Category A1 Rules For Motorcyclists
The rules for category a1 apply to those who want to operate small motorcycles. They have a maximum cylinder capacity of 35 kW. 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 that have 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 that applies to aircraft with a maximum take-off mass (MTOM) of up to 25 kilograms. It requires a log of flights and a flight plan and a remote identification system, and a geoawareness. The drone must be in constant sight of the pilot. It is not permitted to fly over individuals or areas that are used for recreational, commercial or industrial reasons. The drone must remain below 120 meters.
If you wish to fly a drone which is not listed in the categories above, you'll require a special licence from the Civil Aviation Authority. This is called an operational authorization. Here you can learn more about how to apply.
Candidates for a category A1 licence must have at least 16 years of experience riding two-wheeled motor vehicles. They must also have completed the compulsory basic training, and passed both a theory and practical test. They must also possess an authentic medical certificate.
A1 license holders are able to drive mopeds that have an engine capacity of not greater than 1250 cc and a power-to-weight ratio of no more than 0.01 kW/kg. They are also able to drive motorcycles with the maximum capacity of 125 cc, as well as trikes or quad bikes, as well as quad-bikes.
The category A1 driving license is designed to facilitate access to the next vehicle category, which permits holders to drive vehicles with a maximum mass of up 35 kW. This is a way to gain experience driving less powerful vehicles prior to moving on to higher categories of licence.
Up to January 1st, 2024, all current drones that don't have a CE mark can be operated within the subcategory of A1. This is because they are considered low risk and are not a major threat to the public. However, they must remain at 150 meters from buildings, industry and recreational areas. Additionally, they should not fly over crowds or operate within 5 km of airfields and airports.
A2
You could be eligible to apply for an A1 motorcycle license after you have completed your CBT and are interested in obtaining an motorcycle license. This permits you to drive a small bike without a sidecar. The motorcycle must have a maximum cylinder capacity of 125cc, and an output power of 11kW. You must also be 16 years old in order to get 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 that have the 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 separation distances are vertical, not lateral, and the drones must be kept 30m or more horizontally away from other people, or 5m if they're in 'low-speed mode'. To fly in this category, you need to be able to pass the A2 Certificate of Competence exam (A2 CofC).
If you're looking to fly larger drones, you'll have to apply for an operator's permit in the particular category. This requires you to complete the General VLOS Certificate training, the flight test, and then prepare an Operations Manual. The application process is similar to a PfCO. You can learn more about the requirements in our comprehensive guide.
A2 allows you to fly transitional drones, which are not yet CE-marked, but they have been modified to reduce collision risk with humans. It is only possible to fly these drones with A2 until the end of 2022, after which they'll be required to comply with A3 regulations.
The A1 and A2 categories are designed to aid you in becoming a safer and confident motorcyclist. The number of lessons you'll require depends on your ability and learning development, but a certain number of special rides must be taken. This includes at least five lessons on country roads, four on highways and three in dawn or darkness.
A3
This category allows drones with an maximum takeoff mass of 25 kg. Although it is a lower risk operation, strict precautions should be taken to reduce the risk of accidents. A distance of safety of 150 metres is required from industrial, commercial, residential and recreation areas. This category also requires drones to be equipped with an identification system for remotes and Geoawareness Systems.
As with the Open category the tier is split into sub categories A1, A2 and A3. The A1 subcategory permits flights over people who are not involved and is only restricted to drones that have a Class identification label C0 or C1. It imposes a minimum distance of 30m from third parties when flying at an altitude of flight, or 5 meters in slow flight mode.
Drones that have the Class Identification Label C2 can be operated under subcategory A2 when 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 understanding of the technical and operational 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 granted 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 following the new EU regulations are in the market. The drones of the past cannot be flown over persons and must carry an A2 CofC.
To operate drones in this category, you must pass the normal online flyer ID test, and then pass an additional test in the theory department. In addition, you must declare that you have acquired some knowledge of your drone and then submit an official declaration of competency. These requirements are similar in nature to the model of a driving license in that a driver who first obtains their licence for a lower category vehicle can then be upgraded to the higher category.
A4
The DOH is currently working on detailed guidelines to be used in category A4. They will be in line with other operations and will also include details such as the number of dressing changes each 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 Immunization Technical Advisory Group will be reviewing and approving these guidelines prior to their being finalized.
In this category, drones that have an identification label for class C0 and C1 are permitted to fly within a minimum distance of 50 meters of uninvolved people. This is a low-risk category 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 in order 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. The successful completion of the test earns an official certificate of competence for this subcategory. The pilot must maintain a minimum distance of 30 meters from any non-involved person or 5 metres when flying in a slow-flying mode.
You must take some time to pass the theory test and then the practical test. This amount varies depending on your age, ability and learning speed. A minimum of 12 90-minute lessons must be completed.
During these lessons you will become familiar with your machine and traffic laws. You will also receive valuable tips on how to operate your vehicle in difficult situations. In konspekt nauki jazdy na motorze to the mandatory classes, you are required to attend specific number of special rides.
The new category E combines the classes A1 (retail) and A2 (financial services and professional services), B1 (offices), A4 (restaurants/cafes), and B5 and A5 for hot food takeaway. It also includes health/medical uses, creches and nurseries and indoor sports/recreation facilities. The new licensing system is expected simplify and reduce costs. The landlords will be able to make use of their properties in ways they are not currently allowed.