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EASA A1/A3 study materials
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EASA A1/A3 practice questions

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Question 1Air safety

What is the maximum height above the surface at which a drone may be flown in the open category?

  1. 250 m
  2. 120 m Correct answer.
  3. 150 m
  4. 50 m

Explanation

In the open category the unmanned aircraft must never be flown higher than 120 m above the nearest point of the Earth's surface. This ceiling applies to subcategories A1, A2 and A3, and national rules may set a lower figure in particular areas.

Question 2Air safety

During an open-category flight, the remote pilot must keep the unmanned aircraft within:

  1. the range of the command and control link at all times
  2. visual line of sight at all times Correct answer.
  3. a radius of 500 m from the remote pilot
  4. the manufacturer's geo-fenced area at all times

Explanation

Open-category operations require continuous visual line of sight, so the remote pilot can see the aircraft and scan the surrounding airspace without aids other than corrective lenses. The limit is not a fixed distance but the ability to see and avoid.

Question 3Air safety

In subcategory A3, what is the minimum horizontal distance that must be kept from residential, commercial, industrial or recreational areas?

  1. 50 m
  2. 100 m
  3. 1000 m
  4. 150 m Correct answer.

Explanation

A3 flights must take place at a horizontal distance of at least 150 m from residential, commercial, industrial or recreational areas. This separation protects uninvolved people if control of the aircraft is lost.

Question 4Air safety

You are flying in A1 over an empty field when a group of uninvolved people walks in below your aircraft. What is the correct response?

  1. Move the aircraft clear of the people Correct answer.
  2. Land straight down onto the nearest open spot
  3. Continue, because the aircraft was already airborne
  4. Climb to the maximum permitted height and carry on

Explanation

In A1 the aircraft must not be flown over uninvolved people, and if they appear unexpectedly the remote pilot must move away as soon as practicable. Climbing does not remove the overflight, and dropping towards an uncontrolled area can create a new hazard.

Question 5Air safety

You plan to fly in the open category 4 km from an aerodrome, inside a zone published for that aerodrome. What is required?

  1. Nothing, provided you stay below 120 m
  2. Filing a flight plan with the network manager
  3. Authorisation from the aerodrome operator or the competent authority Correct answer.
  4. Holding a radio operator's certificate

Explanation

Operations in the vicinity of aerodromes, where a zone has been established by the competent authority, require prior authorisation from the aerodrome operator and/or that authority. Staying below 120 m does not exempt a flight from this requirement.

Question 6Air safety

Which source should be checked before a flight for temporary airspace restrictions such as a NOTAM?

  1. The operator's insurance policy
  2. A consumer weather application
  3. Official aeronautical information published by the State Correct answer.
  4. The drone's quick-start leaflet

Explanation

Temporary restrictions are published through the State's official aeronautical information service, for example as NOTAM. Checking this information is part of flight planning and is separate from checking the weather.

Question 7Air safety

What does the geo-awareness function required on many drones provide?

  1. A warning when the aircraft approaches restricted airspace Correct answer.
  2. An automatic landing whenever a restriction exists
  3. A live weather forecast for the flight area
  4. A guarantee that the drone cannot collide

Explanation

Geo-awareness compares the aircraft's position with a database of airspace restrictions and alerts the remote pilot. It is an aid only: the pilot remains responsible for complying with the restrictions.

Question 8Air safety

Which weather condition most directly limits the stability and control of a small multirotor?

  1. Thin high cloud
  2. A cold surface temperature
  3. Gusting wind Correct answer.
  4. High relative humidity

Explanation

Small drones have limited thrust margins, so gusts can exceed what the flight controller can correct, reducing stability and pushing the aircraft off its planned track. Wind also shortens the achievable range.

Question 9Air safety

What is the effect of cold weather on a lithium-polymer flight battery?

  1. No measurable change in performance
  2. Reduced capacity and shorter flight time Correct answer.
  3. A higher usable capacity
  4. Higher motor efficiency

Explanation

Cold temperatures raise the internal resistance of lithium cells, so the voltage sags under load and less of the stored energy can be used. The practical result is a shorter flight time and a greater risk of sudden power loss.

