Course Overview Summary
| Regulatory Basis | EU Regulation 2019/947 (operations) & EU Regulation 2019/945 (equipment) |
| Target Audience | New drone pilots; recreational & commercial operators; EU residents aged 16+ |
| Delivery Format | Online self-paced video lectures, interactive quizzes, and mock examinations |
| Total Duration | Approx. 4–5 hours of learning content + 1 hour for mock exams |
| Prerequisites | None — no prior aviation knowledge required |
| Assessment | 40-question online theory exam; 75 % pass mark; unlimited re-sits |
| Certificate | National NAA A1/A3 Remote Pilot Certificate; valid 5 years from issue date |
| Applicable From | 1 January 2024 (2024 requirements update) |
Overall Learning Outcomes On completion
- Apply the relevant provisions of EU Regulations 2019/947 and 2019/945 to plan and conduct legal drone flights in the Open Category
- Identify the correct operational subcategory (A1 or A3) for any given flight scenario
- Conduct thorough pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight procedures in accordance with EASA standards
- Assess meteorological conditions and determine their impact on safe UAS operation
- Explain the technical principles governing multirotor UAS performance, power systems, and failure modes
- Recognise and mitigate human-factor risks that contribute to UAS incidents
- Navigate relevant airspace and use geo-awareness tools to check restrictions before flight
- Fulfil all legal obligations relating to privacy, data protection, liability, insurance, and incident reporting
- Pass the EASA A1/A3 online theory examination with a score of ≥ 75 %
Course Modules 6 modules · 20 lessons
Learning Objectives
- Understand the purpose and scope of the EASA A1/A3 certificate
- Navigate the course structure and know what to expect in each module
- Identify the final online theory exam requirements (minimum 75% pass mark)
Key Topics
- What is EASA and why does it regulate drones?
- Three UAS operation categories: Open, Specific, Certified
- Where the A1/A3 certificate fits within the Open Category
- Exam format: 40 MCQ, 30 min, 75% pass mark required
- Certificate validity: 5 years from issue date
EASA Reference
EU Regulation 2019/947 – Part UAS.OPEN.020 · EASA Easy Access Rules for UAS (Rev. July 2024)
Instructor Notes
Keep this segment motivational. Remind students that the exam is online and self-paced. Encourage them to attempt the mock exams before the final.
Learning Objectives
- Explain why a harmonised EU drone regulatory framework was introduced
- Identify the primary regulations and their entry-into-force dates
- Distinguish between EU-level regulation and national NAA rules
Key Topics
- History of drone incidents that prompted EASA regulation
- EU Regulation 2019/947 (operations) and 2019/945 (class marks)
- Transition periods and the 2024 applicable requirements update
- Role of National Competent Authorities (CAA, ENAC, LBA, etc.)
- Key definitions: UAS, UA, remote pilot, operator
EASA Reference
EU Reg 2019/947 Art. 1–3 · EU Reg 2019/945 Art. 1–4 · EASA Easy Access Rules (July 2024)
Instructor Notes
Use a timeline graphic to illustrate the regulatory milestones from 2019 to 2024. Clarify that individual member states may add stricter local rules on top of EASA minimums.
Learning Objectives
- Define the Open Category and state its max weight (≤25 kg) and altitude (≤120 m AGL) limits
- Differentiate between subcategories A1, A2, and A3 in terms of allowed operations
- Match UAS class marks (C0–C4) to each subcategory
Key Topics
- Open Category definition: low-risk operations without authorisation
- VLOS requirement (~500 m horizontal)
- A1: C0/C1 — may overfly uninvolved persons (not assemblies)
- A2: C2 — 30 m lateral (5 m in low-speed mode) from people
- A3: C2/C3/C4 — ≥150 m from residential/commercial areas
- Legacy drones and privately built aircraft rules
- Operator registration requirements
EASA Reference
EU Reg 2019/947 – UAS.OPEN.010, .020, .030, .040 · EU Reg 2019/945 Annexes
Instructor Notes
Most examined topic. Use a decision-tree diagram for subcategory selection. Include scenario-based quiz questions. Learners often confuse subcategory with class mark — address directly.
Key Topics
- Legacy (grandfathered) aircraft: purchased before 1 January 2024
- Privately built UAS: rules by weight category
- No CE class mark required — but operational conditions still fully apply
- Compliance declaration via national registration portal
EASA Reference
EU Reg 2019/947 Art. 20 · EASA SC UAS.OPEN issue 2
Instructor Notes
Many learners own a legacy drone. Clarify that these aircraft are fully legal but the pilot must know which subcategory conditions apply by weight.
