As of December 31, 2021, the new EASA Unmanned Aircraft (UA) Regulation has been enacted into law which governs all UA operations in the European airspace including EU members and the EASA Member States.
If you do not already know what the new regulations entail and where recreational hobbyists can fly, read our blog: New EASA (EU) Regulations for Unmanned Aircraft – Everything You Need to Know.
Otherwise, in this blog, we will look at the training requirements needed to operate in the Open Category.
Is Training Mandatory to Operate in the Open Category?
It is a prerequisite for all UA operators to complete an online theory test and pass the online examination before flying under the open category. However, there is an exemption for commercial or privately built UA that weighs below 250g; the only requirement for this type of UA is to be familiar with the manufacturer’s manual if applicable.
Do I need Training If I was Already Flying Unmanned Aircraft before the New Regulation was Enacted?
Any certificates issued by your respective National Authority will remain valid until January 1, 2022. After this date, you will have to go through a conversion process where you will receive new certificates that comply with the new regulation.
Whether or not you have to undergo more training after that date will depend on the conversion process your National Aviation Authority decides to put in place.
What Kind of Training Is Required to Operate in the Open Category?
For subcategories A1 and A3, you are required to be familiar with the manufacturer’s manual, complete an online theory test, and pass an online examination provided by your respective National Aviation Authority. After passing the online examination, you will be issued a Certificate of Completion of the Online Training that permits you to fly under A1 and A3.
For subcategory A2, where operators can fly heavier UA in urban areas (near people), a further theoretical examination is required in addition to the above. The examination will be provided in a facility identified by your respective National Aviation Authority. Upon completion, you will be issued a Certificate of Remote Pilot Competency that permits you to fly under A2.
A1 and A3 Certificate of Online Training
This theoretical knowledge exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions with a passing mark of 30. On average, it will take you around 30 minutes to complete; however, there is no time limit and you could take as long as you need provided that you don’t leave your screen on idle for more than 90 minutes.
The topics you will get tested on primarily revolve around safety. This may include, but not limited to the following: flying height limits, minimum safe distances from uninvolved person(s), dropping of articles, airspace restrictions, and what to do before flight, during flight, and after flight.
The online exam and certificate are issued by your respective National Aviation Authority; for more information, please refer to their website. To access self-study material, click here.
A2 Certificate of Remote Pilot Competency
Unlike the examination for A1 and A3 where the test is taken online, the additional theoretical knowledge examination for flying under A2 is conducted in a supervised classroom. You will be given 45 minutes to complete the exam and you must have completed the A1 and A3 online theoretical examination before attending.
The exam consists of 30 multiple-choice questions and requires a minimum passing mark of 75%. While the theme of the examination is again on safety, the prime focus is on risk mitigations.
The exam and certificate are issued by your respective National Aviation Authority; for more information, please refer to their website. To access self-study material, click here.
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