Question 10Air safety

A manned helicopter is approaching the area where you are flying. What should you do?

  1. Climb so that the pilot can see you more easily
  2. Turn towards the helicopter so that you are noticed
  3. Give way and descend or land if needed Correct answer.
  4. Maintain your track, since you are below 120 m

Explanation

Manned aircraft always have priority, and the remote pilot must apply see-and-avoid. Descending or landing removes the risk of conflict, whereas climbing towards a manned aircraft makes the situation worse.

Question 11Air safety

Which statement about alcohol is correct for remote pilots?

  1. The rule applies only to commercial flights
  2. A small amount improves reaction time
  3. The rule applies only above 120 m
  4. Flying while under the influence is prohibited Correct answer.

Explanation

A remote pilot must not operate an unmanned aircraft while under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medication that affects fitness to fly. The prohibition applies to every flight, recreational or commercial, at any height.

Question 12Air safety

You feel very tired before a planned flight in a busy area. What is the safest decision?

  1. Fly at low altitude to reduce the risk
  2. Rely on the automatic return-to-home function
  3. Fly a shorter flight and drink coffee
  4. Postpone the flight until you are rested Correct answer.

Explanation

Fatigue slows reaction time and degrades judgement, which are exactly the skills needed to keep the aircraft clear of people and obstacles. Automation is not a substitute for an alert remote pilot.

Question 13Air safety

Which item forms part of a normal pre-flight check?

  1. Battery charge, propellers and firmware status Correct answer.
  2. The colour scheme of the airframe
  3. Your social media posts for the day
  4. The insured value of the aircraft

Explanation

A pre-flight check confirms that the aircraft is airworthy: its power source, structural parts such as propellers, and software status. The check also covers the flight environment, but not administrative or cosmetic matters.

Question 14Air safety

The command and control link is lost and the aircraft begins its programmed failsafe. What should the remote pilot do?

  1. Keep the control station on and monitor the aircraft Correct answer.
  2. Leave the area immediately
  3. Run towards the aircraft to regain sight of it
  4. Switch the transmitter off to force a landing

Explanation

The failsafe is designed to bring the aircraft to a predictable safe state, so the control station should stay powered so that the link can be re-established. The pilot must keep watching the aircraft and warn anyone nearby until it is down.

Question 15Air safety

While you are landing, a person walks into the intended touchdown area. What is the safest action?

  1. Signal the person to stop and continue as planned
  2. Abort the landing and hover clear until the area is empty Correct answer.
  3. Continue the descent quickly
  4. Land on the person's path and ask them to move

Explanation

A landing must be abandoned if the touchdown area is not clear, because the pilot cannot guarantee that the aircraft will not strike someone. Hovering or going around keeps a safe distance until the area is free.

Question 16Air safety

A flight in the open category ends with a serious injury to a bystander. What must the operator do?

  1. Report it only if the aircraft is used commercially
  2. Report it to the competent authority Correct answer.
  3. Inform the manufacturer and await instructions
  4. Nothing, because open-category flights are not covered

Explanation

Serious incidents and accidents involving unmanned aircraft must be reported to the competent national authority under the occurrence-reporting rules. The report supports safety investigation and the prevention of similar events.

Question 17Air safety

You fly a camera drone in a park for recreation. What is the correct approach to privacy?

  1. Privacy rules do not apply to drones under 250 g
  2. Consider privacy only if the video is posted online
  3. Avoid recording people without a lawful reason Correct answer.
  4. Film anyone in public, since the park is public

Explanation

Data protection rules apply to personal data captured by a drone camera, whatever the mass of the aircraft. The remote pilot should plan the flight so that uninvolved people are not recorded unnecessarily.

Question 18Air safety

May you fly over an open-air festival crowd in the open category?

  1. Yes, with the organiser's written consent
  2. No, overflight of assemblies of people is prohibited Correct answer.
  3. Yes, if the drone weighs less than 250 g
  4. Yes, if you stay above 120 m

Explanation

Open-category flights must not be conducted over assemblies of people, whatever the mass of the aircraft. Consent from an event organiser cannot override this prohibition.

