Drone Licence for the European Union

[Yuki]

Hi Everyone,

Bit nervous with my first post, I tried using the 'search tool' to check on any information about using a suitable and cost effective place online to obtain my drone licence for the EU.

I have an Air 3, so I guess that puts me in the A1/A2 subcategory.

I don't want to spam or advertise any firm but I checked out 'Drone Class' and they charge 82 Euros, that's about $150 AUD. It looks like a pretty in depth test.

Any feedback, ideas, or other recommendations please before I proceed?

And I thought I would pack the drone in my carry on and off I go around the planet, boy was I wrong!

You may DM links if that helps to avoid any spamming, I don't want to break any house rules.

To the moderators my apologies if a thread of this kind already exist, or if I have started it in the wrong section, feel free to move.

Chris

 

[wco81]

For recreational flying, you can take an online quiz and get a pilot license, good for 4 or 5 years.

I studied/practiced online on the France drone site. They had the training and test in English as well as French. Not sure if that's still the case, can't load the AlphaTango site right now.

Other factor to consider is, does your Air 3 have the C1 label denoting that it's certified for the A1/A2 subcategory?

 

[Yuki]

For recreational flying, you can take an online quiz and get a pilot license, good for 4 or 5 years.

I studied/practiced online on the France drone site. They had the training and test in English as well as French. Not sure if that's still the case, can't load the AlphaTango site right now.

Other factor to consider is, does your Air 3 have the C1 label denoting that it's certified for the A1/A2 subcategory?

Thank you for the info I will look at the France drone site. As for the label I will need to take a look at the drone for its certification however according to the EASA site it indicates less then 900 grams is C1. Thanks again mate.

 

[wco81]

DJI isn't distributing those labels, despite spending money and time to certify their drones, to regions outside the EU.

So for instance, Americans have to jump through hoops to try to get those labels if they also plan to fly in Europe.

 

[Yuki]

DJI isn't distributing those labels, despite spending money and time to certify their drones, to regions outside the EU.

So for instance, Americans have to jump through hoops to try to get those labels if they also plan to fly in Europe.

My Air 3 purchased in AU has the Class Category labelled on the bottom of the drone.

Anyone that is not an EU resident has a lot hoops to jump.

I am planning to travel to Greece later this year.

I've had to obtain the UAS Operators Licence, no cost involved, next I need the Remote Pilot Licence, then I need to declare my flight activity via a specific Greek Map plotting site, submit them all with my Drone details, etc, and then I will need to wait to see what they approve or reject. Sheeesh, that's a lot of work to play with my toy.

 

[DARKSeifer]

Both the drone operator ID and the A1/A3 certificates are free. You need to get them from the webpage of the responsible for the aerial security of the country you intend to fly in. Once you got the operator ID and the A1/A3 certificate it works everywhere, except in UK maybe, IDK.

A2 is also free if you want it to fly >900g drones near to people instead of 150m.

Drone laws are not universal and vary from country to country, so check the official regulation map of the intended place you want to fly on.

You get the papers just in case, but the best advice is to not expose and allways hit&run when droning, specially if you are flying under controlled airspace, as there are probably Aeroscopes or RID receivers listening. Although drones are legal to fly, are so restricted that basically are forbidden between the lines; it's impossible to comply with everything, so you basically have to choose between flying or complying.

Either fly form private property, hence reaching to you is trespassing, or hide yourself, fly a battery and move away.

The best scenario to fly is A3 (150m from everything), as has little limitations and chances to get interrupted are low, but you probably want to get some decent pictures, so you are 100% going to not comply; just put yourself ahead of it to not get caught while flying.

PS: The drone switches automatically to CE mode when it's in Europe, so I recommend you get an FCC hack.

 

[Felix le Chat]

Both the drone operator ID and the A1/A3 certificates are free. You need to get them from the webpage of the responsible for the aerial security of the country you intend to fly in. Once you got the operator ID and the A1/A3 certificate it works everywhere, except in UK maybe, IDK.

A2 is also free if you want it to fly >900g drones near to people instead of 150m.

Drone laws are not universal and vary from country to country, so check the official regulation map of the intended place you want to fly on.

You get the papers just in case, but the best advice is to not expose and allways hit&run when droning, specially if you are flying under controlled airspace, as there are probably Aeroscopes or RID receivers listening. Although drones are legal to fly, are so restricted that basically are forbidden between the lines; it's impossible to comply with everything, so you basically have to choose between flying or complying.

