Category A1 Rules For Motorcyclists
The rules for Category A1 are designed for those who wish to ride small motorcycles. These vehicles have a maximum capacity of 35kW. They cannot be derived from vehicles with more than double their power.
The open category of drone operations can be divided into three subcategories A1 to A3. You can fly drones using the class label C0 or the A1 in the subcategory A1 (flying over people) up to January 2024.
A1
Category A1 is one of three drone categories subject to the control of EASA. It applies to aircrafts with a maximum takeoff mass (MTOM) that is 25 kilograms. It requires a flight schedule and a flight log, as well as remote identification systems and a geoawareness system. The drone should be in the view of the pilot at all times. It is not permitted to fly over people or areas used for recreational, commercial or industrial reasons. The drone must stay below 120 meters.
If you are planning to fly a drone which is not listed in the categories above, you will need an exclusive licence from the Civil Aviation Authority. This is known as an operational authorization. You can find more information about how to apply for this here.
A1 applicants must have at least 16 years of experience in riding two-wheeled vehicles. They must also have completed the obligatory basic training, and passed both a theory as well as a practical test. Moreover, they must possess a valid medical certificate.
A1 license holders are able to drive two-wheeled mopeds, as the cylinder capacity is no more than 125cc and their power to weight ratio is not more than 0.1 kg/kW. They are also able to drive motorcycles with the maximum capacity of 125 cc, as well as trikes and quad bikes as well as quad-bikes.
The category A1 licence is designed to make it easier for drivers to be able to move to the next vehicle category. This permits drivers to drive vehicles that have an maximum mass of 35 kW. This allows you to gain experience driving less powerful cars before moving up to higher categories of licence.
Up to January 1, 2024, current drones without an CE mark are able to be used within the subcategory of A1. This is because they are considered low risk and are not a major risk to the public. However, they must be at least 150 meters away from industries, buildings and recreational areas. In addition, they must not fly over crowds or operate within 5 kilometres of airfields and airports.
A2
If you've completed your CBT training and are seeking a motorcycle licence you could be eligible for a category A1 licence. This permits you to ride an unrestricted motorcycle without a sidecar. It must have the capacity of cylinders up to 125cc and a power output of up to 11kW. You must also be at least 16 years old to get this license. You can learn more about the various categories and the rules they apply to by looking up your driving licence information online.
You can also fly drones with an maximum weight of 4kg in the A2 category however, they must be kept at a safe distance away from people during take-off and landing. The distances of separation are lateral, not vertical, and the drones must be kept a minimum of 30m horizontally from uninvolved people or 5m when they're in 'low-speed mode'. To fly in this category, you need to be able to pass the A2 Certificate of Competence exam (A2 CofC).
If you wish to fly larger drones, you will need to apply for an operator's permit specific to a specific category and this requires completion of the General VLOS Certificate (GVC) training and flight assessment, as well as the preparation of an Operations Manual. The process of applying for a specific category permit is like that of a PfCO and you can learn more about the requirements in our detailed guide.
A2 allows you to fly drones with transitional capabilities, which are not yet CE-marked but have been modified to decrease collision risk with humans. These drones are only allowed to fly in A2 until end 2022. After More Support , they will have to adhere to the A3 rules.
The A1 and A2 categories will allow you to develop into a confident and secure motorcyclist. The number of lessons needed depends on your level of ability and your progress in learning, however, you must complete a specific amount of special rides. This includes at least five lessons on country roads, four on highways and three lessons in darkness or dawn.
A3
This category allows drones with an maximum takeoff mass of 25 kg. It is a lower-risk operation, however strict precautions must be taken to mitigate potential incidents. A distance of 150 metres is required between drones and commercial, residential industrial, recreational, and residential areas. This category also requires drones to be equipped with an identification system for remotes and a Geoawareness System.
This tier is also divided into sub categories: A1, A2 or even A3. The A1 subcategory allows flights over uninvolved people and is exclusively reserved for drones with the Class identification label C0 or C1. It is required to be at least 30 meters from third parties while flying at a flight height, or 5 metres in slow flight mode.
Drones with a Class identification label C2 can be operated in subcategory A2 in the event that the drone is in compliance with the dimensions required and the remote pilot passes an additional test of theoretical knowledge. This exam is designed to assess the remote pilot's knowledge of the technical and operational mitigations to mitigate the risks of flying larger drones (class C2, weighing less than 4kg mass) close to people. The certificate of ability to fly Category A2 is granted upon successful completion of the test.
There are transitional arrangements that permit older drones, that aren't certified, to be operated under categories A1 and/or A2 for a period of two years following the implementation of the new EU regulations. Legacy drones cannot be flown over persons, and must have an A2 CofC.
To operate a drone under this category, you must first take the online flyer identification test and then complete a theory exam. In addition, you must declare that you have gained some practical knowledge of your drone and pass an official declaration of competency. These requirements are similar to the driving licence model, whereby a driver who first obtains their licence for a vehicle of a lower category is then able to move on to an upper category.
A4
The DOH is currently working on detailed guidelines to be used for category A4. They will be in line with other procedures and will include specifics such as the number of dressing changes per 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 DOH's National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization will be reviewing and approving these guidelines prior to their being finalized.
Drones with the class identification label C0 or C1 can fly within 50 metres of people who are not involved in the incident. This is a category with low risk however, strict security measures are still required to minimize incidents. Drones classified as A1 or A2 are required to take an additional theoretical test to be able to operate in this subcategory.
This test is designed to assess knowledge of the added dangers of flying drones near people. The certificate of competence is awarded upon the successful completion of this test. The pilot must maintain at least 30 metres between the aircraft and any uninvolved persons or 5 metres when flying in slow-flight mode.
If you are looking to get a motorcycle licence it is necessary to complete a certain number of instruction classes to take the theory test, and then pass the practical test. The amount you need to complete depends on your age, ability and progress in learning. A minimum of 12 90-minute classes must be completed.
In these classes, you will learn about your vehicle and traffic laws. You will also learn valuable tips on how to operate your vehicle in difficult situations. In wydawanie prawa jazdy a1 to the compulsory classes, you are required to attend certain number of special rides.
The new category E effectively brings together the classes A1 (retail) A1 (retail) (financial services and professional services), B1 (offices) and A4 (restaurants/cafes), and A5 and B5 for hot food takeaway. It also includes health/medical uses such as creches and nurseries, and indoor sports/recreation facilities. The new licensing system is expected simplify and reduce costs. The landlords will be able use their properties in ways they are currently not permitted to do.