Let’s have a look at the drone pilot training requirements for the Open Category. The type of training required depends on the type of drone you use and its weight – Maximum Takeoff Mass (MTOM) or Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW). Keep in mind that the training conducted in one EASA member state will be recognised in all others.
Drone pilot training requirements until 31st of December 2022
A transitional period until December 31, 2022 applies, and each EASA Member State may define the appropriate remote pilot training requirements according to the following table:
Drone pilot training requirements as from 1st of January 2023
The training requirements applicable as from January 1, 2023 are described below. However, most of the EASA Member States already offer this training. So, you can receive a certificate according to the EU regulation today. If you receive from an NAA of an EASA Member State, one of the certificate of training with the EASA logo as shown below, you may already use it to operate your drone in the ‘open’ category in all EASA Member States. The training and exams can be conducted in a EASA member states of your choice.
C0 class drones
No training is required if the drone:
- has a C0 class label;
- is built by yourself (privately built);
- has a maximum weight (MTOM) < 250 g;
- is purchased before 31st of December 2022, without a class identification label, and with a maximum weight (MTOM) < 250 g.
You need to read the drone’s manufacturer user manual.
C1, C3, C4 class drones
If your drone:
- has one of the following C class labels: C1, C3, C4;
- or is purchased before 31st of December 2022, without a class identification label, and with a maximum weight (MTOM) < 25 kg.
You need to read the drone’s manufacturer user manual.
You need to undertake an online training and pass an exam for the A1/A3 subcategories. Check the National Aviation Authority website to find out how to receive this training and exam. You can undertake the training and pass an exam in any EASA Member State.
An exam consits of 40 questions, and you should answer at least 75% correctly. Then you will receive the following certificate:
C2 drones
If your drone:
has C2 class label.
You need to read the drone’s manufacturer user manual.
You need to undertake an online training and pass an exam for the A1/A3 subcategories (UAS.Open.020(4)(b)).
You need to conduct a pratical self-training with your drone in a safe area that meets the requirements for subcategory A3 (an area where no uninvolved persons are present in the range of the drone, at least 150 metres away from residential, industrial or commercial areas). You need to declare the successful completion of the practical training.
You need to contact a National Aviation Authority and take an additional theoretical exam (UAS.Open.030(2)(c)). Please note that you need to have the practical training declaration completed. The exam can be done in a classroom or online (if online a system provided by the respective National Aviation Authority for identification of your identity is required (e.g. an online proctoring system). Check the National Aviation Authority website to find out how to receive this exam. You can pass an exam in any EASA Member State.
An exam consits of 30 questions, and you should answer at least 75% correctly. Then you will receive the following certificate:
Note that an National Aviation Authority may designate an entity that may conduct the online training and provide the online exam or the exam for the A2 subcategory.
Training certificates
For the ‘open’ category or standard scenarios, the National Aviation Authority is responsible for issuing the certificates. A ‘Remote Pilot certificate of competency’ and ‘Proof of completion for online training’ are valid for 5 years. If the revalidation is conducted before the certificate expires, the remote pilot may attend a seminar provided by the National Aviation Authority or by an entity recognised by it, otherwise competencies need to be re-demonstrated (Regulatory reference: DRONE.OPEN.070 (1) of EU regulation 2019/947).
Summary
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Last update: 18/12/2021
