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Open category: understanding subcategories A1, A2 and A3

A1, A2, A3: how close to people is your drone allowed to fly? Classes C0 to C4, safety distances and training — a clear guide to the European open category.

Updated on .

Almost every recreational drone flight takes place in the open category, the simplest regime under European Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947. But "open" does not mean "no rules": it splits into three subcategories — A1, A2 and A3 — which determine how close to people you are allowed to fly. Your aircraft's class (C0 to C4) and the training you hold together decide what you may do.

This framework is common to the whole European Union. A few points remain the responsibility of each Member State; they are grouped at the end of this article.

The open category in brief

The open category covers low-risk flights, with no prior authorisation, provided you respect limits common to all subcategories:

The three subcategories run from the most permissive near people (A1) to the most restrictive, reserved for flights far from people (A3).

A1 — "over people"

Subcategory A1 covers the lightest drones: class C0 (under 250 g) and class C1 (under 900 g), plus aircraft without a class marking under 250 g and privately built drones under 250 g.

What "over people" permits remains framed:

On training, a C0 in principle requires only reading the manufacturer's manual. For a C1, you must complete the A1/A3 online training and pass the associated exam.

A2 — "close to people"

Subcategory A2 is for class C2 drones (under 4 kg). It is the compromise that lets you fly relatively close to people with a heavier aircraft, provided you respect safety distances:

A2 requires enhanced training: the A2 remote pilot certificate of competency. The European path has three steps: first hold the A1/A3 proof of completion, then carry out practical self-training in A3 conditions (self-declared), then pass an additional theoretical exam.

The practical arrangements for that exam (venue, fee, format) are set by each national authority and differ from country to country.

A3 — "far from people"

Subcategory A3 targets heavier drones: classes C3 and C4 (under 25 kg), plus aircraft without a class marking above 250 g and privately built drones under 25 kg. The trade-off for that weight is substantial distance:

The required training is the A1/A3 online training with its exam. This is the default subcategory for any aircraft that can fly in neither A1 nor A2.

The A1/A3 proof of completion in practice

The A1/A3 proof is obtained through online training and an online exam, on the platform of your country's civil aviation authority. It is valid for 5 years and recognised throughout the European Union: you do not have to retake it to fly in another Member State.

The exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions across nine subject areas, with a 75% pass mark — 30 correct out of 40. The additional A2 exam has 30, with the same threshold.

Summary table

Class (indicative mass) Subcategory Distance rule Training required
C0 (< 250 g) A1 No intentional overflight of uninvolved people; never assemblies Read the manual (A1/A3 proof recommended)
C1 (< 900 g) A1 Unintentional overflight tolerated; never assemblies A1/A3 online training + exam
C2 (< 4 kg) A2 (or A3) 30 m from people (5 m in low-speed mode) A2 certificate (additional theoretical exam)
C3 (< 25 kg) A3 150 m from residential / commercial / industrial / recreational areas A1/A3 online training + exam
C4 (< 25 kg) A3 Same as A3 A1/A3 online training + exam
No class marking (< 250 g) A1 Same as a C0 Read the manual
No class marking (> 250 g) A3 Same as A3 A1/A3 online training + exam

A drone fitted with a sensor (camera) also requires operator registration with your country's authority — a separate step from remote pilot training.

The case of drones without a class marking

A drone with no European marking flies in A1 if it weighs less than 250 g, and in A3 above that (up to 25 kg). But this regime is not open to just any unmarked aircraft: flying in the open category requires a drone marked C0 to C4, or privately built, or placed on the market before 1 January 2024. An unmarked drone sold after that date meets none of these conditions.

How do I choose my subcategory?

The logic runs both ways: your drone's class sets which subcategories are theoretically available, and your level of training unlocks their actual use. A C2 drone may fly in A2 if you hold the A2 certificate; otherwise it stays confined to A3 conditions. So when buying, check the class label (C0 to C4) and think ahead about the use you have in mind.

What changes from country to country

The framework set out above is European. The points below, by contrast, are decided by each Member State: these are the divergences that most often catch out remote pilots travelling abroad.

France Germany Spain
Night flying Prohibited in the open category, even with lighting fitted (a prefectural derogation is possible, to be requested at least 30 days in advance) Allowed, with the drone fitted with a flashing green light Allowed, with the drone fitted with at least one flashing green light
Operator registration With the civil aviation authority — free With the federal aviation office — chargeable (€20 for a private individual) With the national air safety agency — free, renewable every 3 years
Third-party liability insurance Not mandatory for recreational use (check the terms of your policy) Mandatory for every drone, with no weight threshold; proof must be carried Not mandatory in A1 or in A3 under 20 kg; mandatory in A2 and from 20 kg up
Minimum remote pilot age 14 16 (the European threshold was not lowered) 12 in A1 with a C0; 14 in the other open-category cases
National electronic signalling Yes, above 800 g, on top of class-based identification No: only class-based remote identification applies No: same
A1/A3 training Training and exam free Training material free, certificate chargeable (€25) Training and exam free
Flying over homes General open-category rules Prohibited without the owner's consent, unless the drone weighs 250 g or less with no recording capability, or you fly at at least 100 m height Prior notification to the authorities (at least 5 days) to fly in an urban environment, and no overflight of buildings and homes

One thing does not change: your operator registration and your training certificates are valid throughout the Union. It is the operating rules that differ from country to country, not your credentials.

The full detail, country by country : France · Germany · Spain

FAQ

May I fly over people with a drone under 250 g?

In A1 with a C0, unsought overflight of uninvolved people is tolerated, but it must never be intentional, and flying over assemblies is strictly prohibited.

What is the difference between the A1/A3 proof and the A2 certificate?

The A1/A3 proof is obtained through online training and an online exam. The A2 certificate adds self-declared practical self-training and an additional theoretical exam, and unlocks subcategory A2. The practical arrangements for that exam depend on the national authority.

How long are my certificates valid?

Five years, and they are recognised throughout the European Union.

My drone has no class marking — what now?

If it weighs less than 250 g it falls under A1; above that, under A3. In both cases this regime assumes the aircraft was privately built or placed on the market before 1 January 2024.

Is the ceiling really 120 m everywhere?

120 m is the general ceiling of the open category, but it can be lowered locally (near aerodromes, in restricted zones). Always check the official zone tool before taking off.

How old do I have to be to fly?

The European regulation sets the minimum age at 16, leaving Member States free to lower it to 12. Check the age applied by the country you are flying in: see the table of national specifics.

Sources

National sources

Information provided for guidance only — check the official sources before every flight.

Now check your own case

This guide covers the general framework. To find out YOUR exact obligations, run the calculator.

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