With the increasing use of drones comes the need for clear rules for drone operations. European legislation has therefore divided drone operations into three basic categories according to the level of riskUnderstanding these categories is absolutely essential for companies and individuals. It determines what permissions you need, what obligations you must fulfill, and what you can afford when flying.
Why there are traffic categories
Previously, the rules were very different in individual countries. The European Union therefore introduced a unified system. The aim was to create common rules for all member states.
The basic principle is simple: the higher the risk of the operation, the stricter the requirements.
The category is therefore not only determined by the drone itself, but above all:
- Where are you flying?
- Who (what) are you flying over?
- How high do you fly?
- whether you fly autonomously,
- whether you are transporting cargo,
- and what consequences a possible incident could have.
European legislation distinguishes three main categories:
- Open
- Specific
- Certified
1. Open category (Open)
The open category is the most common and is used by most hobby pilots and a large part of corporate operations. It is intended for low-risk flights.
Typical use
The open category includes, for example, photography and filming, building inspections, land mapping, marketing footage, agricultural monitoring, or recreational flying.
Basic rules
Operation in the open category must meet several basic conditions:
- maximum flight height of 120 meters, unless the height permitted by aviation regulations (maps for drone operations) is lower in a given location,
- flight only within sight of the pilot (VLOS),
- prohibition of the transport of dangerous goods,
- prohibition of dropping objects,
- the operation must not pose a high risk to persons.
In most cases, registration of the drone operator is also required.
Subcategories A1, A2 and A3
The open category is further divided into three subcategories.
A1 – flying even near people
This subcategory allows for flying near people, but not over crowds. Typically, this includes smaller, lighter drones. The pilot must minimize the time they fly over people.
It is usually necessary to:
- read the user manual,
- complete online training,
- take an online theory test.
A2 – flying near people (with restrictions)
Category A2 allows operation closer to people, but requires a higher level of pilot knowledge.
It is usually necessary to:
- read the user manual,
- complete online training,
- take an online theory test,
- undergo practical training,
- to take a written exam.
At the same time, the pilot must maintain safe distances, for example, low speed mode - a distance of up to 5 m from people, otherwise up to 30 m.
A3 – flying away from people
The least demanding subcategory in terms of qualifications, but with the greatest operational restrictions. You can only fly far from residential areas, outside densely built-up areas and at a sufficient distance from people.
It is usually necessary to:
- read the user manual,
- complete online training,
- take an online theory test.
This subcategory is often used, for example, in industrial inspections outside cities.
2. Specific category (Specific)
The specific category is intended for higher-risk operations that no longer meet the conditions of the open category. Typically, these are professional or commercial operations with a higher level of risk.
When do you fall into a specific category?
For example, when:
- you are flying beyond the pilot's direct line of sight (BVLOS),
- you are flying in higher risk cities,
- you operate heavier drones,
- you fly near airports,
- you perform automated missions,
- you are transporting cargo.
What is needed
In a specific category, basic pilot registration is no longer enough.
The operator usually needs:
- operating authorization from the Civil Aviation Authority,
- risk analysis,
- operating manual,
- description of safety measures,
- appropriate pilot qualifications.
SORA – risk assessment
The key term for the specific category is SORA (Specific Operations Risk Assessment). It is a risk assessment methodology that assesses, for example:
- risk to people on the ground,
- risk of collision with a manned aircraft,
- technical security of the drone,
- pilot skills,
- emergency procedures.
The authority then decides whether the operation is sufficiently safe.
Standard scenarios
European legislation has also introduced so-called standard scenarios. If the operation corresponds to a predefined scenario, approval can be significantly simpler.
This is especially important for companies that want to operate recurring commercial flights.
3. Certified category (Certified)
The most stringent category is certified. It is used for very high-risk operations that are similar in nature to conventional aviation.
Typical examples
The certified category may include, for example, autonomous passenger transport, air taxis, transport of dangerous goods, large autonomous logistics systems or operations over densely populated areas with high risk.
What is needed
Here it is already required:
- drone certification,
- operator certification,
- pilot's license,
- very strict technical and safety standards.
The rules are in many ways similar to classic air transportIn normal business practice, we encounter this category minimally so far, but with the development of autonomous transport, its importance will grow.
How to find out which category you fall into
This is one of the most common questions asked by companies and pilots alike. It is not just the type of drone that is important, but also the specific way it is used. The same drone can be in an open category in one case and in a specific category in another.
For example, photographing a field outside a village may be an open category, but inspecting a city center with the same drone may require a specific category.
What is good to consider before every flight
Before planning operations, it is advisable to evaluate:
- place of flight,
- population density,
- distance from airports,
- type of drone,
- drone weight,
- flight automation,
- distance between the pilot and the drone,
- possible risks.
The most common mistakes
"When the drone is small, the rules don't apply."
Even small drones are subject to the rules. For some models, the requirements are more lenient, but the obligations do not disappear.
"Commercial flying is automatically a specific category."
No. Many commercial activities can be operated in the open category as long as the rules are met.
"If I have permission, I can fly anywhere."
This is not the case either. Every flight must respect geographical zones, restricted areas, protection zones and local restrictions.
Practical impact for companies
Traffic categories are not just an administrative formality.
They have a direct impact on operating costs, pilot training, insurance, technological equipment, speed of project approval, or automation options.
A company that wants to use drones long-term should know when planning the project:
- what category will he need,
- what processes they need to set up,
- and what legislative obligations await it.
Getting it right from the start can save you a lot of time and money.
záver
Drone operation categories form the basis of European legislation for unmanned systems.
The open category allows for relatively simple, low-risk operations. The specific category addresses professional and riskier operations. The certified category then points towards the future of autonomous air transport.
It is important for every operator to understand that it is not just about the drone itself, but above all about how to use itProperly classifying operations is the first step towards the safe, legal and effective use of drones in business.
JUDr. Ing. Jan Vych, attorney and partner
