EASA A2 key terms

The risk-based set of drone operations that needs no prior authorisation or operational declaration. It is divided into subcategories A1, A2 and A3 according to the risk and the required pilot competence.

The open-category subcategory for flights near people, using drones under 900 g maximum take-off mass or class C0/C1 drones flown so that uninvolved people are not overflown. It is not the A2 authorisation route.

The open-category subcategory for flying a class C2 drone close to uninvolved people, never over them, under a distance rule. The remote pilot needs a certificate of competency obtained through an online test and a self-training declaration.

The open-category subcategory for flying drones up to 25 kg in areas where no uninvolved person is expected to be affected. The remote pilot must keep a safe horizontal distance from residential, commercial, industrial and recreational areas.

A drone class defined by the European product rules, marked with a C2 label, with maximum take-off mass below 4 kg and a low-speed mode that limits ground speed. It may be flown in the A2 subcategory.

A very light drone class with maximum take-off mass below 250 g, marked C0, that may be flown in the A1 subcategory with minimal distance constraints. Its light mass limits the harm it can cause.

A drone class with maximum take-off mass below 900 g, marked C1, allowed in the A1 subcategory. It carries technical limits on speed and height and is not eligible for the A2 subcategory.

The physical marking on a drone showing its class, such as C0, C1, C2 or C3, placed by the manufacturer. The label determines which open subcategory the drone may be used in.

The maximum mass of the drone, including its payload and any attached accessories, at the moment of take-off. It is the value used to decide the applicable drone class and subcategory limits.

A selectable function on a class C2 drone that limits the ground speed to a low value, typically 3 m/s, so the pilot can reduce the horizontal distance to uninvolved people. The mode must be active for the 5 m rule.

The A2 requirement to keep a horizontal distance of at least 30 m from uninvolved people during flight. It is the default distance and can be reduced only when the drone is in low-speed mode.

The reduced A2 horizontal distance of at least 5 m from uninvolved people, allowed only when the class C2 drone is flying in low-speed mode. The pilot must still be able to avoid overflight.

A person who is not taking part in the drone operation and has not been briefed or agreed to the risks of the flight. The A2 distance rules protect such people from harm.

Flying directly above a person who is not part of the operation. It is prohibited in the A2 subcategory, whatever the height or distance, unless the person is involved in the operation.

The maximum height above the ground at which an open-category drone may be flown, measured from the nearest point of the earth's surface. It applies to A2 flights and limits separation from other airspace users.

The height of the drone measured from the ground directly below it, abbreviated AGL. Open-category height limits such as 120 m are expressed in this reference and not in altitude above sea level.

The straight-line distance measured parallel to the ground between the drone and a person or object, ignoring height. The A2 30 m and 5 m limits are horizontal distances.

The separation measured straight up or down between the drone and a person or object. In A2 it matters because flying above an uninvolved person is forbidden even when the horizontal distance is large.

A margin of space kept around uninvolved people, animals, property and other aircraft to absorb errors and wind drift. In A2 it is planned on top of the minimum 30 m or 5 m distance.

The document issued after passing the A2 online theoretical examination, proving the remote pilot knows the A2 rules. It is required before the pilot may fly in the A2 subcategory.

The common name for the proof of competence for A2 flights, obtained from a designated entity after the online test and the self-training declaration. It is valid for five years in most member states.

The multiple-choice test on A2 rules taken online or at a designated centre, covering distances, overflight, height and meteorology. Passing it is one of the two conditions for the A2 certificate.

The self-study training material a candidate must complete before taking the A2 online examination. It covers the open category, A2 limitations, safety and privacy, and is followed by the test.

A written statement, signed by the remote pilot, confirming that practical self-training has been completed before flying in A2. It records the training flights and is kept as evidence.

The hands-on flying practice a pilot performs, without an examiner, to build the skills needed for A2 operations. It must be declared and should cover hovering, manoeuvring and emergency handling.

A record of flight dates, locations, durations and drone types kept by the remote pilot. It supports the self-training declaration and helps show experience if an authority asks for evidence.

The electronic system that broadcasts or transmits the drone's identity, position and operator details during flight. It lets authorities identify a drone in the air and is required for most drones in the open category.

A remote identification method where the drone broadcasts its data locally, for example over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, so nearby receivers can read it without a network. It is the usual method for class C2 drones.

A remote identification method that sends the drone's data through an internet or mobile network to a receiving system. It is an alternative to local broadcast and depends on network coverage.

The unique number given to a drone operator entered in the national register. It must be displayed on the drone and, where required, transmitted by remote identification.

The legal duty to register with the national authority when flying a drone that carries a camera or exceeds mass thresholds. Registration gives the operator a number and a set of responsibilities.

The act of entering the operator and, where required, the drone in the national register before flight. It is distinct from remote identification, which transmits data during the flight.

The person who manipulates the flight controls of the drone and is responsible for its safe path. In A2 this person must hold the certificate of competency and keep the required distances.

The natural or legal person who uses the drone and is responsible for its operation, whether or not they fly it. The operator registers, keeps records and ensures the pilot is competent.

A pre-planned set of actions for failures such as loss of link, low battery or a person entering the flight area. It should be practised during practical self-training before A2 operations.

The preparation before take-off covering weather, airspace, obstacles, people on the ground and the planned route. It is the moment when A2 distances and the 120 m limit are checked.

Anything carried by the drone that is not part of its structure, such as a camera or a delivery item. Payload counts towards the maximum take-off mass used for class limits.

A person who takes part in the drone operation or has been briefed about it and accepted its risks. The A2 overflight and distance rules do not protect this person in the same way.