Category A1 Rules For Motorcyclists
The category a1 rules are applicable to those who want to operate small motorcycles. These motorcycles have cylinder capacity of up to 35kW. They cannot be directly derived from vehicles with more than twice their power.
The open drone operation category can be divided into three subcategories A1 to A3. You can fly drones that have class labels C0 or C1 within the A1 subcategory (fly over people) until January 2024.
A1
Category A1 is one of three drone categories that are regulated by EASA. It is applicable to aircrafts up to the maximum takeoff mass (MTOM) that is 25 kilograms. It requires a log of flights and a flight plan, remote identification systems, and a geoawareness. The drone should be within sight of the pilot at all at all times. It is not permitted to fly in the vicinity of people or areas used for recreational, commercial or industrial reasons. The drone must remain below 120 meters.
If you wish to fly a drone which isn't included in the categories above, you will need an additional licence from the Civil Aviation Authority. This is referred to as an operational authorization. You can find out more on how to apply for this here.
A1 applicants must have at least 16 years of experience riding two-wheeled vehicles. They must also complete compulsory basic training and pass the theory test and practical test. Additionally, they must have a valid medical certificate.
A1 license holders are allowed to drive mopeds that have an engine capacity of not more than 1250cc, and a power-to-weight ratio not more than 0.01 kW/kg. They are also able to drive motorcycles that have the maximum capacity of 125 cc as well as trikes and quad bikes as well as quad-bikes.
The category A1 licence was designed to allow drivers to move up to the next vehicle category. This permits drivers to drive vehicles with an maximum mass of 35 kW. This is a reason to gain some experience driving less powerful vehicles before moving on to the higher categories of licence.
Drones currently in use but don't have the CE mark can still be operated under the subcategory "A1" until January 1st 2024. This is because they are deemed to be low risk and don't pose a significant threat to the public. However, they must remain at a distance of 150 meters from structures or areas of industry, and also from recreational areas. They should also not fly over crowds or within 5 kilometers of airfields or airports.
A2
If you've completed your CBT training and are seeking an motorcycle license, you may be eligible for a category A1 licence. This allows you drive an unrestricted motorcycle without a sidecar. It must have a cylinder capacity of up to 125 cc and a power output of up to 11kW. This licence is only available to those who are at least 16 years of age. Online viewing of your driving licence allows you to find out more about the categories and regulations.
You can also fly in the A2 category with drones with a mass up to 4kg, however, you must keep them at an appropriate distance from people during take off and landing. The distances of separation are horizontal, not vertical and drones must be kept 30m away from people who aren't involved, or 5m when in low-speed mode. You also must pass the A2 Certificate of Competence (A2 CofC) exam to fly in this category.
If you're looking to fly larger drones, then you'll need to apply for an operator's license in the specific category. This requires you to complete the General VLOS Certificate training, the flight test, and then prepare an Operations Manual. The process of applying for a specific category permit is similar to that of the PfCO and you can learn more about the requirements by reading our detailed guide.
A2 also enables drones that are transitional that are not yet CE registered, but have been modified to lower the risk of collisions with humans. These drones will only be allowed to fly in A2 up until the year 2022's end. After that, they will need to comply with the A3 regulations.
The A1 and A2 categories are designed to aid you in becoming a safer and confident motorcyclist. The number of lessons required will depend on your ability and progress in learning, but you must complete a specific amount of special rides. This includes a minimum of five lessons on country roads as well as four on highways, and three at dawn or in darkness.
A3
This category permits drones with a the maximum takeoff weight of 25 kg. This is a safer operation, but strict precautions must be taken to prevent incidents. A distance of 150m is required between drones and residential, commercial, industrial, and recreational areas. This category also requires drones to be equipped with a remote identifier system as well as Geoawareness Systems.
As with the Open category, this tier is divided into subcategories A1, A2 and A3. The A1 subcategory allows drones with Class Identification Label C0 or C1 to fly above people who are not in the drone. It imposes a minimum distance of 30 metres from any third party when flying at flight altitude or 5 metres in slow flight mode.
Drones bearing the Class Identification Label C2 may be operated under subcategory A2 when they meet the size requirements and the remote pilot has passed an additional theoretical knowledge test. This test is designed for remote pilots to test their knowledge of the technical and operation mitigations to address the additional risks associated with flying slightly bigger drones (class A2, weighing less than 4kg mass), close to people. A successful passing of this exam is rewarded with the 'certificate of competence required to fly in category A2'.
There are 'transitional arrangements' that permit older drones, that aren't certified, to be operated under the categories A1 or A2 for a period of two years following the introduction of the new EU regulations. The drones of the past cannot be flown over the heads of people and must be operated by an A2 CofC.
To operate a drone that falls under this category you must pass the standard online flyer ID test and then complete an additional test in the theory department. You also need to prove that you have some real-world understanding of your drone and pass a written statement of competence. These requirements are similar to the driving license model in that the driver who has first obtained their license for a vehicle of a lower category can then move up to a higher category.
A4
The DOH is currently preparing detailed guidelines that will be used in category A4. These will be in line with other operations and will also include information such as the number of dressing changes per day. These guidelines will be presented to the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infections, (IATF-EID) as well as the DOH National Immunization Technical Advisory Group. The IATF-EID and the DOH-National Immunization Technical Advisory Group will be reviewing and approving these guidelines before they are finalized.
In this category, drones with an identification label for class C0 and C1 are allowed to fly within a minimum distance of 50 meters of people who are not involved. This is a very low-risk category, but strict precautions must be taken to prevent accidents. Drones that are not classified in either A1 or A2 must have passed an additional theoretical knowledge examination to operate in this subcategory.
This test is designed to assess your knowledge of the additional risks associated when flying drones are in close proximity to humans. The successful completion of the test results in an official certificate of competence for this subcategory. find out this here must also maintain at least 30 metres from an non-involved person, or 5 meters when flying in a slow-flying mode.
If you want to obtain an motorcycle license you must pass some instruction classes to take the test and subsequently pass the practical test. This amount varies depending on your age, abilities and learning progress. However, a minimum of 12 lessons of 90 minutes are required to be completed.
In these classes you will become familiar with your vehicle and traffic rules. Moreover, you will receive useful tips for driving in difficult places. You should also take part in some special rides in addition to the mandatory driving lessons.
The new category E integrates classes A1 (retail), class A2 (financial and professional services) and class B1 (offices) Class A4 (restaurants/cafes) and classes A5 and B5 (hot food takeaway). This category also includes health/medical purposes, creches, nursery schools, as well as indoor sports/recreational facilities. The new rules are likely to streamline the licensing process and reduce costs. The landlords will be able to utilize their properties in ways that they are currently not permitted to do.