Key Topics
- A1: may overfly uninvolved persons — never over assemblies of people
- A3: strict 150 m safe distance from built-up areas at all times
- Minimum age: 16 years (12 with supervision in some member states)
- Online A1/A3 training + theory exam mandatory
- UAS operator registration + registration number displayed on drone
Instructor Notes
Summarise as a quick-reference checklist. Clarify 'operator registration' vs 'drone registration' — a very common source of exam confusion.
EASA Reference
EU Reg 2019/947 – UAS.OPEN.020(4)(a), UAS.OPEN.040(2) · EASA FAQ 116457
Learning Objectives
- Distinguish between the responsibilities of the UAS operator and the remote pilot
- List the pre-flight and in-flight obligations set out in the regulation
- Identify what constitutes a lawful refusal to fly
Key Topics
- Operator: registration, insurance, SOPs, geo-awareness
- Remote pilot: fitness, familiarity with manual, pre-flight checks, VLOS
- Duty of care to uninvolved persons and property
- Prohibition: flying under alcohol or psychoactive substances
- Right and duty to abandon a flight that poses unacceptable risk
- Compliance with emergency services and law enforcement
EASA Reference
EU Reg 2019/947 – UAS.OPEN.060, UAS.OPEN.070 · AMC1 UAS.OPEN.060
Instructor Notes
Use real-world vignette scenarios. Ask: "You arrive on site and a temporary restriction has just been issued — what do you do?" Reinforce the pilot's authority and duty to refuse unsafe flights.
Learning Objectives
- Apply GDPR principles to drone photography and videography
- Identify when consent is required and how to obtain it
- Describe the rights of individuals captured on camera
Key Topics
- GDPR applicability: faces, licence plates, private properties as personal data
- Lawful basis: consent, legitimate interest, public task
- Privacy by design: minimise → encrypt → delete
- Data subject rights: access, erasure ('right to be forgotten')
- National DPA guidance and variations
EASA Reference
GDPR Art. 4, 6, 17 · EASA AMC1 UAS.OPEN.060(2)(b) · national DPA guidance
Instructor Notes
Emphasise that GDPR enforcement is real and fines can be significant. Use a relatable scenario (wedding photographer drone). Practical checklist: inform → minimise → secure → delete.
Key Topics
- EU Reg 785/2004: third-party liability mandatory for all drone operators
- Cover: bodily injury and property damage caused by drone
- Minimum cover varies by MTOM (≥ 0.5 SDR per kg)
- Household/contents insurance rarely covers third-party drone liability
- Verify insurance is valid before every flight
Instructor Notes
Stress that most recreational pilots underestimate this requirement. A specialist drone insurance policy is typically needed and is often very affordable.
EASA Reference
EU Reg 785/2004 · EU Reg 2019/947 Art. 11 · national NAA guidance
Key Topics
- EU Reg 376/2014: mandatory vs voluntary occurrence reports
- Mandatory reports: accidents (injury/death/significant damage), serious incidents
- Report to NAA within 72 hours of a serious incident
- Just culture: reports used to improve safety, not to punish pilots
- ECCAIRS database and lessons-learned sharing
Instructor Notes
Reassure students: voluntary reporting is protected by just-culture principles. Show the national reporting portal URL for the learner's country.
EASA Reference
EU Reg 376/2014 · EU Reg 2019/947 UAS.OPEN.060(i) · EASA Safety Management
Key Topics
- Drone misuse risks: surveillance, contraband, airspace collision
- Remote ID: electronic identification broadcast requirement
- Geo-awareness and geo-fencing compliance
- Sensitive areas: airports, military zones, critical infrastructure
- Reporting suspicious activity or unauthorised use of drones
Instructor Notes
Link to the liability lesson: a stolen drone used maliciously can still expose the registered operator to legal risk.
EASA Reference
EU Reg 2019/947 UAS.OPEN.060(h) · EU Reg 2021/664 U-space · national security directives
Key Topics
- ICAO Dangerous Goods: LiPo batteries as Class 9 hazmat
- Safe storage voltage: 3.8 V per cell for long-term storage
- Risks: thermal runaway, fire, toxic fumes from damaged cells
- Transport rules: hand-luggage LiPo limits on commercial aircraft
- Payload considerations: sprayers, drop-delivery systems
- Disposal: approved recycling centres only — never incinerate
Instructor Notes
Use a LiPo fire video to reinforce safe handling. Provide a battery storage checklist as a downloadable resource.
