EASA Drone Registration & Training Requirements

Sofema Aviation Services (SAS) www.sassofia.com Considers the practical issues associated with the requirement for regulatory compliance for Drone “OPS”

General Introduction

      » Non-Certified Drones do not require Registration
      » Owner / Operator must be registered with NAA of EU Country (Single Registration – Will require Renewal)

o   Once registered, you receive a ‘drone operator registration number’ To be displayed on all the drones including those privately built. You must also upload it into the ‘Drone’s remote identification system’.

o   The unique registration number is valid in all other EASA Member States

Note – No registration required for

      » Drones less than 250g and has no camera or other sensor able to detect personal data;

o   Even with a camera or other sensor, weighs less than 250g, but is considered a “toy” - Directive 2009/48/EC);

EASA Drone Certification Requirements

      » A drone is certified when it has a certificate of airworthiness (or a restricted certificate of airworthiness) issued by the National Aviation Authority.
      » In this case, it requires a registration.
      » A certified drone is needed only when the risk of the operation requires it.
      » So certification is never needed for drones operated in the ’open’ category.

Drone Operator Insurance Requirements

      » Insurance required for a drone with a weight above 20kg.
      » Many EASA Member States mandate third-party insurance for a lighter drone. – Check!

 Minimum age to fly a Drone?

      » The minimum age for remote pilots of drones in the ‘open’ and ’specific’ categories is 16 years old, (Maybe lowered by the NAA)
      » No minimum age for flying a drone with a class 0 mark under subcategory A1.

Drone Pilot Training

Drone 'open' category training is proportionate to the category of drone you are going to operate.

       » Training Exemptions –

o   Training is not required only if you are using very light drones:

o   Classmark 0, - familiar with the manufacturer’s instructions; or

o    Privately built drones less than 250g, no training required.

Open Category Training

All remote pilots flying in subcategories A1, A2, and A3 are required to:

      » Be familiar with the manufacturer’s manual.
      » Complete an online training course provided by the NAA and
      » Successfully complete an online theoretical knowledge examination (provided at the end of the online training) before they can fly the drone.

o   The test consists of 40 multiple choice questions testing your knowledge as a pilot.

Drone Test Certificate

      » Once completed the NAA will issue a certificate of completion of the online training. It enables you to fly in the A1 and A3 subcategories.

Additional Requirement for Operation in A2 subcategory

      » Complete practical training of yourself in order to familiarise yourself with the drone and ensure you reach a good level of control.

o   This must be conducted in an area where you do not pose a risk to other people; and

      » Undergo an additional theoretical knowledge examination that will be provided in a facility identified by the NAA

o   The test consists of 30 multiple choice questions testing the pilot’s knowledge on mitigation of ground risks, meteorology, and the drone’s flight performance.

o   On completion, the National Aviation Authority issues a ‘certificate of remote pilot competency’. With this certificate, you can fly in the A2 subcategory. 

Next Steps

Sofema Aviation Services www.sassofia.com and Sofema Online www.sofemaonline.com provide regulatory compliant vocational training compliant with EASA regulations. For further information and support please email team@sassofia.com