Question 19Air safety

When is registration as a UAS operator required for open-category flights?

  1. Only when the aircraft weighs more than 25 kg
  2. When the drone is 250 g or more, or carries a camera Correct answer.
  3. Only for commercial operations
  4. Never, since the open category is unregulated

Explanation

Registration is required where the unmanned aircraft has a maximum take-off mass of 250 g or more, or is fitted with a sensor able to capture personal data such as a camera. The operator then receives a registration number to be displayed on the aircraft.

Question 20Air safety

You fly towards a hill that rises 80 m above your take-off point. From which reference is the 120 m limit measured?

  1. From the ground directly below the aircraft Correct answer.
  2. From the highest building in the area
  3. From the take-off point
  4. From mean sea level

Explanation

The open-category height limit is measured from the nearest point of the Earth's surface, so terrain rising under the flight path reduces the height available above it. Over the hilltop the aircraft may be no more than 120 m above that ground, even though this is less than 120 m above the take-off point.

Question 21Air safety

Your planned flight area lies inside controlled airspace, at 80 m above the ground. What applies?

  1. You need an authorisation or must not fly there Correct answer.
  2. You may fly freely because you stay below 120 m
  3. You may fly if you keep the drone within 100 m of you
  4. You may fly because the aircraft weighs under 900 g

Explanation

Airspace classification applies at all heights, so the 120 m open-category limit does not open controlled airspace to drones. A flight there requires the authorisation defined for that zone, which must be obtained before take-off.

Question 22Air safety

Your drone's automatic return-to-home is set to a fixed height of 60 m, but a 90 m crane stands on the return path. What should you do?

  1. Let the automatic system complete the return
  2. Let it return and climb only if a collision looks likely
  3. Switch the aircraft off and recover it from its last position
  4. Take manual control and return clear of the crane Correct answer.

Explanation

Automatic return uses a fixed height that may be lower than obstacles on the route, so the pilot must check the path in advance and take control if necessary. The remote pilot remains responsible for separation from obstacles throughout the flight.

Question 23Airspace restrictions

In European drone rules, what is a UAS geographical zone?

  1. An area in which only night-time drone operations are permitted by the state
  2. An area where UAS operations are prohibited, restricted or subject to conditions Correct answer.
  3. An area of airspace reserved for the training of commercial airline crews
  4. An area in which drone flights are automatically covered by insurance

Explanation

Member States establish UAS geographical zones to protect safety, security, privacy and the environment. Inside such a zone, drone operations may be prohibited outright, restricted, or allowed only under certain conditions. The remote pilot must consult these zones before every flight.

Question 24Airspace restrictions

What does a prohibited area (P) mean for a drone flight?

  1. Flight is possible only with the prior permission of the local police
  2. Flight is allowed only for drones lighter than 250 g
  3. Flight is prohibited unless specifically authorised Correct answer.
  4. Flight is allowed at the pilot's own risk during daylight hours

Explanation

A prohibited area is airspace in which flight is forbidden. Entry is only possible under a specific authorisation, which is granted in exceptional cases only. A remote pilot must plan the flight so that the area is avoided completely.

Question 25Airspace restrictions

In the open category, what is the general maximum height above the surface at which a UAS may be flown?

  1. 75 m
  2. 120 m Correct answer.
  3. 100 m
  4. 50 m

Explanation

The open category limit is 120 m above the nearest point of the surface. A published geo-zone may set a lower figure, but it cannot be exceeded in any case. The height is measured from the ground directly below the aircraft, not from the take-off point.

Question 26Airspace restrictions

Where should a remote pilot find the official UAS geographical zones for a planned flight?

  1. In the operator's own registration certificate issued by the authority
  2. In the drone manufacturer's quick-start leaflet supplied with the aircraft
  3. In the official source designated by the Member State Correct answer.
  4. In the European drone class label printed on the product box

Explanation

Each Member State must publish its UAS geographical zones in a single official source, typically a national portal, website or app. This is the reference the pilot must check before flight. Manufacturer documents and registration papers do not contain airspace data.

