Category A1 Rules For Motorcyclists
Category A1 rules are for those who wish to ride small motorbikes. These motorcycles have a maximum cylinder power of 35 kW. They cannot be derived directly from vehicles that have more than double their power.
Open category drone operations are divided into three subcategories - A1 to A3. You can fly drones using the class label C0 or A1 in the A1 subcategory (flying over people) up to January 2024.
A1
Category A1 is one of the three EASA drone categories that applies to aircrafts with a maximum take-off mass (MTOM) of up to 25 kilograms. It requires a log of flight as well as a flight schedule and remote identification systems and a geoawareness. The drone must remain in the view of the pilot. It is forbidden to fly over large groups of people or in areas that are used for industrial, commercial or recreational purposes. The drone should stay within 120 meters.
If you want to fly a drone which is not included in the categories above, you'll require an exclusive license from the Civil Aviation Authority. This is referred to as an operational authorization. You can find more information about how to apply for this here.
The applicants for an A1 licence must have at minimum 16 years of experience riding two-wheeled motor vehicles. They must also have completed the compulsory basic training and passed both a theory as well as a practical test. Additionally, they must have a valid medical certificate.
A1 license holders are permitted to drive mopeds with the capacity of cylinders not more than 1250 cc, and a power-to-weight ratio not greater than 0.01 kW/kg. They can also drive motorcycles with the capacity of cylinders that are not greater than 125cc as well as trikes and quad bikes.
The category A1 driving license is designed to give easier access to the next category, which permits holders to drive vehicles with a maximum mass of up 35 kW. This is an incentive to gain some experience driving less powerful vehicles before moving on to the higher categories of licence.
From January 1, 2024, current drones that don't have an CE mark can be flown in the subcategory A1. This is because they are thought to be low risk and are not a major risk to the public. However, they must remain at least 150m away from buildings, industries and recreational areas. Additionally, they should not fly over crowds or operate within 5 kilometres of airfields and airports.
A2
You could be eligible for an A1 motorcycle licence if you have completed your CBT and are interested in obtaining an motorcycle license. This allows you to drive an unrestricted motorcycle with no sidecar. The bike must have the capacity of 125cc, and the maximum power output of 11 kW. You must be at least 16 years old to obtain this license. You can learn more about the various categories and their regulations by looking up your driving licence information online.
You can also fly in the A2 sub-category using drones with a mass up to 4kg, but you must keep them at an appropriate distance from people during take off and landing. The drones should be at least 30m in horizontal distance from people when they are in low-speed mode or 5m if they are not involved. You must also pass the A2 Certificate of Competence (A2 CofC) test to fly in this category.
If you're looking to fly larger drones, then you'll need to apply for an operator's license in a specific category. This requires you to complete the General VLOS Certificate training, flight assessment and prepare an Operations Manual. The process for applying is similar to that of a PfCO. Learn more about the requirements in our comprehensive guide.
A2 allows drones that are transitional that are not yet CE marked, but which have been modified to reduce the chance of collisions with other people. It is only possible to fly these drones in A2 until end of 2022, after which they'll have to be in compliance with the A3 regulations.
The A1 and A2 categories will help you develop into a confident and secure motorcyclist. The number of lessons needed will depend on your ability and your progress in learning, however, you must complete a certain amount of special rides. This includes at least five-hour lesson on country roads and four on highways and three in the morning or in darkness.
A3
This class of drones can be used with a a maximum takeoff mass of 25 kg. It is a less risky operation but stringent precautions must still be taken to avoid incidents. A distance of 150 metres is required between drones and commercial, residential industrial, recreational, and residential areas. This also means that drones must be equipped with an identification system for remotes and a Geoawareness System.
As with the Open category, this tier is divided into sub categories A1, A2 and A3. The A1 subcategory permits drones that have Class Identification Label C0 or C1 to fly over people who are not involved. It is required to be at least 30 metres from any third party while flying at flight height 5 meters in slow flight mode.
Drones that have the Class Identification Label C2 can be operated under subcategory A2 if they meet the requirements of size, and the remote pilot has passed a theoretical knowledge test. This exam is designed to test the remote pilot's understanding of the operational and technical mitigations to reduce the risks of flying larger drones (class C2, weighing less than 4kg mass) close to people. The certificate of ability to fly Category A2 is awarded after successful completion of this test.
There are 'transitional arrangements' that allow legacy drones, that aren't certified, to operate in the categories A1 and/or A2 for a period of two years following the introduction of the new EU regulations. The drones of the past cannot be deliberately flown overhead of people and must be operated by an A2 CofC.
To operate drones in this category, you must pass the regular online flyer ID test, and then complete an additional theoretical test. In addition, you need to declare that you have acquired some knowledge of your drone, and submit an official declaration of competency. These requirements are similar to the driving licence system where the person who is first granted a licence for a less powerful vehicle category can gain access to a higher category.
A4
The DOH is currently preparing detailed guidelines to be used for category A4. These will be consistent with other procedures and include details such as 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. The IATF-EID and DOH's National Immunization Technical Advisory Group will review and approve the guidelines prior to being finalized.
In this category, drones with the class identification labels C0 and C1 are able to fly within a minimum distance of 50 metres from uninvolved people. This is a low-risk class however, strict safety precautions are still required to minimize incidents. Drones classified as A1 or A2 are required to be able to pass an additional theoretical test in order to operate in this subcategory.
This test is designed to measure your knowledge of the additional risks that come from flying drones in close proximity to people. The certificate of competence is awarded upon passing this test. The operator must also keep at least 30 metres from any person who is not involved or 5 metres when flying in a slow-flying mode.
You have to complete an amount of lessons to pass the theory test, and then the practical test. This number varies based on your age, abilities and learning progress. However, a minimum of 12 lessons of 90 minutes should be completed.
During these lessons you will become familiar with your vehicle and traffic laws. You will also learn valuable tips on how to drive in difficult situations. It is also necessary to attend a certain number of special rides in addition to the required driving lessons.
The new category E combines the classes A1 (retail) A1 (retail) (financial services and professional services) B1 (offices), A4 (restaurants/cafes) and B5 and A5 for hot food takeaway. It also includes medical/healthy uses as well as creches and nurseries, as well as indoor recreation facilities. The new rules are likely to streamline the licensing process and reduce costs. watch this video will now be able to make use of their properties in ways that they are not currently allowed.