EASA A1/A3 case studies
EASA A1/A3 · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The 'open' category is the reference framework for the majority of leisure drone activities and low-risk commercial activities in Europe, and it splits into three subcategories: A1 (fly over people, but not over assemblies of people), A2 (fly close to people) and A3 (fly far from people). The A1/A3 'Proof of completion for online training' is the first rung of that ladder. You obtain it by completing the online training and passing the online theoretical exam, and EASA lists it as the remote pilot competence requirement for C1 drones (under 900 g), C3 and C4 drones (under 25 kg), privately built drones, and drones without a class identification label placed on the market before 31 December 2023 that fall in the heavier band. It is also the prerequisite for the A2 remote pilot certificate of competency. The EASA A1/A3 case studies are 5 cases and about 2,429 words.
1Parachute NOTAM beside a glider site
You are at a rural site in Class G airspace, planning a 25-minute flight with a 900 g drone at 90 m AGL to photograph a hedge line. Four kilometres away is an uncontrolled aerodrome with published glider circuits up to 600 m.
464 words, about 2 min2Paid roof inspection abroad with leisure insurance
You are registered as a UAS operator in your home EU Member State. You travel to another EU Member State for a one-off paid roof inspection for a friend's company.
507 words, about 3 min3Fifth flight in heat and glare
You are flying a 900 g drone at 100 m AGL on a clear July afternoon at 34°C. It is your fifth flight in four hours after a short night.
479 words, about 2 min4Return-to-home over a campsite
You are flying a 1.2 kg drone in an open field at 110 m AGL, 400 m from you. Wind rises from 8 to 18 kt and the battery falls from 45% to 25% in two minutes.
488 words, about 2 min5Property video with neighbours in frame
A client asks you to photograph a house for a sale listing using a 1.2 kg drone. The house has a small garden; neighbouring gardens are 3 m away.
491 words, about 2 min