Category A1 Rules For Motorcyclists
Category a1 rules are for those who want to ride small motorcycles. These motorcycles have capacity of cylinders up to 35kW. They cannot be derived directly from vehicles with more than double their power.
The open category drone operations can be subdivided into three categories: 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 that have a maximum take-off mass (MTOM) of up to 25 kilograms. It requires a log of flights, a flight plan and an identification system for remote use and a geoawareness. The drone should be within sight of the pilot at all at all times. It is not permitted to fly over individuals or areas used for recreational, commercial or industrial reasons. The drone must also stay at a minimum of 120 meters above ground level.
If you plan to fly a drone that is not included in the above-mentioned categories You will need a special permission from the Civil Aviation Authority. This is referred to as an operational authorization. Here you can learn more about how to apply.
A1 applicants must have at least 16 years experience in two-wheeled vehicles. They must also complete compulsory basic training and pass a theory test and a practical test. They must also have an official medical certificate.
A1 license holders are able to ride two-wheeled mopeds so long as their capacity for cylinders is not greater than 125 cc, and their power to weight ratio is no more than 0.1 kg/kW. They can also drive motorcycles with an optimum cylinder capacity of 125cc as well as trikes, quad bikes and quad-bikes.
The category A1 driving license is designed to give easier access to the next vehicle category, which allows holders to drive vehicles with a maximum permissible mass of up to 35 kW. This allows you to learn to drive less powerful cars before transitioning to higher licence categories.
From January 1, 2024, current drones that do not have an CE mark can be operated within the subcategory of A1. This is because they are deemed to be low risk and don't pose a significant threat to the public. They must, however, remain at least 150 meters away from buildings, industries and recreation areas. Additionally, they must not fly over crowds or operate within 5 km of airfields and airports.
A2
You may be eligible for an A1 license after you have completed your CBT and are interested in obtaining an A1 motorcycle licence. This allows you to drive on a smaller motorcycle without a sidecar. The vehicle must have a maximum cylinder capacity of 125cc, and a maximum power output of 11 kW. The licence is only accessible to those who are 16 years of age. You can find out more about the different categories and their rules by looking up your driving licence information online.
You can also fly in the A2 category with drones with a mass of up to 4kg but you must keep them at an appropriate distance from people during take-off and landing. The drones should be at least 30m in horizontal distance from people in low-speed mode, or 5m if they are not in use. To fly in this category, you must also pass the A2 Certificate of Competence exam (A2 CofC).
If you plan to fly larger drones you will require a specific category operator's permit, which requires completing the General VLOS Certificate (GVC) training and flight assessment, plus creating an Operations Manual. The application process for a specific category permit is very like that of the PfCO and you can find more about the requirements in our comprehensive guide.
A2 allows you to fly drones with transitional capabilities, which are not yet CE-marked but have been modified to lessen collision risk with humans. You will only be able to fly these drones in A2 until the 2022 deadline, after which they'll be required to comply with A3 rules.
The A1 and A2 categories are designed to help you become a safe and confident motorcyclist. The number of lessons needed depends on your level of capability and the progress you are making in your learning, but you must complete a specific amount of special rides. This includes at least five-hour lesson on country roads as well as four on highways and three lessons at dawn or in darkness.
A3
This category allows flights with drones that have the maximum mass for take-off of up to 25 kilograms. It is a lower-risk operation, but strict precautions should be taken to mitigate potential incidents. A safety distance of 150 meters is required from residential, commercial, industrial and recreation areas. This also requires drones to be equipped with a remote identification system and a geoawareness system.
As with the Open category the tier is split into subcategories A1, A2 and A3. The A1 subcategory permits drones that have Class Identification Label C0 or C1 to fly over individuals who aren't involved. It imposes the requirement of a minimum distance of 30 meters from third parties when flying at an altitude of flight or 5 metres in slow flight mode.
Drones with the Class Identification Label C2 can be operated under subcategory A2 if they meet the requirements for size and the remote pilot has passed an additional theory test. This exam is designed to test the remote pilot's knowledge of the operational and technical mitigations to mitigate the risks of flying larger drones (class C2, less than 4kg mass) close to people. The certificate of ability to fly Category A2 is granted after successful completion of this test.
Due to the lack of certified drones in this category, there are 'transitional' arrangements that allow non-certified 'legacy' drones to be operated in categories A1 and A2 for two years following the new EU regulations take the market. Legacy drones are not permitted to be flown over the heads of people and must be operated by an A2 CofC.
To operate a drone within this category, you must first take the online test for identification of flyers and then pass a theory test. You must also declare that you have some actual understanding of your drone and submit a written declaration of competency. These requirements are similar to the driving licence model, whereby drivers who first get their licence for a lower category vehicle can then be upgraded to an upper category.
A4
The DOH is preparing specific guidelines for category A4. These 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. Before Highly recommended Reading are published, the guidelines will be reviewed and approved by both the DOH National Immunization Technical Advisory Group and the IATF EID.
In this category, drones that have a class identification label C0 and C1 are permitted to fly within a distance of 50 meters of people who are not involved. This is a category with low risk however, strict safety precautions are required to reduce incidents. Drones classified as A1 or A2 are required to pass an additional theoretical knowledge test in order to operate in this subcategory.
This examination aims to assess knowledge of the added risks associated with flying drones close to people. A successful passing of the test will result in a certificate of competence for this subcategory. The pilot must also maintain a minimum distance of 30 meters from any person who is not involved, or 5 meters when flying in a slow flight mode.
You will need to take an amount of lessons to pass the theory test, and then you have to pass the practical test. It is contingent on your age, capabilities and progress in learning. But, at least 12 lessons of 90 minutes should be completed.
During these lessons you will be able to understand your vehicle and traffic laws. Additionally, you will receive tips on how to drive in difficult situations. In addition to the mandatory lessons, you will need to take a specified number of special rides.
The new category E blends class 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). It also includes health/medical uses such as creches and nurseries, and indoor recreation facilities. The new licensing system is expected simplify and cut costs. The landlords will be able utilize their properties in ways that they are not currently allowed.