Question 27Airspace restrictions

When flying in subcategory A3, what minimum horizontal distance must be kept from residential, commercial, recreational and industrial areas?

  1. 50 m
  2. 500 m
  3. 100 m
  4. 150 m Correct answer.

Explanation

Subcategory A3 requires the flight to take place far away from people and at least 150 m horizontally from residential, commercial, recreational and industrial areas. This ensures that uninvolved persons are not endangered if the flight goes wrong. In A1 and A2 this 150 m criterion does not apply in the same way.

Question 28Airspace restrictions

While flying, you notice that your drone has drifted into a restricted zone. What is the correct immediate action?

  1. Continue the flight after reducing height to below 30 m
  2. Climb straight away to the maximum permitted height of 120 m
  3. Leave by the shortest safe route and land if necessary Correct answer.
  4. Stop the motors immediately so that the drone falls vertically

Explanation

An unintentional incursion must be ended as quickly as possible. The pilot should steer out of the zone by the shortest safe route, landing if that is the safer option. Continuing the flight inside the zone prolongs the infringement.

Question 29Airspace restrictions

You arrive at a site and see an official sign stating that drone flights are prohibited. What should you do?

  1. Take off if the drone weighs less than 250 g
  2. Not fly, because the restriction must be respected Correct answer.
  3. Take off, because signs cannot restrict airspace
  4. Take off only if you keep the drone within visual line of sight

Explanation

Site restrictions issued by the State or by the entity managing the site must be respected. A posted prohibition applies regardless of the mass of the drone or the flight mode used. Disregarding it can lead to administrative or criminal sanctions.

Question 30Airspace restrictions

In a restricted area (R), what is normally required before a flight may take place?

  1. Nothing at all, provided that the flight stays below 120 m above the surface
  2. Only a valid third-party insurance certificate covering the drone
  3. A valid radio operator's licence held by the remote pilot in command
  4. A clearance or authorisation from the body that controls the area Correct answer.

Explanation

A restricted area is not permanently closed, but entry is subject to conditions set by the authority managing it. In practice a prior clearance or authorisation is needed. The conditions and contact details are published with the zone information.

Question 31Airspace restrictions

What does a danger area (D) on an aeronautical chart indicate to a remote pilot?

  1. Hazardous activity may take place, so flight there is at own risk Correct answer.
  2. The airspace is reserved exclusively for unmanned aircraft operations
  3. The area is permanently closed to air traffic for national security reasons
  4. Flight is prohibited at all times for every category of aircraft in the area

Explanation

A danger area warns that activities which may be hazardous, such as firing or parachuting, can occur there. Flight is not automatically forbidden, but it is made at the pilot's own risk and may be subject to activation times. These times are usually notified in advance.

Question 32Airspace restrictions

What is a control zone (CTR) around an aerodrome?

  1. A zone reserved for gliders and other non-motorised aircraft
  2. An area around an aerodrome where drone flights are free of restriction
  3. Controlled airspace where an ATC clearance is required before entry Correct answer.
  4. An area where only flights below 50 m are permitted

Explanation

A CTR is controlled airspace established around an aerodrome to protect arriving and departing traffic. Entry requires an ATC clearance, and drone flights there must be coordinated in advance. Operating without clearance in a CTR is a serious infringement.

Question 33Airspace restrictions

What is the purpose of an aerodrome traffic zone (ATZ)?

  1. To protect air traffic in the vicinity of an aerodrome Correct answer.
  2. To mark the area where parachuting is permanently banned
  3. To define the maximum range of a drone radio control link
  4. To reserve airspace for high-altitude military training

Explanation

An ATZ is established around an aerodrome to protect aircraft operating in the traffic circuit and in the immediate vicinity. Drone flights inside it must be coordinated with the aerodrome operator or ATC. The zone usually extends to a defined radius and height.

Question 34Airspace restrictions

How are temporary airspace restrictions, such as those for an airshow, usually notified?

  1. By a NOTAM published before the event Correct answer.
  2. By the operator's registration number in the database
  3. By an entry in the drone's firmware release notes
  4. By the drone class label attached to the aircraft

Explanation

NOTAMs are the standard means of publishing short-notice and temporary airspace changes, including those created for events. A remote pilot must check NOTAMs as part of flight preparation. National geo-zone sources often relay this information as well.

