Category A1 Rules For Motorcyclists
The rules of category A1 apply to those who wish to ride small motorcycles. These vehicles have a maximum cylinder capacity of 35 kW. They are not derived directly from vehicles with more than double their power.
The open category of drone operations can be divided into three subcategories: A1 to A3. You can fly drones with the class label C0 or C1 in the A1 subcategory (fly over people) until January 2024.
A1
Category A1 is one of three drone categories that are subject to the control of EASA. It is applicable to aircraft up to the maximum takeoff mass (MTOM) which is 25 kilograms. It requires a flight schedule and a flight log along with a remote identification system and a geoawareness system. The drone should be visible to the pilot at all at all times. It is prohibited to fly over groups of people or in areas used for industrial, commercial or recreational reasons. The drone must remain less than 120 meters above the ground level.
If you wish to fly drones that aren't listed in the above-mentioned categories, you must get an additional permission from the Civil Aviation Authority. This is referred to as an operational authorization. You can find out more on how to apply for this here.
A1 applicants must have at least 16 years experience in two-wheeled vehicles. They must also have completed the mandatory basic training and pass both a theory as well as a practical test. They must also have an authentic medical certificate.
A1 license holders are able to ride two-wheeled mopeds so the capacity for cylinders is not greater than 125 cc, and their power-to-weight ratio is not greater than 0.1 kg/kW. They can also use motorcycles that have the capacity of cylinders that are not more than 125cc, as also quad bikes and trikes.
The category A1 licence is designed to make it easier for drivers to move up to the next category of vehicle. This permits them to drive vehicles with a maximum mass of 35 kW. This is a way to gain some experience driving less powerful vehicles prior to moving on to higher categories of licence.
From January 1st, 2024, existing drones that do not have a CE mark can be flown in the subcategory A1. They are low-risk and pose no significant threat to the general population. However, they must remain at least 150 meters away from industrial buildings, and recreation areas. Additionally, they must not fly over crowds or operate within 5 kilometres of airports and airfields.
A2
If you've completed your CBT training and are looking to get a motorcycle licence you could be eligible for a category A1 licence. This permits you to ride the bike with a smaller size without a sidecar. It must have the capacity of cylinders up to 125cc, and the power output can be up to 11 kW. The licence is only accessible to those who are at least 16 years of age. You can learn more about the various 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 However, they must be kept at a safe distance away from other people when taking off and landing. The drones must remain at least 30m in horizontal distance from people in low-speed mode, or 5m if they are not involved. You must also complete the A2 Certificate of Competence (A2 CofC) test to fly in this category.
If you wish to fly larger drones, you must apply for a specific category operator's permit that requires you to complete the General VLOS Certificate (GVC) training and flight assessment, plus preparing an Operations Manual. The process for applying is similar to a PfCO. You can learn more about the requirements in our detailed guide.
A2 permits you to fly transitional drones, which are not yet CE-marked but have been modified to reduce collision risk with humans. You'll only be able to fly these drones in A2 until the end of 2022, after which they'll be required to comply with A3 rules.
The A1 and A2 categories can help you develop into a confident and secure motorcyclist. The number of lessons required is contingent on your ability and your progress in learning, but you must complete a certain amount of special rides. This is a minimum of five lessons on country road as well as four on highways and three lessons at dawn or at night.
A3
This class of drones can be used with a the maximum takeoff weight of 25 kg. konspekt nauki jazdy na motorze is a less risky operation, but strict precautions must be taken to avoid incidents. A safety distance of 150 metres must be maintained from residential, commercial, industrial and recreation areas. This also requires drones to be fitted with a remote identification system and geoawareness systems.
Similar to the Open category, this tier is divided into subcategories A1, A2 and A3. The A1 subcategory permits flights over people who are not involved and is only reserved for drones with an identification label for Class C0 or C1. It imposes a minimum distance of 30m from any third party when flying at an altitude of flight or 5 metres in slow flight mode.
Drones that are class-identified with the label C2 may be operated in subcategory A2 in the event that the drone is in compliance with the size requirements and the remote pilot passes an additional test of theoretical knowledge. This test is designed for the remote pilot to assess their understanding of the technical and operation mitigations that address the additional risks of flying larger drones (class A2, less than 4kg mass), close to people. The certificate of competence to fly Category A2 is granted upon successful completion of this test.
There are transitional arrangements which allow older drones that are not certified, to be operated in the categories A1 and/or A2 for two years following the implementation of the new EU regulations. The drones of the past cannot be flown over the heads of people and must be operated by an A2 CofC.
To operate a drone that falls under this category you must pass the regular online flyer ID test, and then pass an additional test in the theory department. Additionally, you must declare that you have gained some experience of your drone and then submit an official declaration of competency. These requirements are similar in nature to the driving licence model, whereby drivers who first get their licence for a vehicle of a lower category can then move up to a higher category.
A4
The DOH is currently preparing guidelines for category A4. These will be in line with the other operations and will also include details like the number of dressing changes each day. These guidelines 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. Before they are finalized, the guidelines will be reviewed and approved by both the DOH National Immunization Technical Advisory Group and IATF-EID.
Drones with the label of class identification C0 or C1 may fly within 50 metres of people who are not involved in the incident. This is a very low-risk subcategory, but stringent precautions must still be taken to mitigate incidents. Drones that are not classified in either A1 or A2 must pass an additional theoretical knowledge examination to be operated in this subcategory.
This test aims to determine knowledge of the added risks associated with flying drones close to people. The certificate of competence is issued after passing this test. The pilot must maintain a minimum of 30 metres between the aircraft and any uninvolved persons or 5 metres when flying in slow-flight mode.
You will need to take a certain amount of lessons to pass the theory test, and then the practical test. This amount varies depending on your age, ability and progress in learning. However, a minimum of 12 lessons lasting 90 minutes should be completed.
In these classes you will be able to understand your car and the traffic laws. Moreover, you will receive valuable tips to drive in difficult terrain. In addition to the compulsory lessons, you must attend certain number of special rides.
The new category E effectively amalgamates classes A1 (retail) and class A2 (financial and professional services) and class B1 (offices) and 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 likely to streamline the licensing process and cut costs. The landlords will now be able to use their properties in ways they are not currently allowed.