Either fly form private property, hence reaching to you is trespassing, or hide yourself, fly a battery and move away.

The best scenario to fly is A3 (150m from everything), as has little limitations and chances to get interrupted are low, but you probably want to get some decent pictures, so you are 100% going to not comply; just put yourself in an advantage position to not get caught while doing it.

PS: The drone switches automatically to CE mode when it's in Europe, so I recommend you get an FCC hack.

Good answer. Concur that A1/A3 open category only requires AA registration and the relevant OP alpha-string registration printed on a sticker and applied to the drone. The fee for this is peppercorn. An A2CofC is not required for flights in the open category, so save your money.

 

[Yuki]

Good answer. Concur that A1/A3 open category only requires AA registration and the relevant OP alpha-string registration printed on a sticker and applied to the drone. The fee for this is peppercorn. An A2CofC is not required for flights in the open category, so save your money.

Felix le Chat & DARKSeifer thank you for the copious amounts of information, it has certainly taken me to another universe of learning. I will need to digest the information & do some research to try to understand what you have explained. I will get back to you soon. Have a great weekend

 

[wco81]

My Air 3 purchased in AU has the Class Category labelled on the bottom of the drone.

Anyone that is not an EU resident has a lot hoops to jump.

I am planning to travel to Greece later this year.

I've had to obtain the UAS Operators Licence, no cost involved, next I need the Remote Pilot Licence, then I need to declare my flight activity via a specific Greek Map plotting site, submit them all with my Drone details, etc, and then I will need to wait to see what they approve or reject. Sheeesh, that's a lot of work to play with my toy.

I'm actually going to do that for both Portugal and Greece.

 

[wco81]

Both the drone operator ID and the A1/A3 certificates are free. You need to get them from the webpage of the responsible for the aerial security of the country you intend to fly in. Once you got the operator ID and the A1/A3 certificate it works everywhere, except in UK maybe, IDK.

A2 is also free if you want it to fly >900g drones near to people instead of 150m.

Drone laws are not universal and vary from country to country, so check the official regulation map of the intended place you want to fly on.

You get the papers just in case, but the best advice is to not expose and allways hit&run when droning, specially if you are flying under controlled airspace, as there are probably Aeroscopes or RID receivers listening. Although drones are legal to fly, are so restricted that basically are forbidden between the lines; it's impossible to comply with everything, so you basically have to choose between flying or complying.

Either fly form private property, hence reaching to you is trespassing, or hide yourself, fly a battery and move away.

The best scenario to fly is A3 (150m from everything), as has little limitations and chances to get interrupted are low, but you probably want to get some decent pictures, so you are 100% going to not comply; just put yourself ahead of it to not get caught while flying.

PS: The drone switches automatically to CE mode when it's in Europe, so I recommend you get an FCC hack.

What do you mean by A1/A2/A3 certificates.

Are these the same as the CE labels, such as C1 or C2, with the number of the category in the middle of a wing-like symbol?

UAS Certification | EU Drone Port™ 🇪🇺

Obtain the UAS Class Label & CE marking by passing the required tests according to Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945.

eudroneport.com

Supposedly drones must have these labels and the only way to fly A1 category is to have a C1 label. However, it's not clear how much they enforce or check drones for these labels if the police or other authorities see you flying a drone.

 

[Felix le Chat]

What do you mean by A1/A2/A3 certificates.

Are these the same as the CE labels, such as C1 or C2, with the number of the category in the middle of a wing-like symbol?

UAS Certification | EU Drone Port™ 🇪🇺

Obtain the UAS Class Label & CE marking by passing the required tests according to Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945.

eudroneport.com

Supposedly drones must have these labels and the only way to fly A1 category is to have a C1 label. However, it's not clear how much they enforce or check drones for these labels if the police or other authorities see you flying a drone.

The A1/A3 and the A2CofC are certificates of competence issued by the relevant Aviation Authority - A1/A3 is very similar to the US TRUST cert. On- line test... multiple choice questions. Probably cost you about 10 euros.

The A2CofC is a separate certificate that costs you a fee paid to an accredited training body. It gives you slightly greater operational leeway in how and where you fly the drone, but isn't really useful for recreational flights - it affects the 'specific' and 'certified' class of operations more. Average cost: between 70 and 120 euros.