EASA Reference
ICAO Doc 9284 Dangerous Goods Regulations · IATA DGR Section 2.3 · EU Reg 2019/947 UAS.OPEN.060(c)
Learning Objectives
- Read a basic weather forecast and assess its implications for drone flight
- Identify meteorological hazards that ground a flight
- Interpret wind speed using the Beaufort scale
Key Topics
- Wind: speed, direction, gusts, wind shear, turbulence
- Beaufort scale: safe limits (most consumer drones: Beaufort 4–5 max)
- Temperature effects: battery drops up to 30% below 0 °C
- Fog, mist, cloud ceilings: VLOS reduction to unsafe levels
- Density altitude: high temp + high altitude = reduced lift
- Micro-weather: urban canyons, coastal thermals, rooftop turbulence
- Sources: METAR, TAF, UAV Forecast, Windy app
EASA Reference
EASA A1/A3 syllabus – Meteorology · ICAO Annex 3 (Meteorological Service) · UK CAA CAP722
Instructor Notes
Heavily examined area. Use animated weather maps. Include a METAR interpretation exercise for go/no-go decision. Mention seasonal hazards: frost in winter, summer convection storms.
Key Topics
- Wildlife disturbance: nesting birds, marine mammals, livestock — buffer distances
- Protected areas: Natura 2000, national parks, SSSI — additional restrictions
- Noise pollution and community impact
- Leave No Trace principles for drone pilots
- Positive uses: wildlife surveys, disaster response mapping
Instructor Notes
Balance the restrictions with positive environmental use cases. Encourage pre-flight research on local nature designations via national mapping portals.
EASA Reference
Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC · Birds Directive 2009/147/EC · EU Reg 2019/947 UAS.OPEN.060(d)
Learning Objectives
- Identify the main components of a multirotor UAS and explain their function
- Describe the role of the flight controller and sensor suite
Key Topics
- Multirotor configurations: quad/hex/octo and redundancy implications
- ESCs, brushless motors, rotors and propellers
- Flight controller: IMU, barometer, GPS, magnetometer (compass)
- GNSS: GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou — positioning accuracy and multipath errors
- Return-to-Home (RTH) and failsafe behaviours
EASA Reference
EASA A1/A3 syllabus – UAS General Knowledge · AMC1 UAS.OPEN.060(1)(a)
Instructor Notes
Use an exploded-view diagram of a typical consumer multirotor. Link sensor knowledge directly to pre-flight checks (compass calibration, GPS satellite count).
Key Topics
- LiPo battery: cell voltage (3.7 V nominal, 4.2 V max, 3.0 V min), capacity, C-rating
- State of Charge (SoC) vs State of Health (SoH)
- Battery management: cycle counting, storage charge, temperature care
- Safe battery level for RTH: typically 30 % SoC; critical alert at 15 %
- RC link: 2.4 GHz / 5.8 GHz frequencies, range, interference sources
- Signal loss failsafe: RTH, hover, or land — configuring and testing
- Electromagnetic interference near power lines and transformers
Instructor Notes
Demonstrate a battery voltage checker. Provide a battery log template. Flying with a degraded battery is one of the most common causes of flyaways and crashes.
EASA Reference
EASA A1/A3 syllabus – UAS General Knowledge · manufacturer maintenance manuals
Learning Objectives
- Calculate the effect of environmental conditions on UAS endurance and range
- Identify performance degradation thresholds that require a no-fly decision
Key Topics
- Payload and wind effects on endurance and power draw
- Cold reduces battery capacity by up to 30%; heat increases motor stress
- Density altitude: thinner air reduces rotor efficiency at altitude
- Obstacle avoidance: ultrasonic, stereo vision, ToF — and their blind spots
- Maintenance: propeller inspection, motor bearing checks, firmware updates
- End-of-life indicators: propeller cracks, motor vibration, battery swelling
EASA Reference
EASA A1/A3 syllabus – UAS General Knowledge · EU Reg 2019/947 UAS.OPEN.060(b)
Instructor Notes
Worked example: "Your drone is rated 30 min. It's 2 °C with a 20 km/h headwind and you have a gimbal payload. What is your realistic endurance?" Walk through the calculation step-by-step.
