A2 Category - Flying Close to People

Open-Category Drone Operations

Introduction

Flying drones close to people is often a necessary part of real-world operations, whether you're inspecting infrastructure, capturing aerial footage, or conducting surveys. However, flying near people comes with increased risks and requires strict adherence to regulations. In Europe, the A2 subcategory within the Open category is specifically designed to regulate drone operations near uninvolved persons.

This lesson will provide a detailed overview of the A2 subcategory requirements, including horizontal distance rules, low-speed mode criteria, and the use of C2 class drones. By the end of this lesson, you'll have a clear understanding of how to operate safely and legally in the A2 subcategory, ensuring compliance with EASA regulations.

A2 Subcategory Requirements

The A2 subcategory is part of the Open category of operations defined by Regulation (EU) 2019/947. The Open category is designed for low-risk drone operations and is divided into three subcategories: A1, A2, and A3.

In the A2 subcategory, drones can fly close to uninvolved people under specific conditions. The operator must meet strict requirements to ensure safety:

• Drone Class: You must use a drone certified as a C2 class aircraft, as defined by Regulation (EU) 2019/945.
• Competency Certification: Remote pilots must hold an A2 Certificate of Competency, obtained by passing an official theoretical exam.
• Operational Limits: Flights must follow minimum horizontal distance rules:
  • Maintain at least 30 meters from uninvolved persons.
  • Reduce this distance to 5 meters if the drone operates in low-speed mode.
• Visual Line of Sight (VLOS): Operations must remain within VLOS, meaning the drone must always be visible to the pilot.

5m and 30m Horizontal Distance Rules

30m Rule

The A2 subcategory requires operators to keep their drone at least 30 meters horizontally away from uninvolved persons. This is the default safety distance to minimize the risk of injury in case of malfunction or loss of control.

5m Rule (Low-Speed Mode)

When operating in low-speed mode, the horizontal distance can be reduced to 5 meters. Low-speed mode is a feature available in C2 class drones, designed to reduce kinetic energy and increase control precision.

What is Low-Speed Mode?

Low-speed mode limits the drone’s maximum speed to 3 meters per second (approx. 10.8 km/h). This significantly decreases the potential harm caused by the drone in case of impact. Remote pilots must ensure low-speed mode is activated before flying closer than 30 meters to people.

Practical Example

Imagine you're filming a public event with a C2 class drone:

• If you’re flying at regular speed, you must keep the drone 30 meters away from the crowd.
• If the drone has low-speed mode activated, you can reduce the distance to 5 meters for close-up shots, ensuring compliance with safety requirements.

C2 Class Drones

The C2 class is one of the drone classes introduced by Regulation (EU) 2019/945. These drones are specifically designed for operations requiring enhanced safety measures, such as those in the A2 subcategory.

Key Features of C2 Class Drones

• Weight: Maximum take-off mass between 900 grams and 4 kilograms.
• Low-Speed Mode: Must have a feature limiting the drone’s speed to 3 m/s for safer close-range operations.
• Remote Identification: Must include a system for electronic identification, allowing authorities to track the drone during flight.
• Geo-awareness: Equipped with technology to alert pilots about restricted or dangerous airspace.

Practical Consideration

Before purchasing a drone for A2 operations, ensure it has the C2 class marking. This certification is mandatory to fly in the A2 subcategory. Always check the manufacturer’s specifications and confirm compliance with Regulation (EU) 2019/945.

A2 Certificate of Competency

To operate in the A2 subcategory, drone pilots must obtain an A2 Certificate of Competency, as outlined in Regulation (EU) 2019/947 Art. 8. This certificate demonstrates that the pilot has the theoretical knowledge required to safely conduct operations near uninvolved persons.

How to Obtain the A2 Certificate

1. Training Program: Complete an approved A2 training course provided by an EASA-recognized organization.
2. Theoretical Exam: Pass a multiple-choice exam covering key topics, including:
   • Meteorology and environmental conditions.
   • UAS technical features.
   • Navigation and airspace awareness.
   • Risk assessment and mitigation.
3. Self-Practice: Pilots must also declare that they have practiced specific maneuvers to ensure operational proficiency.

Real-World Application

Holding an A2 Certificate allows you to legally conduct operations that require closer proximity to people, such as inspecting urban infrastructure or capturing footage at public events.

Key Takeaways

• The A2 subcategory allows drone pilots to fly closer to uninvolved people under strict conditions.
• Maintain a 30m horizontal distance from people, or reduce it to 5m when operating in low-speed mode.
• Only C2 class drones can be used for A2 operations, as they meet enhanced safety and technical standards.
• Remote pilots must hold an A2 Certificate of Competency, which is obtained through training and passing a theoretical exam.
• Always activate low-speed mode before flying closer than 30m to people, and ensure compliance with all EASA regulations.

By understanding and following the A2 subcategory requirements, you’ll be able to conduct operations near people safely and legally. This knowledge is essential for building your skills as a responsible drone pilot and expanding the scope of your drone activities.