Five Things You Don't Know About Category A1 Rules
Category A1 Rules For Motorcyclists
The rules for Category A1 are designed for those who wish to ride small motorcycles. These vehicles have a maximum capacity of 35 kW. They cannot be directly derived from vehicles that have more than twice their power.
Open category drone operations are split into three subcategories - A1 to A3. You can fly drones using the class label C0 or the A1 in the subcategory A1 (flying over people) up until January 2024.
A1
Category A1 is the earliest of three drone categories that are regulated by EASA. It is applicable to aircraft up to a maximum takeoff weight (MTOM) which is 25 kilograms. It requires a flight schedule and a flight log as well as an identification system for remotes and a geoawareness system. The drone must remain in the view of the pilot. It is not allowed to fly over people or areas that are used for commercial, recreational or industrial reasons. The drone should stay within 120 meters.
If you plan to fly a drone that is not included in the above-mentioned categories You must obtain an additional licence from the Civil Aviation Authority. This is known as an operational authorization. You can find more information on how to apply for this here.
Candidates for a category A1 license must have at least 16 years of experience on two-wheeled motor vehicles. They must also complete the mandatory basic training and pass a theory test and a practical test. Moreover, they must possess an official medical certificate.
A1 license holders are allowed to use two-wheeled mopeds as long as their capacity of cylinder is not more than 125 cc, and their power to weight ratio is not greater than 0.1 kg/kW. They are also able to operate motorcycles with a cylinder capacity of no more than 125 cc, as well as trikes and quad bikes.
The category A1 licence was designed to allow drivers to get to the next vehicle category. This permits drivers to drive vehicles that have a maximum mass of 35 kW. This is a way to gain experience driving vehicles with less power before moving onto the higher categories of licence.
From January 1st, 2024, existing drones that don't have an CE mark are able to be used in subcategory A1. They are low-risk and do not pose a serious threat to the general population. egzamin na kategorię a1 must, however, remain at least 150m away from buildings, industries and recreational areas. They are also not allowed to fly over crowds or within 5 kilometers of airports or airfields.
A2
If you've completed your CBT training and are planning to obtain a motorcycle licence, you may be eligible for a category-A1 licence. This permits you to ride a small motorcycle without a sidecar. The motorcycle must have a maximum cylinder capacity of 125cc, as well as a maximum power output of 11 kW. You must also be 16 years old in order to get this licence. You can find out more about the different categories and their rules by viewing your driving licence information online.
You can also fly drones that have the maximum weight of 4kg in the A2 category However, they must be kept at a safe distance from other people when taking off and landing. The separation distances are lateral, not vertical, and the drones must be kept at a minimum of 30m horizontally away from other people, or 5m when they're in low-speed mode. You must also complete the A2 Certificate of Competence (A2 CofC) exam to fly in this category.
If you're looking to fly larger drones, you'll need to apply for an operator's license for the specific category. This requires you to complete the General VLOS Certificate training, flight assessment and prepare an Operations Manual. The process for applying for a specific category permit is like that of a PfCO, and you can learn more about the requirements in our comprehensive guide.
A2 permits drones that are transitional that aren't CE-marked, but have been modified to lessen collision risks with people. You will only be able to fly these drones in A2 until end of 2022, following which they'll be required to comply with A3 regulations.
The A1 and A2 categories are designed to assist you in becoming a safe and confident motorcyclist. The number of lessons you'll have to complete will depend on your level of ability and development, but a certain number of special rides must be undertaken. This includes a minimum of five lessons on country roads, four on highways and three in dawn or darkness.
A3
This category permits drones with a a maximum takeoff mass of 25 kg. It is a lower-risk operation, however strict precautions should be taken to prevent incidents. A distance of 150m is required between drones and commercial, residential industrial, recreational and residential areas. This is also a requirement for drones to be equipped with a remote identification system and geoawareness systems.
This tier is further divided into sub categories: A1, A2 or A3. The A1 subcategory permits drones that have Class Identification Label C0 or C1 to fly over individuals who are not involved. It requires a minimum of 30 meters of separation from third parties when flying at a height of flight, or 5 metres in slow flight mode.
Drones bearing the Class Identification Label C2 may be operated under subcategory A2 provided they meet the requirements of size and the remote pilot has passed a theoretical knowledge test. This exam is designed for remote pilots to test their knowledge of the operational and technical mitigations that address the extra dangers associated with flying larger drones (class A2, below 4kg mass), close to people. A successful passing of this exam results in the award of the 'certificate of competence required to fly in category A2'.
There are transitional arrangements that allow legacy drones, which are not certified, to operate under categories A1 and/or A2 for a period of two years following the implementation of the new EU regulations. The drones of the past cannot be intentionally flown above people and must be operated using an A2 CofC.
To operate a drone within this category, you need to first pass the online flyer identification test and then pass a theory test. In addition, you must declare that you have acquired some knowledge of your drone and pass an official declaration of competence. These requirements are similar in nature to the driving licence model which means that the driver who has first obtained their licence for a vehicle of a lower category is then able to move on to an upper category.
A4
The DOH is currently preparing specific guidelines to be used in category A4. These will be consistent with the other operations and will also include specifics such as the number of dressing changes per day. These guidelines will be presented to the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infections, (IATF-EID) as well as the DOH National Immunization Technical Advisory Group. When they are approved, the guidelines will be vetted and approved by both the DOH National Immunization Technical Advisory Group and the IATF EID.
Drones with the class identification label C0 or C1 may be flying within 50 metres of people who aren't involved in the incident. This is a relatively low-risk subcategory, but stringent precautions must be taken to mitigate incidents. Drones classified as A1 or A2 must take an additional theoretical test before they can operate in this subcategory.
This examination aims to assess the knowledge of the additional risks associated with flying drones near people. The certificate of competence is issued after passing this test. The pilot must maintain at least 30 metres from an non-involved person or 5 metres if flying in a slow flight mode.
If you are looking to get a motorcycle license you must pass a certain number of training sessions to take the test and subsequently pass the practical test. The amount you need to complete depends on your age, abilities and learning progress. However, a minimum of 12 lessons lasting 90 minutes are required to be completed.
During these lessons you will become familiar with your vehicle and traffic laws. Additionally, you will get helpful tips for driving in difficult areas. You should also take part in some special rides in addition to the required driving lessons.
The new category E effectively integrates 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). This category also includes health and medical reasons, creches and nursery schools, and indoor sports/recreational facilities. The new licensing system is expected to simplify and cut costs. The landlords will be able to use their properties in ways that they are not currently allowed.