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Open-Air Uncrewed Aircraft System Operations

Uncover the regulations for drone use under the EASA Open Category. Familiarize yourself with the guidelines for subcategories (A1-A3), pilot qualifications, and find out how our site ensures you operate within legal and efficient parameters.

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Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Operations Conducted in the General Classification
Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Operations Conducted in the General Classification

Open-Air Uncrewed Aircraft System Operations

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has introduced new regulations for drone operations, effective from December 31, 2020. These regulations, known as the Open Category, apply to low-risk flights and have specific requirements focused on safety and the lightweight nature of the drone.

To qualify for the Open Category, your drone operation should meet certain conditions:

  1. Drone Weight: The drone’s maximum takeoff mass must be less than 25 kg.
  2. Visual Line of Sight (VLOS): The operator must maintain visual contact with the drone during flight.
  3. Maximum Altitude: The drone must be operated at an altitude of no more than 120 meters (approximately 400 feet) above ground level.
  4. No Prior Authorization: No prior approval or authorization from aviation authorities is required for flights under this category owing to the low risk.
  5. Risk Level: Operations must involve low risk, meaning no flights over uninvolved people, no operations in restricted airspaces, and adherence to standard safety distances from people and property.

If your drone operation meets these conditions, it qualifies for the Open Category under EASA regulations. However, EASA further subdivides the Open Category into subcategories (A1, A2, and A3) depending on weight and proximity to people.

In subcategory A1, drones with a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) less than 900 grams are allowed. These drones typically have a C0 or C1 CE-marking. In subcategory A2, operating a C2 drone requires an online training and test, as well as a practical self-training and a theoretical test at a recognized (governmental) facility.

It's important to note that flights over assemblies of people are not allowed in the Open Category. Operations may only be conducted within Visual Line Of Sight (VLOS) in the Open Category. Procedures must be in place to verify that the mass of the UAS does not exceed the MTOM defined by the manufacturer or the MTOM limit of its class - if the UAS is fitted with an additional payload.

The Open Category allows flights over uninvolved people with drones lighter than 900 grams, within residential areas. However, intentionally overflying uninvolved people with C1 drones between 250 - 900 grams is not allowed in subcategory A1.

For drone operators, competency requirements must be met for the remote pilot(s) and for personnel other than the remote pilot. Procedures must be in place to discontinue the flight if the operation poses a risk to other aircraft, people, animals, environment or property. If the remote pilot is assisted by a visual observer, a procedure must be in place to ensure clear and effective communication between the remote pilot and the visual observer.

Operational procedures must be developed that are adapted to the type of operation and the risk involved. Procedures must be in place to ensure that the UAS is in a condition to safely complete the intended flight. Procedures must be in place to check and update information concerning any geographical zones in the geo-awareness system when applicable.

Procedures must be in place to check if the remote pilot is not performing duties under the influence of psychoactive substances or alcohol or if he/she is unfit to perform its tasks due to injury, fatigue, medication, sickness or other causes. Operations can only be conducted up to 120 meters above surface level within the Open Category.

National aviation authorities can designate certain zones as "Specific Category Only", limiting operations within the Open Category. Operators must register themselves or their company in the national registry for drones weighing more than 250 grams or having a camera on board. A procedure must be in place to comply with the operational limitations in geographical zones.

For those seeking help in setting up procedures for safe, efficient, and compliant drone operations, consultants can be found at the mentioned website. The website also offers a Drone Operations Management platform for efficient planning, execution, and management of drone operations.

It's crucial to remember that drone operators must always follow these guidelines to ensure safe and compliant drone operations.

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