Category A1 Rules For Motorcyclists
The rules of category A1 apply to those who want to operate small motorcycles. They have a maximum cylinder power of 35 kW. They cannot be derived directly from vehicles with 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 subcategory A1 (flying over people) up until January 2024.
A1
Category A1 is one of three drone categories that are subject to the control of EASA. It applies to aircraft up to a maximum takeoff mass (MTOM), which is 25 kilograms. It requires a record of flight and a flight plan as well as remote identification systems, and a geoawareness. The drone must be within the constant sight of the pilot. It is not allowed to fly over individuals or areas used for recreational, commercial or industrial reasons. The drone must stay below 120 meters.
If you are planning to fly a drone that isn't included in the categories above, you will need an exclusive license 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 a minimum of 16 years experience in riding two-wheeled vehicles. They must also have completed the compulsory basic training and pass a theory test and a practical test. Moreover, they must possess an official medical certificate.
A1 license holders are able to drive mopeds with a cylinder capacity of no more than 1250cc, and a power-to-weight ratio of no more than 0.01 kW/kg. They can also ride motorcycles that have a maximum cylinder capacity of 125 cc, as well as trikes and quad bikes as well as quad-bikes.
The category A1 driving license is designed to provide easier access to the next vehicle category, which allows license holders to drive vehicles with a maximum permissible mass of up to 35 kW. This is a way to gain some experience driving vehicles with less power prior to moving on to higher category of licence.
Drones that are in use but do not have the CE mark are able to be flown under subcategory "A1" until January 1 2024. They are not at risk and do not pose any serious threat to the general population. However, they must remain at a distance of 150 meters from structures or areas of industry, and also from recreational areas. They must also not fly over crowds or within 5 km of airports or airfields.
A2
You may be eligible to apply for an A1 motorcycle license if you have completed your CBT and are looking to obtain an motorcycle license. This permits you to ride on a smaller motorcycle without a sidecar. It must have a cylinder capacity of up to 125cc and the power output can be up to 11 kW. This licence is only available to those who are 16 years old. The online view of your driving license allows you to find out more about the categories and regulations.
You can also fly in the A2 sub-category with drones with a mass of up to 4kg, but you must keep them at a safe distance from other people during take off and landing. The separation distances are vertical, not lateral and drones should be kept to 30m away from people who aren't involved, or 5m when they're in low-speed mode. To fly in this category, you must also pass the A2 Certificate of Competence exam (A2 CofC).
If you plan to fly larger drones, you will require a specific category operator's permit that requires you to complete the General VLOS Certificate (GVC) training and flight evaluation, in addition to preparing an Operations Manual. The process for applying for a specific category permit is very similar to that of the PfCO, and you can find more about the requirements in our comprehensive guide.
A2 permits you to fly drones with transitional capabilities, which are not yet CE-marked, but have been modified to decrease collision risks with people. These drones will be allowed to fly in A2 up until the end 2022. After that, they will need to be in compliance with the A3 rules.
The A1 and A2 categories are designed to aid you in becoming a safer and confident motorcyclist. The number of lessons you will have to complete will depend on your ability and learning progress, but a predetermined amount of special rides should be undertaken. This includes at least five lessons on country roads, four on highways and three at dawn or in darkness.
A3
This class of drones can be used with a the maximum takeoff weight of 25 kg. It is a lower-risk operation, however strict precautions must be taken to mitigate potential incidents. A distance of safety of 150 meters must be maintained between residential, commercial, industrial and recreation areas. This also means that drones must to be equipped with a remote identifier system and Geoawareness System.
kategoria a1 to the Open category the tier is split into subcategories A1,A2 and A3. The A1 subcategory allows flights over uninvolved persons and is restricted to drones that have a Class identification label C0 or C1. It requires a minimum of 30 meters of separation from third parties while flying at a flight height or 5 meters in slow flight mode.
Drones with the Class Identification Label C2 can be operated under subcategory A2 if they meet the requirements for size and the remote pilot has passed an additional theory test. This exam is designed to test the remote pilot's understanding of the technical and operational mitigations that address the added dangers of flying larger drones (class C2, weighing less than 4kg mass) close to people. The certificate of competence to fly Category A2 is awarded after successful completion of this test.
There are 'transitional arrangements' which allow older drones that are not certified, to operate in the categories A1 and/or A2 for two years following the introduction of the new EU regulations. Legacy drones may not be intentionally flown above people and must be operated by an A2 CofC.
To operate a drone that falls under this category you must pass the standard online flyer ID test, and then complete an additional test in the theory department. 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 model of a driving license which means that a driver who first obtains their license for a vehicle in a lower category can then move up to the higher category.
A4
The DOH is currently preparing detailed guidelines to be used for category A4. These guidelines will be consistent with other operations, and will include details like the number of dressings that are changed per 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. Before they are published, the guidelines will be vetted and approved by both the DOH National Immunization Technical Advisory Group and the IATF-EID.
Drones bearing the C0 or C1 are able to fly within 50 meters of people who are not involved in the incident. This is a low-risk class, but strict precautions are still required to minimize incidents. Drones classified as A1 or A2 are required to take an additional theoretical test to be able to operate in this subcategory.
This test is designed to test your understanding of the additional risks that are associated from flying drones in close proximity to people. The successful completion of the test earns a certificate of competence for this subcategory. The pilot must maintain at least 30 metres between the aircraft and any other persons not involved, or 5 metres when flying in slow-flight mode.
If you want to obtain a motorcycle license it is necessary to complete some training lessons in order to take the test, and then pass the practical test. This number varies based on your age, ability and learning speed. However, a minimum of 12 lessons of 90 minutes must be completed.
In these classes, you will be able to understand your vehicle and traffic laws. You will also receive valuable tips regarding how to drive in difficult situations. In addition to the compulsory lessons, you will need to take a specified number of special rides.
The new category E brings together the classes A1 (retail) and A2 (financial services and professional services), B1 (offices), A4 (restaurants/cafes), and B5 for takeaway hot food. It also includes health/medical uses as well as creches and nurseries, as well as indoor sports/recreation facilities. The new licensing system is expected to streamline and reduce costs. It will also permit landlords to use their buildings in ways not currently permitted.