Lesson Title: EASA Operational Categories

Topic: Open Category

Introduction

Understanding the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) operational categories is critical for any drone pilot operating within EASA member states. EASA regulations ensure safe and standardized drone operations across Europe, which is essential for protecting people, property, and airspace. This lesson focuses on the Open Category, the most accessible and widely used operational category for hobbyists and professionals conducting low-risk drone flights. By the end of this lesson, you will understand the Open Category, its subcategories (A1, A2, A3), and how to determine which operational category applies to your flight.

Overview of EASA Operational Categories

EASA categorizes drone operations into three main categories based on the risk level associated with the flight:

1. Open Category:

   • Low-risk operations.
   • No prior authorization required.
   • Covers most recreational and some commercial flights.

2. Specific Category:

   • Medium-risk operations.
   • Requires operational authorization or a declaration.
   • Includes flights near people or in complex environments.

3. Certified Category:

   • High-risk operations.
   • Comparable to manned aviation standards.
   • Used for transporting goods or passengers with drones.

In this lesson, we focus on the Open Category, which applies to low-risk operations that meet specific criteria defined by EASA.

What is the Open Category?

The Open Category allows drone pilots to conduct operations without needing prior authorization from a competent authority, provided certain conditions are met. These operations are considered low-risk because they:

• Avoid flying over crowds or gatherings.
• Maintain visual line of sight (VLOS).
• Operate within specific weight and altitude limits.

To further classify operations, the Open Category is divided into three subcategories: A1, A2, and A3.

Open Category Subcategories

A1: Fly Over People

• Description: This subcategory allows drones to fly over uninvolved people but prohibits flying over crowds.
• Weight Limit:
  • Drones weighing less than 250g, or drones marked as C0 or C1 (CE class).
• Distance Requirements:
  • Fly close to people but avoid lingering directly above them.
• Examples:
  • Using a DJI Mini 3 Pro to capture aerial footage of a park (avoiding crowds).
• Key Regulation Reference: Reg 2019/947 Art. 4.

A2: Fly Close to People

• Description: Drones can fly close to people but must maintain a safe horizontal distance.
• Weight Limit:
  • Drones weighing between 250g and 2kg, or drones marked as C2 (CE class).
• Distance Requirements:
  • Maintain a horizontal distance of at least 30 meters from uninvolved people.
  • If using low-speed mode, this distance can be reduced to 5 meters.
• Examples:
  • Flying a DJI Air 2S to inspect a construction site near a residential area, keeping a safe distance from passersby.
• Key Regulation Reference: Reg 2019/947 Art. 4.

A3: Fly Far From People

• Description: Designed for drones operating in remote areas away from people and buildings.
• Weight Limit:
  • Drones weighing between 250g and 25kg, or drones marked as C3 or C4 (CE class).
• Distance Requirements:
  • Must maintain at least 150 meters from residential, commercial, industrial, or recreational areas.
• Examples:
  • Conducting agricultural surveys in open farmland using a DJI Matrice 300 RTK.
• Key Regulation Reference: Reg 2019/947 Art. 4.

Risk-Based Approach to Drone Regulation

EASA regulations follow a risk-based approach, meaning operational requirements are tailored to the level of risk associated with the flight. This ensures that low-risk operations, like those in the Open Category, are simple and accessible, while higher-risk operations require more stringent controls.

Factors influencing risk include:

• Drone weight: Heavier drones pose greater risks.
• Proximity to people: Flights near uninvolved people increase risk.
• Operational environment: Flying in urban areas or near airports is more complex.

The Open Category is designed to minimize risk by imposing restrictions on weight, altitude, proximity to people, and operational areas.

How to Determine Which Category Applies to Your Flight

To determine if your flight falls under the Open Category, ask yourself the following questions:

1. What is the weight of my drone?

   • If your drone weighs less than 25kg, it may qualify for the Open Category.

2. Where will I be flying?

   • Open Category operations are limited to environments with low risk to people and property.

3. Will I be flying near uninvolved people?

   • Depending on proximity, you may fall under A1, A2, or A3 subcategories.

4. Do I need authorization or special permissions?

   • If your operation exceeds the limits of the Open Category, you may need to apply for authorization under the Specific or Certified Category.

Practical Example:
Suppose you plan to fly a DJI Mini 2 (249g) in a park to take photos. This flight likely falls under A1 because the drone weighs less than 250g, and you can avoid flying over crowds.

Key Takeaways

• EASA divides drone operations into Open, Specific, and Certified categories based on risk.
• The Open Category covers low-risk operations and is further divided into subcategories A1, A2, and A3.
• Subcategories depend on drone weight, proximity to people, and operational environment.
• The risk-based approach ensures regulations are proportionate to the level of risk.
• To determine your category, consider drone weight, flight location, and proximity to uninvolved people.

Understanding the Open Category and its subcategories is essential for safe and compliant drone operations. As you progress through this learning path, you’ll gain deeper insights into European drone regulations and how to apply them effectively.

This concludes the lesson on the Open Category. In the next lesson, we will explore the Specific Category, including operational authorizations and standard scenarios. Stay tuned!