Learning Objectives
- State the conditions under which overflight of uninvolved persons is permitted in A1
- Explain why overflight of assemblies of people is prohibited in the Open Category
Key Topics
- Definition: 'uninvolved person' vs 'participant'
- Assembly of people: gathering where density prevents escape
- A1 C0/C1: may overfly — never directly above head; never over assemblies
- A2: 30 m lateral separation (5 m in low-speed mode)
- A3: 150 m from all populated areas; no people in operational volume
- Kinetic energy: KE = ½mv² — why both mass and speed matter for risk
EASA Reference
EU Reg 2019/947 UAS.OPEN.020, UAS.OPEN.040 · EASA AMC1 UAS.OPEN.040(2)
Instructor Notes
Use kinetic energy figures: a 250 g drone at 10 m/s carries ~12.5 J — comparable to a cricket ball. Reinforce that subcategory choice must reflect the environment before take-off.
Learning Objectives
- Identify ICAO airspace classes and their relevance to drone flight in the Open Category
- Use a drone app or NOTAM service to check airspace restrictions before flight
Key Topics
- ICAO airspace classes A–G and typical altitude bands
- CTR, TMA, ATZ — when notification or permission is required
- Restricted, Prohibited, and Danger areas — hard no-fly zones
- NOTAMs and Temporary Restricted Areas (TRAs)
- Geo-zones: UAS geographic zones per EU Reg 2021/664 (U-space)
- Apps: Drone Assist, Airmap, DJI FlySafe
- Drone pilots give way to all manned aircraft without exception
EASA Reference
ICAO Annex 11 · EU Reg 2021/664 (U-space) · national AIP and NOTAM services · EU Reg 2019/947 UAS.OPEN.060(f)
Instructor Notes
Practical exercise: have students look up the airspace around their home address using a national geo-awareness tool and report back at the next session.
Learning Objectives
- Identify the human-factor threats most commonly linked to UAS incidents
- Apply IMSAFE and PAVE checklists to personal readiness assessment
Key Topics
- SHELL model: Software, Hardware, Environment, Liveware (self & others)
- Situational awareness (SA) loss — the leading UAS incident precursor
- Get-home-itis and mission pressure: commercial and social pressure to fly
- Fatigue: 17 hrs awake ≈ 0.05% blood alcohol impairment equivalent
- IMSAFE: Illness · Medication · Stress · Alcohol · Fatigue · Emotion
- PAVE: Pilot · Aircraft · enVironment · External pressures
- CRM adapted for two-person drone operations
EASA Reference
EASA A1/A3 syllabus – Human Performance · ICAO Doc 9683 (Human Factors Training Manual) · EASA Safety Promotion
Instructor Notes
Use a short anonymised accident report to illustrate how human factors chain together. The IMSAFE mnemonic is frequently examined — ensure students can recall all six items.
Learning Objectives
- Complete a structured pre-flight checklist covering regulatory, environmental, and equipment items
- Identify site hazards and select a safe take-off and landing area
Key Topics
- Airspace check: geo-zone, NOTAM, ATC permission if required
- Weather: wind speed, gusts, visibility, temperature, precipitation
- Drone inspection: propellers, motors, structural integrity
- Battery: SoC ≥ 80%, no swelling, correct voltage, temp ≥ 10 °C
- GPS lock ≥ 8 satellites · compass calibration on new site
- Emergency plan: identify landing zones, brief second crew member
- Documentation: operator ID displayed, certificate accessible
EASA Reference
EU Reg 2019/947 UAS.OPEN.060 · EASA AMC1 UAS.OPEN.060 · manufacturer checklists
Instructor Notes
Provide a downloadable printable pre-flight checklist PDF as a course resource. Run a timed demonstration of a complete pre-flight in under 5 minutes to show it is practical, not burdensome.
Learning Objectives
- Apply VLOS scan techniques to maintain situational awareness throughout the flight
- Execute correct responses to common in-flight abnormalities and emergencies
- Manage communications with ATC or air traffic when operating near controlled airspace
Key Topics
- VLOS best practice: position, scan pattern, visual observers
- Avoiding conflicts with manned aircraft: altitude awareness, see-and-avoid
- Battery monitoring: returning before 30% SoC, landing priority at 15%
- Lost link procedure: know your failsafe before every flight
- Emergency land-outs: selecting safe field, notifying bystanders
- Radio comms near ATZs: phraseology and ATC requests
- Go/no-go decision-making during flight — when to abort early
EASA Reference
EU Reg 2019/947 UAS.OPEN.060(b),(c),(d) · EASA AMC UAS.OPEN.060 · national AIP (radio phraseology)
Instructor Notes
Use a flight simulator or recorded footage to illustrate lost-link and low-battery scenarios. Emphasise that a drone on RTH still has right-of-way responsibilities — it is NOT autopilot approval to stop watching.
