Category A1 Rules For Motorcyclists
The rules for category a1 apply to those who wish to ride small motorcycles. They have capacity of up to 35kW. They cannot be built from vehicles with more than twice their power.
Open category drone operations are divided into three subcategories - A1 to A3. You can fly current drones that have class label C0 or C1 in the A1 subcategory (fly over people) until January 2024.
A1
Category A1 is one of the three EASA drone categories that applies to aircrafts with a maximum take-off weight (MTOM) of up to 25 kilograms. It requires a flight schedule and a flight log along with remote identification systems and geoawareness technology. The drone must remain in the view of the pilot. It is prohibited to fly over individuals or areas used for commercial, recreational or industrial reasons. The drone must also stay below 120 meters above ground level.
If you want to fly drones that aren't included in the above-mentioned categories You will need an exclusive license from the Civil Aviation Authority. This is referred to as an operational authorization. You can find out more on how to apply for this here.
A1 applicants must have at least 16 years experience in two-wheeled vehicles. They must also have completed the obligatory basic training and pass both a theory as well as a practical test. Moreover, they must possess an official medical certificate.
A1 license holders are able to ride two-wheeled mopeds so the capacity for cylinders is not greater than 125 cc and their power to weight ratio is not greater than 0.1 kg/kW. They can also ride motorcycles that have a maximum cylinder capacity of 125 cc, as well as trikes, quad bikes and quad-bikes.
The category A1 driving license is designed to give easier access to the next category, which allows holders to drive vehicles with a maximum permissible mass of up to 35 kW. This is an incentive to get some experience driving vehicles with less power before moving onto the higher categories of licence.
Drones that are in use but do not have the CE mark are able to be operated under the subcategory "A1" until January 1st 2024. This is because they are thought to be low risk and are not a major risk to the general public. They must, however, be at least 150 meters away from industrial buildings, and recreational areas. They must also not fly over crowds or within 5 kilometers of airfields or airports.
A2
If you've completed your CBT training and are seeking a motorcycle licence, you may be qualified for a category A1 licence. This permits you to ride an unrestricted motorcycle without any sidecar. The motorcycle must have a maximum capacity of 125cc, as well as an output power of 11 kW. You must be at least 16 years old to obtain this licence. Viewing your driving licence online will allow you to know more about the different categories and rules.
You can also fly drones that have a maximum mass of 4kg in the A2 category however, they must be kept at a safe distance from people during take-off and landing. The separation distances are horizontal, not vertical, and the drones must be kept to 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 wish to fly larger drones you will require an operator's permit for a specific category and this requires completion of the General VLOS Certificate (GVC) training and flight assessment, plus preparing an Operations Manual. The process for applying is similar to that of a PfCO. Learn more about the requirements in our detailed guide.
A2 can also allow drones that are transitional that are not yet CE registered, but have been modified to lower the risk of collisions with other people. our source will only be permitted to fly in A2 up until the end of 2022. After that, they'll need to be in compliance with the A3 rules.
The A1 and A2 categories are designed to assist you in becoming a safe and confident motorcyclist. The number of lessons required depends on your level of ability and progress in learning, however, you must complete a specific amount of special rides. This includes at least five-hour lesson on country roads, four on highways, and three lessons at dawn or at night.
A3
This type of flight is for drones having a maximum take-off mass of up to 25kg. Although it is a lower risk operation, strict measures must be taken to minimize possible incidents. A distance of 150m is required between drones and residential, commercial industrial, recreational, and residential areas. This also requires drones to have an identification system for remotes and geoawareness systems.
Similar to the Open category this tier is subdivided into sub categories A1, A2 and A3. The A1 subcategory permits drones that have Class Identification Label C0 or C1 to fly above people who are not involved. It imposes the requirement of a minimum distance of 30 meters from any third party when flying at a high altitude or 5 metres in slow flight mode.
Drones with a Class identification label C2 are able to be operated in subcategory A2 provided the drone meets the dimensions required and the remote pilot passes an additional exam of theoretical knowledge. This exam is designed for the remote pilot to evaluate their knowledge of the technical and operation mitigations that address the extra dangers associated with flying larger drones (class A2, less than 4kg mass), close to people. Successful completion of this exam is rewarded with an 'attestation of competence to fly in category A2'.
Due to the lack of certified drones in this category There are 'transitional' arrangements that allow non-certified 'legacy' drones to be operated in the categories A1 and A2 for a period of two years following the new EU regulations come into effect. Legacy drones are not permitted to be intentionally flown above people and must be operated by an A2 CofC.
To operate a drone under this category, you need to first complete the online flyer identification test and then pass a theory exam. In addition, you must declare that you have gained some experience of your drone, and submit an official declaration of competence. These requirements are similar in nature to the driving license model in that drivers who first get their license for a vehicle in a lower category is then able to move on to an upper category.
A4
The DOH is preparing specific guidelines for category A4. These will be consistent with the other procedures and will include details such as the number of dressing changes each 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. The IATF-EID and the DOH-National Immunization Technical Advisory Group will be reviewing and approving these guidelines before they are finalized.
In this category, drones with an identification label for class C0 and C1 are able to fly within a distance of 50 metres from uninvolved people. This is a very low-risk subcategory, but stringent precautions must be taken to prevent accidents. Drones classified as A1 or A2 are required to be able to pass an additional theoretical test to be able to operate in this subcategory.
This test aims to determine knowledge of the added risks associated with flying drones near people. The certificate of competence is awarded upon the successful completion of this test. The operator must maintain a minimum of 30 metres between the aircraft and all uninvolved persons, or 5 metres when flying in slow-flight mode.
You will need to take some time to pass the theory test, and then you have to pass the practical test. This depends on your age, abilities and progress in learning. However, a minimum of 12 lessons of 90 minutes are required to be completed.
During these lessons you will be able to understand your vehicle and traffic laws. You will also learn valuable tips on how to drive in difficult situations. It is also necessary to attend 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) and 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 recreation facilities and sports facilities. The change is likely to streamline the licensing process as well as reduce costs. It will also permit landlords to utilize their buildings in ways that aren't currently allowed.