A2 CofC key terms

The default set of rules allowing drones to be flown without a prior authorisation, limited by aircraft class, mass and distance from people. It contains subcategories A1, A2 and A3 and caps flight height at 120 m.

The Open subcategory that allows flight close to, and in some cases over, uninvolved people with light drones, provided the remote pilot has read the operator's instructions and does not fly over assemblies of people.

The Open subcategory for drones under 4 kg that permits flying close to uninvolved people, down to a minimum horizontal distance, when the remote pilot holds an A2 Certificate of Competency.

The Open subcategory for larger or home-built drones flown in areas where no uninvolved person is expected during the whole flight, well away from residential, commercial or industrial sites.

The C0 to C6 marking on a drone showing which technical requirements it meets under the EU rules; the class decides which Open subcategory and distance limits apply.

The proof of remote pilot competence, obtained through an online theory examination followed by self-declared practical training, required to fly in the A2 subcategory.

The unique code issued to a UAS operator who has registered with the national authority; it must be displayed on the aircraft and identifies who is accountable for the flight.

An area defined by a member state where drone operations are restricted, prohibited or subject to conditions, for example around airports, prisons, nature reserves or military sites.

A function that shows the remote pilot, usually on a map in the control app, where the aircraft is in relation to UAS geographical zones and other restrictions, warning before entry.

A defined volume of airspace around an aerodrome within which drone flights are prohibited unless a permission or exemption has been obtained from the competent authority.

A notice distributed to airspace users giving short-term information about hazards or changes to facilities, such as temporary closures, airshows or works, that may affect a planned flight.

Airspace of defined dimensions in which an air traffic control service is provided and where drones may only fly with an authorisation from the controlling authority.

An area such as a town or built-up district where many people live, work or gather, making it unsuitable for drone flights that are not specifically permitted.

A person who is not taking part in the drone operation and is not under the control of the remote pilot, and who therefore must not be exposed to avoidable risk.

The condition in which the remote pilot can see the aircraft directly at all times without any aid other than corrective contact lenses or spectacles, allowing continuous control of the flight.

A trained crew member who watches the drone and the surrounding airspace on the remote pilot's behalf, helping to spot other aircraft, people or obstacles.

The greatest mass of the aircraft, including payload, batteries and any fitted equipment, at which it is certified or declared able to take off.

A system that broadcasts, in real time from the aircraft, data such as the operator registration number and the aircraft position, so that authorities can identify the flight.

The programmed response of the aircraft when the command and control link is interrupted, such as hovering, landing or returning to a set point, which the pilot must understand before flight.

An automated function that flies the aircraft back to a stored home point when triggered by link loss, low battery or pilot command, commonly with a settable return altitude.

Global navigation satellite system: the satellite positioning service, such as GPS or Galileo, that supplies the aircraft with position, height and timing data for navigation and geo-awareness.

The practice of charging, storing and monitoring lithium batteries within safe limits, checking for swelling or damage and planning flight time with a reserve, since battery failure commonly causes incidents.

A systematic check of the aircraft, controller, batteries, propellers, software and payload carried out before every flight to confirm the system is fit for the intended operation.

An assessment of the take-off area and the intended flight volume for people, obstacles, wires, other airspace users and local restrictions, carried out before starting the operation.

The remote pilot's ongoing mental picture of the aircraft, the surrounding airspace, people and hazards, and how each is likely to change, which underpins safe decisions.

A relaxed state in which a pilot assumes a familiar flight will be safe, leading to skipped checks and slower reactions; it commonly affects experienced remote pilots on routine jobs.

A reduction in alertness and performance caused by long duty periods, insufficient sleep or demanding conditions, which slows reactions and worsens decision-making in flight.

The tendency to carry on with a planned flight even when new evidence, such as worsening weather or a low battery, suggests it should be changed or abandoned.

The obligation on operators to report accidents, serious incidents and other occurrences to the competent authority so that risks can be investigated and safety improved.

A structured process of identifying the hazards of a flight, judging how likely and how serious each one is, and putting controls in place before flying.

Any information relating to an identified or identifiable person, including images and video in which someone can be recognised, which drone operators must handle lawfully.

The principle of collecting and keeping only the personal data actually needed for the stated purpose, for example avoiding filming beyond the area of interest.

The EU General Data Protection Regulation, which sets the rules for lawfully processing personal data, including the duty to inform people and to respect their rights.

Insurance that covers compensation for damage or injury caused to other people or their property by the drone, which the operator must hold in line with national requirements.

Measures that protect the drone, controller and data links from unauthorised access, jamming or data theft, such as software updates, strong passwords and secure storage of flight data.

A deliberate act such as jamming, spoofing or interfering with a drone that endangers a flight; operators should recognise it, report it and understand the security rules that apply.