The "Open category" Courses

Overview of the A1/A3 Course

The A1/A3 is a qualification which came into effect in the EU on December 31, 2020, as part of new European regulations. It sis the minimum qualification required within the EU if you are flying a drone weighing 250grams or over.

An A1/A3 Operator Certificate allows you to fly in the A1/A3 Open Category mode once you have asuitable drone that fit in withing this category. This is regardless of whether you want to fly as a hobbyist or make money from your drone missions.

The A1 subcategory allows flying in the areas approved for Open Category flying and will let you fly a CO, C1 aircraft (<900gr) in A1/A3 mode or a C0 - C4 aircraft (up to 25kg) in A3 mode (away from people and buildings) whilst always keeping away from flights over uninvolved persons.

Getting an A1/A3 Qualification

The Malta Drone Centre A1/A3 course is a 2 hour Ground School course plus 3 -4 hours of self study culminating in a theory examination. The A1/A3 course covers topics such related to teh drone openrations regulations, pilot and operator responsibilities. It will culminate in the theory test that is normally carried out by the local Aviation Authority.

You will also to have an A1/A3 qualifiaction before commencing the A2 course.

Actual Sessions for the A1/A3 course

The 2 hour tutor lead classroom style on-line course is either done on a 1:1 basis, a small group or as a larger corproate group depending on current course schedule and individual neeeds. Please contact us for further details on course session availability and course costs.

Overview of the A2 Course

The A2 is a qualification which came into effect in the EU on December 31, 2020, as part of new European regulations.

An A2 Operator Certificate allows you to fly in the A2 Open Category mode once you have asuitable drone that fit in withing the A2 category. This is regardless of whether you want to fly as a hobbyist or make money from your drone missions.

The A2 subcategory (allows fling close to people - not over them) will let you fly a CO, C1 or C2 aircraft down to a maximum distance of 30m horizontally from uninvolved people. Or up to 5m in 'low-speed mode' but clearly stipulates no intentional flight over uninvolved persons.

Getting an A2 Qualification

The Malta Drone Centre A2 course is a one-day Ground School course, culminating in a theory examination. The A2 course will cover topics such as basic principles of flight, congested area operations, avoiding collision, battery safety, and environmental factors. It will culminate in the theory test that is normally carried out by the local Aviation Authority.