Question 35Airspace restrictions

You plan to fly in a nature reserve. What is the correct approach?

  1. Fly only during the hours of darkness, when wildlife is less active
  2. Nature protection rules never impose any restriction on drone flights
  3. Fly only above 120 m so that wildlife is not disturbed
  4. Check the published geo-zones; the area may be restricted Correct answer.

Explanation

Member States may restrict or prohibit UAS operations in order to protect the environment, including wildlife and sensitive habitats. Such restrictions appear as geo-zones or as site rules. The pilot must verify the status of the reserve before taking off.

Question 36Airspace restrictions

Who establishes the UAS geographical zones within a country?

  1. The European Commission, by delegated regulation only
  2. The competent authorities of each Member State Correct answer.
  3. The drone manufacturer, through firmware updates
  4. EASA, for the whole territory of the European Union

Explanation

The UAS regulation leaves the designation of geographical zones to the Member States, which act through their competent authorities. EASA does not publish national zones. The zones must then be made available in the single official source.

Question 37Airspace restrictions

Which drones must be equipped with a geo-awareness function?

  1. Every drone, including toys and home-built models
  2. Only drones of class C0
  3. Drones of classes C1, C2 and C3 Correct answer.
  4. Only drones used in the specific category

Explanation

Geo-awareness is a required function for UAS of classes C1, C2 and C3 placed on the market. It informs the remote pilot when the aircraft approaches airspace where operations are restricted. Class C0 drones are not subject to this requirement.

Question 38Airspace restrictions

A remote pilot whose operator is registered in one Member State plans to fly in another Member State. Which airspace rules apply?

  1. No geo-zones apply, because the operator is foreign
  2. Only the rules printed in the drone's user manual
  3. The geo-zones of the Member State where the flight takes place Correct answer.
  4. The geo-zones of the Member State where the operator is registered

Explanation

The pilot must comply with the rules of the State in which the aircraft is actually flown, including its geographical zones and any local conditions. Registration in another Member State does not exempt the operator from them. Checking the local official source is therefore essential before travelling.

Question 39Airspace restrictions

A temporary reserved area (TRA) is activated by NOTAM for a military exercise. What is the correct action for a remote pilot?

  1. Fly only at the weekend, when military exercises are suspended
  2. Fly as planned, because TRA activation only concerns manned aircraft
  3. Fly only if the drone remains below 120 m above the ground
  4. Check activation times and obtain any authorisation required Correct answer.

Explanation

A TRA is airspace temporarily reserved for a defined user during published periods. When it is active, entry requires the authorisation stated in the notification. The pilot must therefore check activation times and conditions before the flight.

Question 40Airspace restrictions

What is the consequence of flying a drone inside a prohibited zone without authorisation?

  1. There is no consequence, as long as no damage or injury occurs
  2. Automatic loss of the drone's class label
  3. Only a warning issued by the drone manufacturer
  4. Administrative or criminal penalties under national law Correct answer.

Explanation

Entering a prohibited zone without authorisation breaches national law and can lead to administrative fines, criminal prosecution or other sanctions. Civil liability for any damage is additional to these. The absence of damage does not make the flight lawful.

Question 41Airspace restrictions

You need to fly inside a restricted zone for a professional survey. Where should you request authorisation?

  1. From the local model flying club, which represents all pilots
  2. From the body designated in the published zone information Correct answer.
  3. From EASA headquarters in Cologne, by e-mail
  4. From the drone manufacturer's own technical support service

Explanation

The published information for each zone names the body that manages it and grants access, for example an aerodrome operator, a military authority or a park administration. The request must be addressed there in advance. EASA and manufacturers do not issue such authorisations.

Question 42Airspace restrictions

What is U-space airspace?

  1. Airspace reserved above 120 m for high-speed unmanned traffic
  2. Airspace used exclusively by the military for electronic warfare
  3. Airspace around aerodromes that is closed to all unmanned aircraft
  4. Airspace where UAS operations rely on U-space services Correct answer.

