Category A1 Rules For Motorcyclists
The rules of category A1 are applicable to those who want to operate small motorcycles. These vehicles have a maximum capacity of 35 kW. They are not derived directly from vehicles that have more than double their power.
Open category drone operations are separated into three subcategories - A1 to A3. You can fly drones with the class label C0 or A1 within the A1 subcategory (flying over people) until January 2024.
A1
Category A1 is one of the three EASA drone categories. It is applicable to aircraft with a maximum take-off mass (MTOM) of up to 25 kilograms. It requires a log of flights as well as a flight schedule, a remote identification system and a geoawareness. The drone must be in the view of the pilot at all time. It is not permitted to fly over groups of people or in areas used for commercial, industrial or recreation purposes. The drone should stay within 120 meters.
If you want to fly a drone that is not listed in the categories above, you will need an exclusive licence from the Civil Aviation Authority. This is referred to as an operational authorization. You can find more information on how to apply for this here.
A1 applicants must have a minimum of 16 years of experience two-wheeled vehicles. They must also have completed the obligatory basic training and pass both a theory and a practical test. Additionally, they must have a valid medical certificate.
A1 license holders are able to drive mopeds that have an engine capacity of not more than 1250 cc, and a power-to-weight ratio of no more than 0.01 kW/kg. They can also ride motorcycles that have the maximum capacity of 125cc as well as trikes or quad bikes, as well as quad-bikes.
The category A1 licence is designed to make it easier for drivers to get to the next vehicle category. This allows drivers to drive vehicles with a a maximum mass of 35 kW. This is a way to gain some experience driving vehicles with less power before moving on to the higher category of licence.
From January 1st, 2024, existing drones that don't have a CE mark can be operated within the subcategory of A1. They are safe and pose no serious threat to the general population. However, they must be at least 150 meters away from industries, buildings and recreational areas. They must also not fly over crowds or within 5 kilometers of airfields or airports.
A2
You may be eligible for an A1 license If you have completed your CBT and are looking to obtain a motorcycle license. egzamin praktyczny motocykl permits you to ride a small motorcycle without a sidecar. It must have a cylinder capacity of up to 125cc, and a power output of up to 11kW. This licence is only available to those who are at least 16 years old. The online view of your driving license will allow you to know more about the categories and regulations.
You can also fly drones that have an maximum weight of 4kg in the A2 category However, they must be kept at a safe distance from other people when taking off and landing. The separation distances are vertical, not lateral and drones should be kept at a minimum of 30m horizontally from uninvolved people or 5m if they're in 'low-speed mode'. You must also pass the A2 Certificate of Competence (A2 CofC) exam to fly in this category.
If you're planning to fly larger drones, you'll have to apply for an operator's license for the particular category. This requires you to complete the General VLOS Certificate training, the flight test, and then prepare an Operations Manual. The process of applying for a specific category permit is like that of a PfCO and you can find out more about the requirements in our detailed guide.
A2 allows drones that are transitional, which are not yet CE-marked but have been modified to lessen collision risk with humans. These drones will only be allowed to fly in A2 up until the end 2022. After that, they will need to adhere to the A3 regulations.
The A1 and A2 categories are designed to aid you in becoming a safer and confident motorcyclist. The amount of lessons you'll need to complete depends on your ability and learning progress, but a prescribed amount of special rides must be completed. This includes a minimum five lessons on country roads and four on highways and three in the morning or in darkness.
A3
This category allows drones with the maximum takeoff weight of 25 kg. Although it is a less risk operation, extreme precautions must be taken to minimize potential incidents. A safety distance of 150 meters must be maintained from industrial, commercial, residential and recreational areas. This is also a requirement for drones to be equipped with a remote identification system and a geoawareness system.
Similar to the Open category the tier is split into sub categories A1, A2 and A3. The A1 subcategory allows drones sporting Class Identification Label C0 or C1 to fly above people who are not involved. It must 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 if they meet the requirements of size and the remote pilot has passed a knowledge test. This exam is designed for remote pilots to test their knowledge of the technical and operational mitigations to address the additional risks of flying larger drones (class A2, less than 4kg mass) close to people. The certificate of ability to fly Category A2 is given upon successful completion of this test.
There are 'transitional arrangements' which allow older drones that aren't certified, to operate under categories A1 and/or A2 for a period of two years following the introduction of the new EU regulations. Legacy drones are not permitted to be flown over the heads of people and must be operated by an A2 CofC.
To operate a drone within this category, you must first complete the online test for identification of flyers and then take a theoretical test. You must also prove that you have some practical knowledge of your drone and submit a written declaration of competency. These requirements are similar to the driving licence system where a person who first obtains the licence for a lower powerful vehicle category may gain access to a higher category.
A4
The DOH is preparing specific guidelines for category A4. They will be in line with the other procedures and will include information such as the number of dressing changes per day. These guidelines will be presented to the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infections, (IATF-EID) as well as the DOH National Immunization Technical Advisory Group. Before they are finalized, the guidelines will be vetted and approved by both the DOH National Immunization Technical Advisory Group and IATF-EID.
In this category, drones that have an identification label for class C0 and C1 are permitted to fly within a distance of 50 meters of people who are not involved. This is a category with low risk however, strict safety precautions are still required to minimize incidents. Drones classified as A1 or A2 are required to be able to pass an additional theoretical test to be able to operate in this subcategory.
This test is designed to measure your knowledge of the additional risks associated when flying drones are in close proximity to humans. A successful passing of the test results in the issuance of a certificate of competency for this subcategory. The operator must also keep at least 30 metres from an person who is not involved or 5 metres when flying in slow flight mode.
If you're looking to obtain an motorcycle license you must pass some training lessons in order to pass the theory test and subsequently pass the practical test. This depends on your age, abilities and progress in learning. A minimum of 12 90-minute lessons must be completed.
In these classes you will be able to familiarize yourself with your machine and traffic laws. You will also learn valuable tips on how to operate your vehicle in difficult situations. In addition to the required lessons, you must attend a specified number of special rides.
The new category E effectively combines the classes A1 (retail), A2 (financial services and professional services), B1 (offices), A4 (restaurants/cafes) and B5 for hot food takeaway. This category also includes health and medical purposes, creches, nursery schools, as well as indoor facilities for recreation and sports. The new licensing system is expected simplify and reduce costs. It will also allow landlords to use their buildings in ways not currently allowed.