Category A1 Rules For Motorcyclists
The rules for Category A1 are designed for those who wish to ride small motorbikes. They have cylinder capacity of up to 35kW. They cannot be built from vehicles of more than double their power.
Open category drone operations are split into three subcategories, namely A1 to A3. You can fly current drones with class label C0 or C1 in the A1 subcategory (fly over people) until January 2024.
A1
Category A1 is one of the three EASA drone categories. It is applicable to aircrafts that have a maximum take-off mass (MTOM) of up to 25 kilograms. It requires a flight plan as well as an account of flight, as well as an identification system for remotes and geoawareness technology. The drone must be within sight of the pilot at all at all times. It is prohibited to fly over groups of people or in areas that are used for industrial, commercial or recreation purposes. The drone should also remain less than 120 meters above the ground level.
If you wish to fly a drone that is not included in the categories above, you'll require an exclusive licence from the Civil Aviation Authority. This is known as an operational authorisation. Here you can find out more about how to apply for it.
A1 applicants must have at least 16 years experience in two-wheeled vehicles. They must also have completed the mandatory basic training and passed both a theory as well as a practical test. They must also possess a valid medical certification.
A1 license holders can use two-wheeled mopeds as long as their cylinder capacity is no more than 125 cc and their power-to-weight ratio is not greater than 0.1 kW/kg. They can also ride motorcycles that have an optimum cylinder capacity of 125 cc as well as trikes or quad bikes, as well as quad-bikes.
The category A1 driving license is designed to give easier access to the next vehicle category, which permits licence holders to drive vehicles with a maximum authorised mass of up to 35 kW. This is a reason to gain experience driving less powerful vehicles before moving onto the higher categories of licence.
Until January 1st, 2024, all current drones that do not have a CE mark can be operated in the subcategory A1. They are safe and do not pose any significant threat to the general population. However, they must remain at a distance of 150 meters from structures, industry and recreational areas. Additionally, they should not fly over crowds or operate within 5 km of airfields or airports.
A2
You may be eligible to apply for an A1 motorcycle license if you have completed your CBT and are interested in obtaining an A1 motorcycle licence. This permits you to ride an unrestricted motorcycle with no sidecar. The bike must have a maximum capacity of 125cc, as well as an output power of 11 kW. You must also be at least 16 years old in order to get this licence. The online view of your driving license will allow you to know more about the categories and regulations.
You can also fly in the A2 sub-category using drones with a mass of up to 4kg, however, you must keep them at an appropriate distance from people during take-off and landing. The drones must be at least 30m away from people when in low-speed mode or 5m if they are not involved. To fly in this category, you need to also pass the A2 Certificate of Competence exam (A2 CofC).
If you're looking to fly larger drones, then you'll need to apply for an operator's permit in the particular category. This requires you to complete the General VLOS Certificate training, flight assessment, and create an Operations Manual. The process for applying is similar to applying for a PfCO. Learn more about the requirements in our comprehensive guide.
A2 allows you to fly drones with transitional capabilities that aren't CE-marked, but have been modified to decrease collision risk with humans. It is only possible to fly these drones with A2 until the 2022 deadline, after which they'll be required to comply with A3 rules.
The A1 and A2 categories can help you become a safe and confident motorcyclist. The number of lessons you'll require depends on your skill and progress, but a predetermined number of special rides must be taken. This includes a minimum five lessons on country roads as well as four on highways and three in the morning or at night.
A3
This class of drones can be used with a an maximum takeoff mass of 25 kg. Although it is a less risk operation, strict precautions should be taken to reduce the risk of accidents. A safe distance of 150 meters is required from residential, commercial, industrial and recreation areas. This is also a requirement for drones to be equipped with an identification system for remotes and geoawareness systems.
This tier is also divided into sub categories: A1, A2 or even A3. The A1 subcategory allows flights over uninvolved persons and is designated for drones having an identification label for Class C0 or C1. It imposes an absolute distance of 30m from any third party when flying at an altitude of flight or 5 metres in slow flight mode.
Drones with a Class identification label C2 can be operated in subcategory A2 provided the drone meets the dimensions required and the remote pilot is able to pass an additional exam of theoretical knowledge. This exam is designed to allow remote pilots to test their understanding of the technical and operation mitigations to address the additional dangers associated with flying larger drones (class A2, less than 4kg mass) close to people. The certificate of ability to fly Category A2 is awarded upon successful completion of the test.
There are transitional arrangements that allow legacy drones, that are not certified, to be operated under the categories A1 or A2 for two years following the introduction of the new EU regulations. Legacy drones cannot be flown over people and must be equipped with an A2 CofC.
To operate a drone within this category, you must first take the online flyer identification test and then complete a theory exam. Karta Xpress Poland must also declare that you have some practical understanding of your drone and submit a written declaration of competence. These requirements are similar to the driving licence model whereby the person who is first granted a licence for a less powerful vehicle category will be able to gain access to a higher category.
A4
The DOH is currently preparing detailed guidelines that will be used for category A4. These will be consistent with the other procedures and include specifics 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 DOH's National Immunization Technical Advisory Group will review and approve these guidelines before they are finalized.
In this category, drones with the class identification labels C0 and C1 are allowed to fly within a distance of 50 metres of people who are not involved. This is a relatively low-risk category, but strict precautions must be taken to avoid accidents. Drones classified as A1 or A2 are required to pass an additional theoretical knowledge test before they can operate in this subcategory.
This test aims to determine the level of knowledge about the dangers of flying drones close to people. The certificate of competence is issued upon passing this test. The pilot must maintain a minimum distance of 30 metres from any non-involved person, or 5 meters when flying in slow flight mode.
If you are looking to get a motorcycle license you must pass some training sessions to take the theory test and subsequently pass the practical test. This number varies based on your age, skill level and progress in learning. A minimum of 12 90-minute classes must be completed.
In these classes you will learn about your car and the traffic laws. Additionally, you will receive tips on how to operate your vehicle in difficult situations. In addition to the compulsory classes, you are required to attend specific number of special rides.
The new category E blends the classes A1 (retail), A2 (financial services and professional services) B1 (offices) A4 (restaurants/cafes), and A5 and B5 for takeaway hot food. This category also includes health and medical reasons, creches and nursery schools, and indoor facilities for recreation and sports. The new licensing system is expected to streamline and reduce costs. The landlords will be able to make use of their properties in ways that they are not currently permitted.