What the EU drone regulation requires of operators
Categories, certificates and operator obligations at a glance, with the route to the right qualification.
In one sentence
The EU drone regulation governs who may fly which drone and where. As well as pilots, it explicitly holds the company responsible as the UAS operator.
The rules at a glance
Operations are divided into three categories. The open category covers most standard commercial flights, within visual line of sight up to 120 metres above the closest point of the earth's surface, with drones under 25 kilograms take-off mass, without flying over assemblies of people and without dangerous goods or dropping material. Depending on the distance from people and the class mark, it is divided into the subcategories A1 to A3.
| Subcategory | Distance from people | Class marks | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | Avoid flying over uninvolved people where possible, never over assemblies of people. Drones under 250 grams may fly over uninvolved people. | C0, C1, home-built and older drones without a class mark under 250 grams | EU A1/A3 proof of competency for C1, the manufacturer's instructions for C0 and drones under 250 grams |
| A2 | No flying over uninvolved people, at least 30 metres horizontal distance, down to 5 metres in low-speed mode after assessing the situation | C2 | EU A2 certificate of competency |
| A3 | Only where no uninvolved people are endangered, at least 150 metres from residential, commercial, industrial and recreational areas | C2, C3, C4, home-built and older drones without a class mark under 25 kilograms | EU A1/A3 proof of competency |
The specific category begins where the open category ends, for example with flights beyond visual line of sight or over assemblies of people. It requires an operational authorisation from the competent aviation authority based on a risk assessment, depending on the operator's seat the German Federal Aviation Office (LBA) or the state aviation authority. For a standard scenario a declaration is sufficient, and holders of an LUC with the relevant privileges authorise their own flights. The certified category covers high-risk operations and is not relevant for most companies.
Operators based in Germany register with the German Federal Aviation Office (LBA) and display the registration number on every drone. They use remote pilots with the right qualification, take out the mandatory liability insurance and observe the geographical zones in which flights are restricted or prohibited. The class mark determines in which subcategory of the open category or in which standard scenario a drone may be operated, so it belongs in every purchasing decision. C0 to C4 assign the drone to the subcategories of the open category, C5 belongs to standard scenario STS-01 and C6 to standard scenario STS-02 in the specific category.
The legal basis is Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947, which has applied since 31 December 2020 and was last amended by Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/1110. The open category is governed by Article 4 and Part A of the Annex, the specific category by Article 5 and Part B of the Annex, the standard scenarios by Appendix 1 and operator registration by Article 14. The class marks C0 to C6 are laid down in Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945, last amended by Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1130. The transitional rules expired on 31 December 2023. Since then, drones without a class mark that were placed on the market before 2024 may only fly in A1 under 250 grams or in A3 under 25 kilograms, and declarations under national standard scenarios have been invalid since 1 January 2026.
What this means for your business
Three things must be in place before the first mission: registration as an operator, the pilots' qualifications and a check of the geographical zones around your sites. Our drone licence training provides the qualification, the zone check is part of every feasibility assessment, and in procurement we make sure the equipment carries the right class mark.
Status and responsibility
Last updated: 24 October 2026. This text is for information only and does not replace legal advice on individual cases.
Frequently asked questions
Does our company have to register as a drone operator?
Yes, as soon as you operate a drone in the open category that weighs 250 grams or more or can transfer more than 80 joules of kinetic energy on impact, or a drone with a camera or another sensor able to capture personal data, unless it is a toy. In the specific category, registration is required regardless of weight. The company registers with the German Federal Aviation Office (LBA), and the registration number must be displayed on every drone.
What qualification do our pilots need?
For C1 in A1 and for A3, the EU A1/A3 proof of competency, with online training and an online test through the German Federal Aviation Office (LBA). For C0 and home-built drones under 250 grams, knowledge of the manufacturer's instructions is sufficient. For A2, pilots also need the EU A2 certificate of competency, which requires practical self-training with a declaration and a further theory exam at a testing centre designated by the LBA.
What does the class mark on the drone mean?
Classes C0 to C4 determine which subcategory of the open category a drone may fly in. C5 and C6 apply to standard scenarios in the specific category. That makes the class a decisive criterion when buying.
When do we need an authorisation?
As soon as a flight goes beyond the limits of the open category, for example beyond visual line of sight, higher than 120 metres, over assemblies of people or with drones of 25 kilograms or more. The specific category then applies, with an operational authorisation from the competent aviation authority, depending on the operator's seat the German Federal Aviation Office (LBA) or the state aviation authority. For standard scenarios with C5 or C6 drones and pilots holding an STS certificate, a declaration is sufficient.
What is an LUC?
The Light UAS Operator Certificate is an operator certificate. It allows the operator to authorise its own flights in the specific category within the scope of its approval, without applying for each operation individually. Solectric GmbH holds an LUC.
Does a docked drone need an authorisation?
As a rule, yes. Automated flights without a pilot on site and flights beyond visual line of sight fall into the specific category and require an operational authorisation from the competent aviation authority, depending on the operator's seat the German Federal Aviation Office (LBA) or the state aviation authority. The exception is operators holding an LUC whose privileges cover such flights.
From knowledge to qualification
Before you sign up, we establish which training your mission profile requires. Training includes hands-on practice with your own equipment.