A2 Operational Restrictions: Distance, Low-Speed Mode and Height
A2 Operational Restrictions
This domain tests the three operational limits that define A2: no overflight of uninvolved people, a 30 m horizontal distance that can fall to 5 m only in low-speed mode, and a maximum height of 120 m above the ground. The exam presents practical scenarios and asks whether the flight is compliant.
The core rules
A2 is the open subcategory for operations near people using a C2 drone. The remote pilot may not fly over uninvolved people at any time. 'Uninvolved' means people who are not taking part in the operation and have not been briefed. The distance rule is a horizontal separation from the drone to the nearest uninvolved person: at least 30 m in normal flight. That figure can be reduced to 5 m only when the drone's low-speed mode is active. Low-speed mode limits the maximum speed to 3 m/s; it is a design function of the drone, not a verbal promise by the pilot.
The 5 m figure is a floor, not a target. The remote pilot must still assess the site, the people and the escape route, and must stop if the situation becomes unsafe. The maximum height is 120 m above the surface, not above sea level and not 120 ft. A2 also requires the A2 certificate of remote pilot competency.
Worked example
A pilot is flying a C2 drone 45 m from a footpath. A walker approaches to 18 m from the drone. In normal mode this is a breach because 18 m is below 30 m. The pilot activates low-speed mode before closing further; at 18 m the flight can be compliant because the reduced minimum is 5 m and no overflight occurs. If the walker came within 4 m, even low-speed mode would not make the flight compliant. If the pilot had not activated low-speed mode, the original 18 m would remain a breach.
Traps that cost marks
- Measuring 30 m from the pilot or the ground instead of from the drone.
- Believing low-speed mode automatically permits 5 m even when a person is closer than 5 m.
- Thinking A2 allows overflight if the drone is above 30 m.
- Confusing 120 m with 120 ft or with altitude above sea level.
- Applying the 5 m reduction to a drone without an active low-speed function.