When do I need a drone licence?
Weight, drone class and where you fly decide whether you need A1/A3, A2 or nothing at all. The EU rules in plain words.
- A1/A3 required from 250 g take-off weight
- Under 250 g: no licence, but registration if there is a camera
- A2 only for C2 drones close to people
- Same rules for hobby and commercial pilots
- Certificates are valid for five years
Regulation (EU) 2019/947 applies in every EU country, so the basic question is answered the same way everywhere. What matters is the take-off weight, the class label (C0 to C4) and how close you fly to uninvolved people. Two things are often mixed up: the licence (competence) and operator registration. A camera drone under 250 g needs registration, but no licence. Where you register and take the exam depends on your country of residence.
From what weight do I need a drone licence?
From 250 g take-off weight, or with a drone of class C1, C2, C3 or C4, you need at least the A1/A3 certificate. Below 250 g (class C0 or legacy drones under 250 g) you can fly in subcategory A1 without a certificate, but you still have to follow the rules for that subcategory.
When is A1/A3 enough?
A1/A3 covers most hobby flights: close to people with light drones (A1) and far away from people with heavier ones (A3, at least 150 m from residential, commercial or industrial areas).
When do I need A2?
The A2 certificate is only needed if you fly a C2 drone (up to 4 kg) close to uninvolved people: at least 30 m, or 5 m in low-speed mode. You need A1/A3 first, a self-declared practical training and an extra theory exam.
Registration: separate from the licence
You must register as an operator in your country of residence if your drone weighs 250 g or more, or if it has a camera and is not a toy. Registration is done with the national aviation authority; the operator number goes on every drone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a licence for a 249 g drone?
No certificate is needed below 250 g. If the drone has a camera, you still have to register as an operator.
Is my licence valid on holiday in another EU country?
Yes. A1/A3 and A2 certificates from any EU country are recognised throughout the EU, as is your operator registration.
Is the licence only for commercial pilots?
No. The rules apply equally to hobby and commercial pilots; weight, class and distance to people are what count.
How long is the licence valid?
A1/A3 and A2 are valid for five years and can then be renewed.
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