The Class C classification labels of SSEAs

If your SSEA is in the Open category and is factory-made – not self-made – it must be CE marked (proof of product safety). It must also have a C-class classification label. There are six different classes and the marking of your SFE depends on its characteristics, such as its size, how much energy it will carry in a collision or how fast it is allowed to fly.

No training is required to fly C0-labelled SFEs or self-made devices weighing less than 250 grams, and there is also no age limit.  It is worth noting, however, that neither these SFEs, nor other SFEs in the Open category, can ever fly at altitudes above 120 metres or above crowds. It is important to note that if the SMEE is equipped with a sensor that can capture personal data, you must register as an exploiter.

However, to fly SFEs weighing more than 250 grams, the remote pilot must be 16 years of age and the pilot must be registered.

If your SFE is classified as C1, it can fly at a maximum speed of 19 metres per second and should not carry more than 80 joules in the event of a collision. As a general principle, C1-rated SFEs should weigh less than 900 grams, as long as they do not carry more than 80 joules in a maximum speed collision. For example, an SFE weighing 899 grams can fly at a maximum speed of 13.3 m/s to carry no more than 80 joules in the event of a collision.

You can calculate how many joules your SSEA will carry using a “kinetic energy calculator” easily found on the Internet. By entering the weight of your SSE and its maximum speed, you find out how many joules it carries.

Here is the formula for such a calculation: KE = ½ (mv2)

KE (Kinetic Energy) = joule (j)

m (Mass of the SSEA) = kg

v (SMA speed) = m / s

As a remote operator, you should not fly in areas where people are likely to be present. If you happen to fly your SFE over people, you must remove it as soon as possible and safely.

SFEs classified as C1

• They are not allowed to fly faster than 19 metres per second.
• They must weigh less than 900 grams and transmit less than 80 joules in the event of a collision.
• You cannot deliberately fly over people who are not on the flight. If this happens, you must remove the SFE as quickly and safely as possible.

C2-rated SFEs may weigh up to 4 kg. They are included in subcategory A2, which means that you are not allowed to fly in them above persons, but you can fly close if you maintain a horizontal distance of more than 30 metres. If you have activated the low-speed mode, you can fly even within 5 metres of people at a horizontal distance.

SFEs classified as C2

• They can weigh up to 4 kg.
• They cannot fly over people or crowds.
• They can fly close to people, at a horizontal distance of at least 30 metres, or 5 metres if the low-speed mode is activated.

SFEs classified C3 or C4 shall not weigh more than 25 kg. They belong to subclass A3, which means they can only fly in areas where humans are unlikely to be present. For this reason, it is important to keep these swifts at least 150 metres away from residential, commercial, industrial or recreational areas. C3 tagged Swifts should be no more than three metres in length and C4 tagged Swifts should not use automatic flight.

The SSEAs with classification C3

• They can weigh up to 25 kg.
• They may have a maximum width of three metres.
• They cannot fly over or near people.
• They must fly at least 150 metres away from residential, commercial, industrial or recreational areas.

The C4-classified SFEs

• They can weigh up to 25 kg.
• They cannot be checked automatically.
• They cannot fly over or near people.
• They must fly at least 150 metres away from residential, commercial, industrial or recreational areas.

What are the obligations of the owner-operator of an SSEA?

What is the responsibility of the owner-operator of a SSEA?

In order to use a SFE weighing more than 250 grams, the owner must be registered. It is important to note that if the aircraft weighs less than 250 grams and is equipped with a sensor that can capture personal data, you must be registered as an operator. This is done via the YPA website www.ypa.gr

When it comes to private use, the owner-operator is usually the same natural person as the remote operator. In this case, it is sufficient to follow the procedures laid down by the manufacturer of the SSEA.

If the owner-operator is a legal person, it has the following responsibilities to name a few:

• Develop business procedures to coordinate activities among its employees.

• Create and maintain a list of employees and their responsibilities
• Ensuring efficient use of the radio spectrum
• Designate a remote pilot for each flight
• Ensure that remote operators are familiar with the user manual provided by the manufacturer and the owner-operator.

• Inform the geo-alertness system when there is
• Ensure, in the case of a flight in subcategory A2 or A3, that all persons involved who are present in the area of operation have been informed of the risks and have expressly agreed to participate.

What is the responsibility of the remote operator?

If you are reading these lines, you obviously want to fly an Semi-EA, in other words, you will become a remote pilot. Even if you are not the owner-operator, you as a remote operator are responsible for the flight. There are certain conditions that must be met for you to fly. First of all, you must pass the test and obtain your pilot’s license. 

The focus is then mainly on the flight itself. For example, you should not be under the influence of alcohol or other psychoactive substances, nor should you be tired, injured or affected by other factors that may affect your ability to fly. If you become aware that you pose a risk to other aircraft, people, animals or the environment, you must cancel the flight.

You must also be well aware of the rules and restrictions that apply in the areas where the flight is taking place, you must use the SFE in accordance with the manufacturer’s user manual and you must not fly near emergency operations – unless approved by the agency acting in that emergency.

Remember that you must always be sure that the systems of the SFE are working properly throughout the flight.