been modified to lessen the risk of collisions with people. These drones are only allowed to be flown in A2 up until the year 2022's end. After that, they will need to be in compliance with the A3 rules.
The A1 and A2 categories are designed to assist you in becoming a safe and confident motorcyclist. The number of lessons required is contingent on your ability and your progress in your learning, but you must complete a certain amount of special rides. These include a minimum of five lessons on country roads, four on highways and three in dawn or darkness.
A3
This category permits drones with a a maximum takeoff mass of 25 kg. It is a lower-risk operation, but strict precautions must still be taken to avoid incidents. A safe distance of 150 meters must be maintained from residential, commercial, industrial and recreation areas. This also means that drones must to be equipped with an identification system for remotes and a Geoawareness System.
The tier is also split into sub categories, A1, A2, or A3. The A1 subcategory allows flights that involve people who are not involved and is only reserved for drones with a Class identification label C0 or C1. It is required to be at least 30 meters from third parties while flying at flight height or 5 meters in slow flight mode.
Drones that are class-identified with the label C2 may be operated in subcategory A2 in the event that the drone is in compliance with the dimensions required and the remote pilot is able to pass an additional theoretical knowledge exam. This test is designed for the remote pilot to assess their understanding of the technical and operation mitigations to address the additional risks associated with flying slightly larger drones (class A2, less than 4kg mass), close to people. The certificate of competence to fly Category A2 is awarded upon successful completion of the test.
Due to the lack of certified drones in this category, there are 'transitional' arrangements that allow non-certified 'legacy drones to operate in the categories A1 and A2 for two years following the new EU regulations are in the market. Legacy drones may not be deliberately flown overhead of people and must be operated using an A2 CofC.
To operate a drone within this category, you must first pass the online flyer identification test and then complete a theory exam. In addition, you must declare that you have gained some experience of your drone and pass an official declaration of competency. These requirements are similar in nature to the driving licence model in that a driver who first obtains their license for a vehicle in a lower category can then be upgraded to a higher category.
A4
The DOH is currently preparing guidelines for category A4. These guidelines will be consistent with other operations, and will include specifics such as the number of dressings changed every day. They will be presented to the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infections (IATF-EID) and the DOH National Immunization Technical Advisory Group. Before they are finalized, the guidelines will be reviewed and ratified by both the DOH National Immunization Technical Advisory Group and the IATF-EID.
Drones that have the label of class identification C0 or C1 can fly within 50 meters of people who aren't involved in the incident. This is a category with low risk however, strict safety precautions are still required to minimize incidents. Drones classified as A1 or A2 must be able to pass an additional theoretical test in order to operate in this subcategory.
This test is designed to assess the knowledge of the additional dangers of flying drones close to people. Successful completion of the test will result in an official certificate of competence for this subcategory. The pilot must maintain at least 30 metres between the aircraft and any other persons not involved or 5 metres if flying in slow-flight mode.
You have to complete some time to pass the theory test, and then the practical test. It is contingent on your age, capabilities and progress in learning. A minimum of 12 90-minute classes must be completed.
During these lessons you will become familiar with your machine and traffic laws. You will also receive valuable tips regarding how to drive in difficult situations. You should also take part in a certain number of special rides in addition to the mandatory driving lessons.
The new category E effectively integrates classes A1 (retail) as well as class A2 (financial and professional services) and class B1 (offices) Class A4 (restaurants/cafes) and classes A5 and B5 (hot food takeaway). This category also includes health/medical purposes, creches, nursery schools, as well as indoor sports/recreational facilities. The change is expected to simplify the licensing process and reduce costs. The landlords will be able use their properties in ways they are currently not permitted to do.