Category A1 Rules For Motorcyclists
Category A1 rules are for those who wish to ride small motorbikes. These vehicles have a capacity of up to 35kW. They are not derived from vehicles with more than twice their power.
Open category drone operations are divided into three subcategories - A1 to A3. You can fly drones with class labels C0 or C1 within the A1 subcategory (fly over people) until January 2024.
A1
Category A1 is the earliest of three drone categories regulated by EASA. It is applicable to aircraft up to the maximum takeoff mass (MTOM), which is 25 kilograms. It requires a record of flight as well as a flight schedule as well as a remote identification system, and a geoawareness. The drone must be within the constant view of the pilot. It is forbidden to fly over groups of people or in areas used for industrial, commercial or recreational purposes. The drone must stay below 120 meters.
If you want to fly a drone which is not listed in the categories above, you will need a special authorization from the Civil Aviation Authority. This is called an operational authorization. Here you can find out more about how to apply for it.
A1 applicants must have a minimum of 16 years of experience in riding two-wheeled vehicles. They must also complete compulsory basic training and have passed a theory test and a practical test. In cena egzaminu a1 , they must possess a valid medical certificate.
A1 license holders are permitted to drive mopeds with a cylinder capacity of no more than 1250cc, and a power-to-weight ratio of no more than 0.01 kW/kg. They can also ride motorcycles that have a maximum cylinder capacity of 125 cc, as well as trikes, quad bikes and quad-bikes.
The category A1 driving licence is designed to provide easier access to the next category, which permits license holders to drive vehicles with a maximum permissible mass of up to 35 kW. This allows you to gain experience driving less powerful vehicles prior to moving up to higher licence categories.
Until January 1, 2024, current drones that do not have a CE mark can be operated within the subcategory of A1. They are not at risk and do not pose any significant danger to the general population. 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 km of airports and airfields.
A2
If you've completed your CBT training and are planning to obtain a motorcycle licence, you may be qualified for a category A1 licence. This permits you to operate an unrestricted motorcycle with no sidecar. The vehicle must have a maximum cylinder capacity of 125cc, and a maximum power output of 11kW. You must also be at least 16 years old to get this license. You can learn more about the different categories and their regulations by looking over your driving license information online.
You can also fly drones that have an maximum weight of 4kg in the A2 category, but they must be kept at a safe distance from people when taking off and landing. The drones should be at least 30m horizontally away from people when they are in low-speed mode, or 5m when they are not involved. You also must pass the A2 Certificate of Competence (A2 CofC) test to fly in this category.
If you wish to fly larger drones, you will need to apply for an operator's permit specific to a specific category that requires you to complete the General VLOS Certificate (GVC) training and flight assessment, plus creating an Operations Manual. The process for applying is similar to a PfCO. Learn more about the requirements in our detailed guide.
A2 allows you to fly drones with transitional capabilities, which are not yet CE-marked, but have been modified to reduce collision risk with humans. It is only possible to fly these drones in A2 until end of 2022, following which they'll need to comply with A3 rules.
The A1 and A2 categories will allow you to develop into a confident and secure motorcyclist. The number of lessons you'll have to complete will depend on your level of ability and progress, but a prescribed amount of special rides must be completed. This includes a minimum of five lessons on country roads as well as four on highways, and three lessons in darkness or dawn.
A3
This class of drones can be used with a a maximum takeoff mass of 25 kg. This is a safer operation, however strict precautions must still be taken to mitigate potential incidents. A distance of 150 metres is required between drones and commercial, residential, industrial, and recreational areas. This also means that drones must to be equipped with a remote identifier system as well as a Geoawareness System.
As with the Open category this tier is subdivided into subcategories A1, A2 and A3. The A1 subcategory allows drones with Class Identification Label C0 or C1 to fly above people who are not involved. It is required to be at least 30 metres from any third party while flying at flight height or 5 meters in slow flight mode.
Drones that have the Class Identification Label C2 may be operated under subcategory A2 when they meet the requirements for size, and the remote pilot has passed an additional theoretical knowledge test. This exam is designed to assess the remote pilot's knowledge of the technical and operational mitigations that address the added dangers of flying larger drones (class C2, below 4kg mass) close to people. The successful completion of this test results in the award of the 'certificate of competence required to fly category A2'.
There are transitional arrangements which allow older drones that are not certified, to be operated under categories A1 and/or A2 for two years following the introduction of the new EU regulations. Legacy drones are not permitted to be intentionally flown above people and must be operated using an A2 CofC.
To operate a drone under this category, you need to first complete the online flyer identification test and then complete a theory exam. In addition, you need to declare that you have acquired some knowledge of your drone, and submit an official declaration of competence. These requirements are similar in nature to the driving licence model, whereby drivers who first get their licence for a lower category vehicle can then move up to an upper category.
A4
The DOH is preparing specific guidelines for category A4. These guidelines will be consistent with other operations and will include specifics such as the number of dressings that are 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. The IATF EID and the DOH National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization will be reviewing and approving the guidelines prior to being finalized.
In this category, drones sporting a class identification label C0 and C1 are permitted to fly within a distance of 50 metres from individuals who aren't involved. This is a category with low risk, but strict precautions are still required to minimize incidents. Drones that do not fall in either A1 or A2 must pass an additional test of theoretical knowledge to operate in this subcategory.
This examination aims to assess knowledge of the added dangers of flying drones in close proximity to people. The certificate of competence is issued upon passing this test. The pilot must maintain a minimum distance of 30 metres between the aircraft and any uninvolved persons, or 5 metres when flying in slow-flight mode.
You must take some time to pass the theory test and then you must pass the practical test. This depends on your age, capabilities and progress in learning. However, a minimum of 12 lessons lasting 90 minutes are required to be completed.
During these lessons you will become familiar with your machine and traffic rules. In addition, you will be given useful tips to drive in difficult terrain. You must also attend a certain number of special rides in addition to your mandatory driving lessons.
The new category E effectively blends class A1 (retail), class A2 (financial and professional services) and class B1 (offices), class A4 (restaurants/cafes) and classes A5 and B5 (hot food takeaway). It also includes medical/healthy uses such as creches and nurseries, and indoor sports/recreation facilities. The new regulations are likely to streamline the licensing process and reduce costs. It will also allow landlords to use their buildings in ways not currently allowed.