The 'C' classification sticker on the drone determines that it is in compliance with the rules concerning MTOM (Maximum Take Off Mass) for each separate weight class from 250grms upwards. It has very little to do with how that drone is deployed... unless you break the regulations.

There is an at-a-glance crib table that tells you the rules for flying each class of drone in the three categories of 'open: specified: and certified'. You'll find it by looking on the EASA website. There is a similar one for the UK: find it on the CAA website.

 

[wco81]

Ah thanks, so pilot registration, passing the online test.

As for as the C classification stickers, like I said DJI isn't distributing them on drones sold outside the EU.

In fact you have to request the labels from their app while you're in the EU and they will only mail it to EU addresses.

At least as of a year or two ago.

I'm not even sure the drones they sell in the EU comes with the stickers on the aircraft or in the box. EU owners may also have to request the labels.

But I've yet to hear of people flying in the EU being required to have their drones checked for the label.

 

[Yuki]

Both the drone operator ID and the A1/A3 certificates are free. You need to get them from the webpage of the responsible for the aerial security of the country you intend to fly in. Once you got the operator ID and the A1/A3 certificate it works everywhere, except in UK maybe, IDK.

A2 is also free if you want it to fly >900g drones near to people instead of 150m.

Drone laws are not universal and vary from country to country, so check the official regulation map of the intended place you want to fly on.

You get the papers just in case, but the best advice is to not expose and allways hit&run when droning, specially if you are flying under controlled airspace, as there are probably Aeroscopes or RID receivers listening. Although drones are legal to fly, are so restricted that basically are forbidden between the lines; it's impossible to comply with everything, so you basically have to choose between flying or complying.

Either fly form private property, hence reaching to you is trespassing, or hide yourself, fly a battery and move away.

The best scenario to fly is A3 (150m from everything), as has little limitations and chances to get interrupted are low, but you probably want to get some decent pictures, so you are 100% going to not comply; just put yourself ahead of it to not get caught while flying.

PS: The drone switches automatically to CE mode when it's in Europe, so I recommend you get an FCC hack.

​

@DARKSeifer what are the pros & cons if I do not revert to FCC mode for my Air 3?

In Greece I want to maintain VLOS at all times - max 200-300 metres, and an altitude of max 120 metres, will I have a signal issue, I will be on islands.

 

[Brojon]

Hi Everyone,

Bit nervous with my first post, I tried using the 'search tool' to check on any information about using a suitable and cost effective place online to obtain my drone licence for the EU.

I have an Air 3, so I guess that puts me in the A1/A2 subcategory.

I don't want to spam or advertise any firm but I checked out 'Drone Class' and they charge 82 Euros, that's about $150 AUD. It looks like a pretty in depth test.

Any feedback, ideas, or other recommendations please before I proceed?

And I thought I would pack the drone in my carry on and off I go around the planet, boy was I wrong!

You may DM links if that helps to avoid any spamming, I don't want to break any house rules.

To the moderators my apologies if a thread of this kind already exist, or if I have started it in the wrong section, feel free to move.

Chris

Lookup my posts about Germany and you can see all teh steps and requirements.
The biggest is you have to have personal and property damage insurance - used to be a million euros but I think is now something like 250,00.
You take the EASA test for free then you have to apply for an operator license in any EU country. This is where you will need to submit your EASA cert and proof of insurance.
Your Air 3 will need to have a sticker saying it complies with EU and the class. This does not come with any drone sold outside the EU. I went through that process and finally got DJI to send me the sticker for my Air 2S.
In short - it's not as easy as some folks make out.
OR - you can ignore the requirements and take your chances.
Drones and batteries should be in your carry on - the batteries are a must regulations, the drone just to keep it from being damaged.

 

[Yuki]

Lookup my posts about Germany and you can see all teh steps and requirements.
The biggest is you have to have personal and property damage insurance - used to be a million euros but I think is now something like 250,00.
You take the EASA test for free then you have to apply for an operator license in any EU country. This is where you will need to submit your EASA cert and proof of insurance.
Your Air 3 will need to have a sticker saying it complies with EU and the class. This does not come with any drone sold outside the EU. I went through that process and finally got DJI to send me the sticker for my Air 2S.
In short - it's not as easy as some folks make out.
OR - you can ignore the requirements and take your chances.
Drones and batteries should be in your carry on - the batteries are a must regulations, the drone just to keep it from being damaged.

