Category A1 Rules For Motorcyclists
The rules for category a1 apply to those who wish to operate small motorcycles. These vehicles have a maximum capacity of 35kW. They cannot be directly derived from vehicles with more than double their power.
The open category drone operations can be subdivided into three categories A1 through A3. You can fly drones that have class C0 or C1 as part of the A1 subcategory (fly over people) until January 2024.
A1
Category A1 is the earliest of three drone categories controlled by EASA. It is applicable to aircraft up to a maximum takeoff mass (MTOM) that is 25 kilograms. It requires a log of flight, a flight plan, a remote identification system, and a geoawareness. The drone should be visible to the pilot at all at all times. his explanation is not permitted to fly over large groups of people or in areas used for commercial, industrial or recreation purposes. The drone must also stay below 120 meters above ground level.
If you plan to fly a drone that is not included in the categories above, you must get a special permission from the Civil Aviation Authority. This is known as an operational authorisation. You can find out more about how to apply for this here.
The applicants for an A1 licence must have at minimum 16 years of riding two-wheeled motor vehicles. They must also have completed the obligatory basic training and passed both a theory and a practical test. Moreover, they must possess a valid medical certificate.
A1 license holders are permitted to drive mopeds with a cylinder capacity of no greater than 1250 cc and a power-to-weight ratio of no more than 0.01 kW/kg. They can also use motorcycles that have the capacity of cylinders that are not more than 125cc, as also trikes and quad bikes.
The category A1 driving licence is designed to facilitate access to the next category, which allows licence holders to drive vehicles with a maximum mass of up to 35 kW. This allows you to gain experience driving less powerful cars before moving up to higher licence categories.
Drones that are currently in use but don't have the CE mark can be flown under the subcategory "A1" until January 1, 2024. This is because they are thought to be low risk and are not a major threat to the public. However, they must be at least 150 meters away from buildings, industries and recreation areas. In addition, they must not fly over crowds or operate within 5 kilometres of airports and airfields.
A2
If you've completed your CBT training and are looking to get a motorcycle license, you may be qualified for a category A1 licence. This allows you to drive on a smaller motorcycle without a sidecar. The vehicle must have a maximum cylinder capacity of 125cc, as well as an output power of 11kW. You must also be 16 years old to get this license. Viewing your driving licence online allows you to find out more about the categories and regulations.
You can also fly drones that have a maximum mass of 4kg in the A2 category However, they must be kept at a safe distance from other people when taking off and landing. The distances of separation are horizontal, not vertical and drones must be kept at 30m or more horizontally from uninvolved people or 5m when in 'low-speed mode'. To fly in this category, you must be able to pass the A2 Certificate of Competence exam (A2 CofC).
If you want 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, flight assessment and prepare an Operations Manual. The application process is similar to applying for a PfCO. You can find out more about the requirements in our detailed guide.
A2 permits you to fly transitional drones that aren't yet CE-marked but have been modified to reduce collision risks with people. It is only possible to fly these drones in A2 until the 2022 deadline, after which they'll need to comply with A3 rules.
The A1 and A2 categories are designed to assist you in becoming a safe and confident motorcyclist. The number of lessons you will have to complete will depend on your level of ability and progress, but a predetermined amount of special rides must be completed. This includes a minimum of five lessons on country roads, four on highways and three at dawn or in darkness.
A3
This category allows drones with a maximum takeoff mass of 25 kg. While it is a lower risk operation, strict measures are required to prevent the risk of accidents. A distance of 150 metres is required between drones and residential, commercial, industrial, and recreational areas. This also requires drones to be fitted with a remote identification system as well as a geoawareness system.
This tier is further divided into sub categories: A1, A2 or A3. The A1 subcategory allows drones with Class Identification Label C0 or C1 to fly over people who are not in the drone. It requires a minimum distance of 30 meters from other drones when flying at an altitude of flight or 5 metres in slow flight mode.
Drones with the Class Identification Label C2 can be operated under subcategory A2 when they meet the requirements for size and the remote pilot has passed a knowledge test. This test is designed for the remote pilot to assess their understanding of the technical and operational mitigations to address the additional risks of flying bigger drones (class A2, below 4kg mass), close to people. A successful passing of this exam is rewarded with an 'attestation of competence to fly in category A2'.
There are transitional arrangements that permit older drones, that aren't certified, to operate under the categories A1 or A2 for two years following the implementation of the new EU regulations. Legacy drones may not be deliberately flown overhead of people and must be operated with an A2 CofC.
To operate a drone that falls under this category you must pass the regular online flyer ID test and follow up with a second theory exam. In addition, you need to declare that you have gained some experience of your drone and pass a written declaration of competence. These requirements are similar to the driving licence model in that the driver who has first obtained their licence for a vehicle in a lower category can then move up to an upper category.
A4
The DOH is preparing detailed guidelines for category A4. They will be in line with the other procedures and will include information like 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. Before they are published, the guidelines will be vetted and approved by both the DOH National Immunization Technical Advisory Group and IATF-EID.
In this category, drones with a class identification label C0 and C1 are allowed to fly within a minimum distance of 50 metres of uninvolved people. This is a very low-risk subcategory, but stringent precautions should be taken to prevent accidents. Drones classified as A1 or A2 must take an additional theoretical test to be able to operate in this subcategory.
This test is designed to measure your knowledge of the additional risks associated with flying drones near people. A successful passing of the test results in a certificate of competence for this subcategory. The pilot must maintain a minimum of 30 metres between the aircraft and any other persons not involved or 5 metres when flying in slow-flight mode.
If you're looking to obtain a motorcycle licence you must pass an amount of training sessions to take the theory test, and then pass the practical test. This amount varies depending on your age, skill level and learning progress. But, at least 12 lessons lasting 90 minutes are required to be completed.
In these classes you will become familiar with your vehicle and traffic laws. You will also receive valuable tips on how to drive in difficult situations. You must also attend certain special rides in addition to the mandatory driving lessons.
The new category E effectively blends the classes A1 (retail) and A2 (financial services and professional services) B1 (offices), A4 (restaurants/cafes) and B5 for takeaway hot food. It also includes health/medical uses such as creches and nurseries, and indoor recreation facilities. The new licensing system is expected simplify and cut costs. The landlords will now be able to utilize their properties in ways that they are not currently allowed.