Subcategories of the open category and their characteristics.

The simplified subcategory A1 includes the very lightest SFEs: those weighing up to 900 grams. Primarily, it includes C0 and C1 SFEs, but also self-builders that meet the requirements. These SFEs are so light that they can fly instantaneous flights over single persons. However, SFEs weighing more than 250 grams should avoid such flights. However, no SMEE – regardless of weight – in the open category can fly over crowds, “crowd” meaning a gathering of people so “compact” that it is difficult to move freely within it.

If you are going to fly a SFE over 250 grams in the open class, you must ensure that certain conditions are met. First of all, C1, C2 and C3 class SFEs built after 1 July 2020 must have updated systems for direct remote sensing and geo-reconnaissance. You can read more about this later in this section. Another requirement is that you, as a remote operator, must have passed the examination and been issued a licence for your SSEA. You must carry your license with you at all times during your flights. Think of it as a driver’s license.

Never overhead – but at a horizontal distance

Subcategory A2 is almost exclusively composed of C2 marked SSEs. These SMEE weigh a maximum of 4 kg and are not expected to fly over individuals or crowds. However, they may fly close to persons at a horizontal distance of 30 metres or, if the low speed mode is activated, 5 metres.

In addition to the knowledge you need to fly an SFE in subcategories A1 and A3, you also need to know a lot about meteorology, the performance of your SFE and the separation of the overflight area. This knowledge is important, as these SFEs can fly close to people despite their high weight compared to C0 and C1 SFEs.

The heaviest SSEAs in the open category

Subcategory A3 includes the heavier types of SFEs belonging to the Open category – those weighing up to 25 kg. These are C2, C3 or C4, homebuilt HFEs that meet the requirements or airframe models. This means that aircraft with a C2 identification tag can be included in both the A2 and A3 subcategories. However, regardless of the C rating, it is always prohibited to fly any A3 subcategory SFE on or near persons not participating in the flight. In addition, you must keep your SFE at least 150 metres from residential, commercial, industrial or recreational areas.

Please note that there may be areas where flights in all categories are restricted or prohibited. If you are unsure, it is important to assess the situation based on regulations and common sense, but remember that the pilot is responsible for making decisions.

What is a recreation area?

It can be precisely defined what a recreational site is (referred to in UAS.OPEN.040). It is an area that the public can access and use for recreational activities. Such areas need not be permanent. They may be temporary depending on the number of people or the assumed number of people visiting such an area. An example is a beach that may be a recreational area during the summer but not during the rest of the season. The assessment should be made according to the current situation and the operator as mentioned is responsible for making decisions.