Hi @Brojon thank you so much for the information every little bit counts for any non EU resident wanting to enter the European Union.

As I will only be travelling to Greece I have now received my UAS Operator Registration from the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA), next is the free Pilot Licence Test, and then finally declare to HCAA my flight schedule for the period I will be in Greece. I want to be 100% 'legal' and adhere to their rules.

HCAA have not mentioned anything about any 'sticker' as per what you have mentioned through their entire step by step process. Details of my aircraft (brand, weight, serial number, class, # of rotors, max speed etc) are completed in the application process, nothing about a sticker.

Excellent advice about putting the drone & batteries (separately) in the carry-on.

Cheers, Chris.

 

[Arthur.N]

Lookup my posts about Germany and you can see all teh steps and requirements.
The biggest is you have to have personal and property damage insurance - used to be a million euros but I think is now something like 250,00.
You take the EASA test for free then you have to apply for an operator license in any EU country. This is where you will need to submit your EASA cert and proof of insurance.
Your Air 3 will need to have a sticker saying it complies with EU and the class. This does not come with any drone sold outside the EU. I went through that process and finally got DJI to send me the sticker for my Air 2S.
In short - it's not as easy as some folks make out.
OR - you can ignore the requirements and take your chances.
Drones and batteries should be in your carry on - the batteries are a must regulations, the drone just to keep it from being damaged.

Hi,
Can you share the list of steps (contacts where to send request) to get such sticker? Since I also have Air 2S and wish to take it to Dolimites this summer.
Thanks.

 

[sonicracer]

As for as the C classification stickers, like I said DJI isn't distributing them on drones sold outside the EU.

In fact you have to request the labels from their app while you're in the EU and they will only mail it to EU addresses.

I'm on my 4th DJI drone in the EU and can confirm that they come with the class sticker on the drone. In my case a class 0 on the mini 4 pro. It comes with a loose class 1 sticker, in case you want to use a plus battery or a strobe making the drone weight exceed the 250 grams, at which point you fly in class 1.

 

[wco81]

I'm on my 4th DJI drone in the EU and can confirm that they come with the class sticker on the drone. In my case a class 0 on the mini 4 pro. It comes with a loose class 1 sticker, in case you want to use a plus battery or a strobe making the drone weight exceed the 250 grams, at which point you fly in class 1.

Thanks for the information.

Yeah I've considered purchasing a C1-compliant drone in the EU instead of the US because of the class sticker issue.

DJI doesn't appear interested in making it easier for people who buy their drones outside of the EU to get the stickers.

But last year, I've flown my Mavic 2 Pro in some EU locations and didn't see any sign of increased enforcement or the authorities actively checking for stickers.

I'd obviously prefer to have the stickers but I worry that even if I purchased a drone in the EU, at greater expense given the value of the Euro, I'd not be able to get warranty support in the US.

 

[Yuki]

I live in AU, the Class is already attached on the Air 3.

In all due respect I do not understand the fuss about having it or not.

If you want to fly legally in any EU country, without fuss or worry, then you apply via the correct channels, all the details what you are flying, where etc is detailed in your applications.

 

[DarR-T]

Slightly off topic but relevant:
Here's a summary for <250g drones:
BTW, I have a license in each of the three countries below.

• USA (FAA): +1 License is require, +1 it's free, +1 online for everyone, +1 It's permanent, +1 No drone registration.
• Canada (TC): -1 License not required, -1 @$10 fee, +1 online for everyone, +1 It's permanent, +1 No drone registration.
• UK (CAA): -1 License not required, +1 it's free, +1 online for everyone, -1 Not permanent, -1 drone registration required.

For >250g drones: License and Registration are required for all three countries above.

IMHO, The UK's CAA regulations are not only upside-down but overly complicated and poorly written. For sub-250g RPA's, the CAA should care more about the pilots qualification for safety and knowledge than who's responsible for a drone. Consequently, Flyer ID (the license) should be mandatory while registration of a <250g drone should not be required. This would facilitate tourism and reciprocal agreements for licensed pilots with Canada and the US where registration of sub-250g drone is not required.

Looking forward to having a EU license as well but it seemed overly bureaucratic.

As as complement, Here's what I had to get for flying a drone in the Bahamas. Cost US$30
Yes, It's a cash grab.