A2 CofC cheat sheet

See-and-avoid: the remote pilot must scan visually for other aircraft and obstacles; Open-category UAS have no certified detect-and-avoid system.

Manned aircraft always have right of way; give way to all manned aircraft and avoid emergency response aircraft.

Maximum height is 120 m (400 ft) above the surface and visual line of sight must be maintained at all times unless a specific authorisation states otherwise.

A pre-flight risk assessment identifies hazards such as people, wires, terrain, weather and airspace, estimates the risk and records mitigations.

Serious incidents and near misses are reported to the CAA through a Mandatory Occurrence Report; preserve flight logs and footage.

Do not act as remote pilot while impaired by alcohol, drugs or medication that affects judgement or reaction time.

An observer can supplement the remote pilot's scan when the camera or FPV view restricts peripheral vision.

Emergency plan: decide lost-link, fly-away, battery failure and forced-landing actions before take-off.

Software geofences and altitude limits are aids; the remote pilot remains responsible for separation and airspace compliance.

UK Flight Restriction Zone: 5 km around a protected aerodrome plus runway extensions; permission from the aerodrome air traffic service or CAA is required.

UAS geographical zones can restrict, limit or permit operations; check current CAA and NATS information before flight.

NOTAMs give temporary airspace changes such as airshows, VIP movements, parachuting and emergency closures.

Controlled airspace (Classes A–E) requires ATC clearance; Class A prohibits VFR flight.

120 m (400 ft) is the maximum height above the surface in the Open category.

Sensitive locations include prisons, nuclear sites, MOD land and Royal Parks; local byelaws and national rules may prohibit flight.

Aerodrome traffic patterns and approach paths extend beyond the 5 km circle; avoid them.

If a flight unintentionally enters controlled airspace, leave by the shortest safe route and notify ATC.

Open category: low-risk UAS operations with no prior authorisation; subcategories are A1, A2 and A3.

A1: C0 and C1 aircraft; no intentional overflight of uninvolved people, and C1 must avoid crowds.

A2: C2 aircraft (under 4 kg) plus A2 CofC; keep 50 m horizontally from uninvolved people.

A2 low-speed mode: separation in metres must be at least equal to speed in m/s, with a minimum of 5 m.

A3: C3, C4 or legacy aircraft; at least 150 m from residential, commercial, industrial and recreational areas.

Class marks: C0 under 250 g, C1 under 900 g, C2 under 4 kg, C3 under 25 kg, C4 under 25 kg with no automation.

UK Flyer ID and Operator ID are required for aircraft of 250 g or more or fitted with a camera.

A2 CofC is obtained by passing the CAA online multiple-choice exam and is valid for five years.

Open category maximum take-off mass is 25 kg.

Hypoxia impairs judgement and vision; early symptoms can include euphoria, so self-detection is unreliable.

Fatigue slows reaction time and increases error rates; rest breaks and duty limits reduce risk.

Stress narrows attention and can cause task saturation; checklists and prioritisation help maintain performance.

Complacency and automation bias increase when operations become routine; cross-check automated actions.

IMSAFE: Illness, Medication, Stress, Alcohol, Fatigue, Emotion/Eating - any positive item means do not fly.

Visual illusions such as expectation and size constancy can cause misjudgement of distance and height.

Spatial disorientation is more likely with poor visual cues; maintain VLOS and use instrument data.

Alcohol and hangover effects degrade performance; no fixed safe period replaces judgement.

Working memory is limited; use written checklists and clear crew communication.

Pre-flight: check NOTAM and airspace, weather, site, aircraft condition, battery charge, failsafe and RTH altitude.

Site survey identifies launch and landing area, obstacles, people, emergency landing zones and local restrictions.

Risk assessment is dynamic; re-evaluate when people, weather or airspace change.

In flight: maintain VLOS, monitor battery and telemetry, scan for aircraft and keep clear of people.

Lost link: the aircraft follows its programmed failsafe (hover, land or RTH); the pilot monitors and intervenes if needed.

Fly-away: record last position and heading, notify ATC if near controlled airspace, and do not chase.

Emergency priority is safety of people and property; land as soon as safely possible.

Crew roles: remote pilot, observer and payload operator; use clear, standard calls.

Post-flight: inspect for damage, log flight time and defects, and store batteries at storage voltage.

LiPo cell: nominal 3.7 V, full 4.2 V, storage about 3.8 V; do not discharge below about 3.0 V.

Do not charge a LiPo below 0 °C or above about 45 °C; damage can lead to thermal runaway.

C rating multiplied by capacity in Ah gives the maximum continuous discharge current in amps.

GNSS needs a clear sky view; buildings and terrain cause multipath and reduced accuracy.

Compass calibration should be done away from metal and magnetic sources.

2.4 GHz is commonly used for control and 5.8 GHz for video; keep the antenna clear and avoid blocking the Fresnel zone.

MTOM includes battery and payload and determines class, registration and performance limits.

High temperature, humidity and elevation increase density altitude and reduce lift, thrust and endurance.

RTH altitude must clear obstacles but remain below 120 m; the home point must be recorded before flight.

UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018 apply when drone images can identify a living person.

A lawful basis is needed for processing personal data: consent, contract, legal obligation, vital interests, public task or legitimate interests.

Data minimisation: capture only what is necessary and avoid private spaces.

A DPIA is required before high-risk processing such as systematic monitoring of public areas.

Store footage securely, restrict access and delete it when the stated purpose is complete.

Individuals have rights of access, rectification and erasure; respond within one month.

The ICO surveillance camera code applies to drone cameras used for monitoring.

Privacy by design: choose routes, altitudes and camera angles that avoid capturing people unnecessarily.

A personal data breach likely to risk people's rights must be reported to the ICO within 72 hours.

Third-party liability insurance covers injury or damage to others, not the drone itself.

UK retained Regulation (EC) 785/2004 sets minimum insurance requirements; commercial UAS operators must hold cover.

Hull insurance is optional and covers damage to or loss of the aircraft.

Policy exclusions often include illegal flight, flight outside permissions and commercial use not declared.

Keep proof of insurance available for landowners, event organisers and authorities.

Secure the aircraft, controller and footage physically; mark and inventory equipment.

Use strong passwords, encryption, software updates and secure storage for flight data and images.

Geofencing and remote ID are security aids; they do not replace pre-flight airspace checks.

Do not jam or interfere with control signals; counter-UAS action is a matter for authorities.