Explanation

U-space airspace is designated by Member States for operations that require dedicated services such as traffic information and authorisation management. Within it, geographical zones may still prohibit or restrict flights. The pilot must use the required services and respect the published zones.

Question 43Airspace restrictions

What is the difference between geo-awareness and a geofence?

  1. A geofence is published by EASA; geo-awareness is set by the pilot
  2. They are two different names for exactly the same mandatory function
  3. Geo-awareness alerts the pilot; a geofence restricts entry Correct answer.
  4. Geo-awareness blocks the motors; a geofence only displays a map

Explanation

Geo-awareness is an information function that warns the remote pilot when the aircraft approaches a zone where operations are restricted. A geofence goes further and actively prevents the aircraft from entering a defined volume. Both support compliance, but only the geofence acts automatically on the flight.

Question 44Airspace restrictions

A geo-zone sets a maximum flight height of 50 m, while the general open category limit is 120 m. Which limit applies?

  1. 120 m, because the general rule always prevails over local rules
  2. 50 m, because the more restrictive local limit applies Correct answer.
  3. Either figure, at the pilot's discretion
  4. 170 m, because the two limits are added together

Explanation

The 120 m figure is a general maximum, not a right to fly at that height everywhere. Any lower limit published for a zone must be respected, so the more restrictive value governs. Height is measured above the surface directly below the aircraft.

Question 45Aviation regulation

Under the EU rules for unmanned aircraft, an operator must register when the UAS has a maximum take-off mass of at least:

  1. 900 g
  2. 4 kg
  3. 500 g
  4. 250 g Correct answer.

Explanation

Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947 requires operator registration for any UAS with a maximum take-off mass of 250 g or more, and also for lighter UAS fitted with a sensor able to capture personal data. The registration is done in the Member State of the operator's residence or principal place of business.

Question 46Aviation regulation

The maximum height at which a UAS may be flown in the open category, measured from the closest point of the earth's surface, is:

  1. 150 m
  2. 120 m Correct answer.
  3. 90 m
  4. 200 m

Explanation

The open category sets a vertical limit of 120 m from the nearest point of the surface. This limit protects other airspace users and people on the ground, and flying higher requires a specific authorisation or falls outside the open category.

Question 47Aviation regulation

What does the visual line of sight requirement mean for an open category flight?

  1. The pilot may use binoculars to extend the visual range.
  2. The pilot must keep the UAS within 50 m at all times.
  3. The pilot may rely on a spotter positioned at another location.
  4. The pilot must keep the UAS in direct unaided sight at all times. Correct answer.

Explanation

Open category flights must be conducted within visual line of sight, meaning the remote pilot sees the aircraft directly without any technical aid such as goggles or binoculars. This allows the pilot to monitor the flight path, detect other air traffic and avoid collisions.

Question 48Aviation regulation

What is the minimum age for a remote pilot operating under the EU open category rules?

  1. 14 years
  2. 12 years
  3. 15 years
  4. 16 years Correct answer.

Explanation

The EU rule sets the minimum age for remote pilots in the open category at 16 years, although Member States may lower it to 12 years subject to conditions such as supervision by a person aged 16 or over. Unless such a national derogation applies, the pilot must be at least 16.

Question 49Aviation regulation

In subcategory A3, the UAS must be flown at least how far horizontally from residential, commercial, industrial or recreational areas?

  1. 50 m
  2. 30 m
  3. 250 m
  4. 150 m Correct answer.

Explanation

Subcategory A3 is intended for operations in areas where no uninvolved persons are expected to be present, and it requires a horizontal distance of at least 150 m from residential, commercial, industrial or recreational areas. This keeps the risk to third parties on the ground low.

Question 50Aviation regulation

When operator registration is required, where must the registration number appear?

  1. In the flight logbook kept at the operator's home.
  2. On the UAS, in a legible and visible way. Correct answer.
  3. In the remote identification module only, which may be hidden.
  4. On the insurance certificate only.

Explanation

The registration number issued to the operator must be displayed on the aircraft itself in a legible and visible manner. This allows authorities and other persons to identify the operator of the UAS during or after a flight.