Category A1 Rules For Motorcyclists
The rules of category A1 are applicable to those who want to ride small motorcycles. These motorcycles have cylinder capacity of up to 35 kW. They are not derived from vehicles of more than twice their power.
The open category of drone operations can be subdivided into three categories A1 to A3. You can fly drones with the class C0 or C1 as part of the A1 subcategory (fly over people) until January 2024.
A1
Category A1 is one of three drone categories regulated by EASA. It is available to aircraft with the maximum takeoff mass (MTOM) which is 25 kilograms. It requires a flight plan and an account of flight as well as a remote identification system and geoawareness systems. The drone should be visible to the pilot at all at all times. It is not permitted to fly over large groups of people or in areas utilized for industrial, commercial or recreation reasons. The drone should stay within 120 meters.
If you wish to fly a drone which is not included in the categories above, you'll need a special license from the Civil Aviation Authority. This is referred to as an operational authorization. Here you can learn more about how to apply for it.
Applicants for an A1 licence must have at minimum 16 years of experience riding two-wheeled motor vehicles. They must also have completed the mandatory basic training and pass both a theory and a practical test. They must also possess a valid medical certification.
A1 license holders are able to drive mopeds that have a cylinder capacity of no more than 1250 cc, and a power-to-weight ratio not greater than 0.01 kW/kg. They are also able to drive motorcycles with the capacity of cylinders that are not more than 125cc, as well as quad bikes and trikes.
The category A1 driving license is designed to facilitate access to the next vehicle category, which permits licence holders to drive vehicles with a maximum authorised mass of up to 35 kW. This allows you to get experience driving less powerful cars before moving up to higher categories of licence.
Until January 1st, 2024, existing drones that don't have an CE mark are able to be used in subcategory A1. This is because they are deemed to be low risk and do not pose a significant threat to the public. However, they must remain at least 150m away from industries, buildings and recreational areas. Additionally, they should not fly over crowds or operate within 5 kilometres of airfields and airports.
A2
You could be eligible for an A1 motorcycle licence after you have completed your CBT and are looking to obtain an A1 motorcycle licence. This allows you drive a small bike without any sidecar. It must have the capacity of cylinders up to 125cc and a power output of up to 11 kW. You must also be 16 years old to obtain this license. You can find out more about the different categories and their regulations by viewing your driving licence information online.
You can also fly drones with a maximum mass of 4kg in the A2 category, but they must be kept at a safe distance from other people when taking off and landing. The drones must remain at least 30m horizontally away from people when they are in low-speed mode or 5m if they are not involved. To fly in this category, you need to also pass the A2 Certificate of Competence exam (A2 CofC).
If you're looking to fly larger drones, then you'll need to apply for an operator's license for the particular category. This requires you to complete the General VLOS Certificate training, flight assessment, and create an Operations Manual. The process for applying for a specific category permit is similar to a PfCO and you can find more about the requirements by reading our comprehensive guide.
A2 also enables you to operate transitional drones that are not yet CE marked, but which have been modified to reduce the risk of collisions with other people. These drones will only be permitted to fly in A2 until end 2022. After this, they will have to be in compliance with the A3 regulations.
The A1 and A2 categories are designed to help you become a safe and confident motorcyclist. The number of lessons you'll require depends on your skill and development, but a certain amount of special rides should be undertaken. These include a minimum of five lessons on country roads, four on highways and three at dawn or in darkness.
A3
This category permits flights with drones with an maximum take-off weight of up to 25 kilograms. It is a less risky operation, however strict precautions must still be taken to prevent incidents. A safety distance of 150 meters must be maintained from residential, commercial, industrial and recreation areas. This category also requires drones 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 permits flights over uninvolved persons and is designated for drones having the Class identification label C0 or C1. It requires the requirement of a minimum distance of 30 meters from other drones when flying at flight altitude, 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 size requirements, and the remote pilot has passed a theoretical knowledge test. This exam is designed for the remote pilot to assess their understanding of the technical and operational mitigations to address the additional risks of flying larger drones (class A2, weighing less than 4kg mass), close to people. The certificate of competence to fly Category A2 is awarded after successful completion of this test.
Due to the lack of certified drones in this category There are 'transitional' arrangements that permit non-certified 'legacy' drones to be operated in categories A1 and for two years after the new EU regulations are in effect. Legacy drones must not be flown over people, and must have an A2 CofC.
To operate a drone under this category, you must first pass the online flyer identification test and then pass a theory exam. Additionally, you must declare that you have gained some practical knowledge of your drone, and submit an official declaration of competence. These requirements are similar to the driving licence model whereby those who first get the licence for a lower powerful vehicle category will be able to gain access to a higher category.
A4
The DOH is currently working on specific guidelines to be used in category A4. These will be in line with the other procedures and include information like the number of dressing changes per day. his explanation 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 Immunization Technical Advisory Group will be reviewing and approving these guidelines before they are finalized.
Drones that have the class identification label C0 or C1 are able to fly within 50 metres of people who are not involved in the incident. This is a low-risk class however, strict safety precautions are required to reduce incidents. Drones that aren't classified in either A1 or A2 must have passed an additional test of theoretical knowledge to be able to operate in this subcategory.
This test is designed to test your knowledge of the additional risks that are associated from flying drones in close proximity to people. Successful completion of the test results in an official certificate of competence for this subcategory. The pilot must maintain a minimum distance of 30 metres between the aircraft and all other persons not involved or 5 metres if flying in slow-flight mode.
You must take an amount of lessons to pass the theory test, and then you have to pass the practical test. This number varies based on your age, skill level and progress in learning. A minimum of 12 90-minute lessons must be completed.
During these lessons you will become familiar with your vehicle and traffic laws. Additionally, you will receive tips on how to operate your vehicle in difficult situations. In addition to the compulsory lessons, you will need to take a specified number of special rides.
The new category E effectively amalgamates classes A1 (retail) and class A2 (financial and professional services) Class B1 (offices) Class A4 (restaurants/cafes) and classes A5 and B5 (hot food takeaway). It also includes medical and health-related uses as well as creches and nurseries, as well as indoor sports/recreation facilities. The change is expected to simplify the licensing process and cut costs. It will also permit landlords to utilize their buildings in ways that aren't currently allowed.