EASA A2

EASA lists two prerequisites: a 'Proof of completion for online training' for the A1/A3 open subcategory, and a declared practical self-training. The A2 certificate is then obtained by passing an additional theoretical exam at the NAA or proctored online. Plan the A1/A3 online training and exam first, then fly your self-training, then book the A2 exam.

The source states the additional theoretical exam is taken 'at the NAA or proctored online'. That means either at your National Aviation Authority or in a proctored online session. Your NAA sets the practical arrangements, so confirm the available format and any identity or equipment requirements with them before booking.

It builds on the A1/A3 material and focuses on A2 operations: not overflying uninvolved people, keeping 30 m horizontal distance (5 m with the low-speed function), staying below 120 m AGL, C2 drone characteristics and operator registration, the practical self-training declaration, and remote identification. Expect scenario questions that apply these limits rather than pure recall.

It is a further theoretical exam taken after the A1/A3 proof of completion, so it assumes that knowledge and adds A2-specific operational limits and C2 drone requirements. The source does not publish a pass mark, question count or duration, so treat distance keeping, the 5 m low-speed exception and altitude limits as the areas to know cold.

Mixing up the numbers. The A2 standard distance is 30 m horizontally from uninvolved people, reducible to 5 m only when the low-speed function is activated, and altitude stays below 120 m AGL. Candidates also forget that overflight of uninvolved people is not permitted in A2, unlike A1 where it is allowed but should be avoided.

The 5 m figure applies only if the low-speed function is activated. EASA's A2 row states: 'Maintain a horizontal distance of 30 m from uninvolved people (can be reduced to 5 m if the low-speed function is activated)'. Without that function active, the 30 m distance applies. Practise switching it on and off during your self-training.

Yes. The open-category table lists 'Drone operator registration: Yes' for C2 drones in subcategory A2. This differs from the lightest drones, where registration is only needed if a camera or sensor is on board and the drone is not a toy. Register before you fly and keep your operator number on the aircraft as required.

EASA states that all drones operating in the open category, with limited exceptions, need to be equipped with a remote identification system. So your C2 drone should have direct remote identification, either built in or via a module with an EU Declaration of Conformity. EASA notes it has not verified those modules; compliance is the manufacturer's responsibility.

Start with domain 1, the A1/A3 online training and exam, because you must hold that proof of completion. Then study domain 2, the A2 operational restrictions, and domain 3, C2 drone characteristics and operator registration. Finish with domain 4, the practical self-training declaration and remote identification, which ties the rules to what you actually fly.

The open-category table gives a remote pilot minimum age of 16 for C2/A2, with a footnote that a State may lower the minimum age to 12, in which case the lower limit applies only in that State. Check your own NAA's rule, because the age that applies to you depends on where you fly.