The Next Big Trend In The Category A1 Rules Industry
Category A1 Rules For Motorcyclists
The rules for Category A1 are designed for those who want to drive small motorcycles. They have capacity of up to 35kW. They are not derived from vehicles that have more than double their power.
The open category of drone operations can be subdivided into three categories 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 the first of three drone categories subject to the control of EASA. It applies to aircraft with the maximum takeoff mass (MTOM), which is 25 kilograms. It requires a flight plan and a flight log, as well as an identification system for remotes and geoawareness systems. The drone must remain in the sight of the pilot. It is prohibited to fly over groups of people or in areas that are used for industrial, commercial or recreational reasons. The drone must remain below 120 meters above ground level.
If you are planning to fly a drone that isn't included in the categories above, you will need an additional authorization from the Civil Aviation Authority. This is known as an operational authorization. Here you can find out more about how to apply for it.
A1 applicants must have a minimum 16 years experience in riding two-wheeled vehicles. They must also complete the mandatory basic training and pass an exam in theory and a practical test. Additionally, prowadzenie skutera must have a valid medical certificate.
A1 license holders are able to drive two-wheeled mopeds, as the capacity of cylinder is not more than 125 cc and their power to weight ratio is not greater than 0.1 kg/kW. They can also drive motorcycles with the maximum capacity of 125cc as well as trikes, quad bikes and quad-bikes.
The category A1 driving license is designed to facilitate access to the next category, which allows holders to drive vehicles with a maximum permissible mass of up 35 kW. This is a way to gain some experience driving vehicles with less power before moving on to the higher categories of licence.
Until January 1st, 2024, existing drones that don't have a CE mark can be operated within the subcategory of A1. This is because they are considered low risk and are not a major threat to the public. They must, however, remain at least 150m away from industrial buildings, and recreation areas. In addition, they must not fly over crowds or operate within 5 kilometers of airfields or airports.
A2
If you've completed your CBT training and are planning to obtain an motorcycle license, you may be eligible for a category-A1 licence. This permits you to drive a small bike without the need for a sidecar. The vehicle must have the capacity of 125cc, and the maximum power output of 11kW. This licence is only available to those who are at least 16 years of age. The online view of your driving license will allow you to know more about the categories and rules.
You can also fly in the A2 category with drones with a mass up to 4kg, but you must keep them at a safe distance from people during take off and landing. The drones should be at least 30m away from people when they are in low-speed mode, or 5m if they are not in use. You also must pass the A2 Certificate of Competence (A2 CofC) exam to fly in this class.
If you're looking to fly larger drones, you'll have to apply for an operator's license in the specific category. This requires you to complete the General VLOS Certificate training, the flight test, and then prepare an Operations Manual. The process for applying is similar to that of a PfCO. You can learn more about the requirements in our thorough guide.
A2 can also allow you to fly transitional drones that aren't yet CE marked, but which have been modified to lower the risk of collisions with humans. You'll only be able to fly these drones with A2 until the end of 2022, after which they'll have to be in compliance with A3 regulations.
The A1 and A2 categories will help you develop into a confident and secure motorcyclist. The amount of lessons you will have to complete will depend on your skill and progress, but a predetermined number of special rides must be taken. This includes a minimum of five lessons on country roads as well as four on highways, and three at dawn or in darkness.
A3
This category permits drones with a the maximum takeoff weight of 25 kg. It is a less risky operation but stringent precautions should be taken to prevent incidents. A distance of safety of 150m must be maintained between industrial, commercial, residential and recreation areas. This is also a requirement that drones be equipped with an identification system for remotes and a Geoawareness System.
The tier is also split into sub categories, A1, A2 or even A3. The A1 subcategory allows flights over uninvolved people and is exclusively designated for drones having a Class identification label C0 or C1. It imposes a minimum distance of 30 metres from other drones when flying at a high altitude, or 5 meters in slow flight mode.
Drones that are class-identified with the label C2 are able to be operated in subcategory A2 provided the drone meets the requirements for size and the remote pilot is able to pass an additional theoretical knowledge exam. This exam is designed to allow the remote pilot to assess their understanding of the technical and operational mitigations to address the additional risks of flying larger drones (class A2, less than 4kg mass), close to people. A successful passing of this exam is rewarded with a 'certificate of competence to fly category A2'.
There are transitional arrangements which allow older drones that are not certified, to be operated under the categories A1 or A2 for two years following the introduction of the new EU regulations. The drones of the past cannot be used to fly over people, and must have an A2 CofC.
To operate drones in this category, you must pass the regular online flyer ID test, and follow up with a second theory exam. Additionally, you must declare that you have gained some experience of your drone and pass a written declaration of competence. These requirements are similar to the driving license model, whereby a driver who first obtains their license for a vehicle of a lower category is then able to move on to a higher category.
A4
The DOH is preparing detailed guidelines for category A4. These guidelines will be in line with other operations, and will include specifics such as the number of dressings changed every 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 finalized 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 metres of people who are not involved in the incident. This is a relatively low-risk subcategory, however, strict precautions must still be taken to avoid accidents. Drones that are not classified in either A1 or A2 must pass an additional test of theoretical knowledge to be able to operate in this subcategory.
This test aims to determine the level of knowledge about the dangers of flying drones in close proximity to people. Successful completion of the test will result in an official certificate of competence for this subcategory. The operator must maintain at least 30 metres between the aircraft and any non-involved person, or 5 metres when flying in slow-flight mode.
If you are looking to get a motorcycle licence you must pass an amount of instruction classes to take the test, and then pass the practical test. The amount you need to complete depends on your age, ability and learning speed. But, at least 12 lessons of 90 minutes are required to be completed.
In these classes you will become familiar with your vehicle and traffic regulations. Moreover, you will receive helpful tips to drive in difficult terrain. In addition to the compulsory classes, you are required to attend a specified number of special rides.
The new category E blends the classes A1 (retail) A1 (retail) (financial services and professional services) B1 (offices) A4 (restaurants/cafes), and B5 for takeaway hot food. This category also includes health and medical purposes, creches and nursery schools, and indoor sports/recreational facilities. The new rules are likely to streamline the licensing process and cut costs. The landlords will now be able to make use of their properties in ways they are not currently allowed.