Learning Objectives
- Complete a post-flight inspection and log entry in accordance with EASA standards
- Identify defects or incidents that require reporting or maintenance action
Key Topics
- Post-flight inspection: motors, propellers, body, landing gear, payload
- Battery care: storage charge (50–60% SoC), cooling before storage, cycle logging
- Flight log: date, location, duration, pilot name, aircraft serial, anomalies
- Defect reporting: what triggers a maintenance action vs. continuing to fly
- Incident reporting obligations: serious incidents, accidents to NAA
- Data management: SD card backup, footage review, geo-tag compliance
EASA Reference
EU Reg 2019/947 UAS.OPEN.060(e),(f) · EU Reg 376/2014 (occurrence reporting) · manufacturer maintenance manual
Instructor Notes
A good flight log habit is the single most valuable professional practice to instil. Share a simple one-page template. Highlight that accurate logs support any insurance claim or NAA inquiry.
Learning Objectives
- Describe the official exam format and navigation interface
- Apply time-management and elimination strategies to MCQ questions
- Identify and avoid common distractor patterns in EASA exam questions
Key Topics
- Official exam: 40 MCQ, 30 minutes, browser-based at national NAA portal
- Question distribution: Regulations ~40%, Technical ~30%, Human Factors ~15%, Meteorology ~15%
- Strategy: flag and skip, eliminate obviously wrong answers first
- Common distractor patterns: absolute words ("always", "never"), unit traps
- Most-examined topics: subcategory decision matrix, class marks, VLOS limits, IMSAFE
EASA Reference
EASA A1/A3 Online Theory Test — national NAA exam portals (e.g. Luftfartstilsynet, CAA, ENAC)
Instructor Notes
Walk through the national exam portal interface using a screen recording. Reassure students that questions are not trick questions — the regulation text is the authoritative source. Encourage re-reads of subcategory rules before sitting.
Learning Objectives
- Complete a full 40-question timed mock exam under realistic conditions
- Identify weak topic areas from the results for targeted revision
Key Topics
- Full 40-question paper covering all syllabus areas
- 30-minute time limit mirroring the real exam
- Immediate score and per-question answer reveal on completion
- Topic-area performance breakdown: regulations, technical, HF, met
EASA Reference
EASA A1/A3 syllabus — all topics · EU Reg 2019/947 · EU Reg 2019/945
Instructor Notes
Enforce the time limit strictly so students experience real exam pressure. Review the five most-missed questions as a group before moving to Mock Exam 2. A score below 65% at this stage warrants targeted module revision.
Learning Objectives
- Achieve a score of ≥75% on Mock Exam 2 as confirmation of readiness
- Consolidate understanding of any remaining weak areas before the real exam
Key Topics
- Second full 40-question timed paper with different question set
- Post-exam full answer and reference walkthrough
- Final revision summary: top 20 facts to know before exam day
- Practical next steps: booking the official exam at the national NAA portal
EASA Reference
EASA A1/A3 syllabus — all topics · national NAA exam booking (e.g. luftfartstilsynet.no/droner for Norway)
Instructor Notes
Students who score ≥75% on both mocks statistically pass the real exam on the first attempt. Celebrate the result — motivation matters at this final stage. Walk through the exam booking process step-by-step for the relevant national NAA portal.
Learning Objectives
- Describe the official exam procedure and what to expect on the day
- List the steps to register, book, and sit the exam at the national NAA portal
- State what happens if the exam is failed and when re-sits are permitted
Key Topics
- Official exam: 40 MCQ, 30 min, online via national NAA platform
- No cost in most EU member states (NAA-dependent)
- Identity verification: valid national ID or passport required
- Result: immediate pass/fail notification; certificate issued digitally
- Re-sits: unlimited in most jurisdictions; some impose a 24 h waiting period
- Certificate: issued by national NAA; valid 5 years; renewal requires re-examination
EASA Reference
EU Reg 2019/947 Art. 4 & UAS.OPEN.020 · national NAA guidance (e.g. Luftfartstilsynet, UK CAA, ENAC, LBA)
Instructor Notes
Provide a jurisdiction-specific link list to the national exam portals for your learner cohort. Remind students to keep a digital or printed copy of their certificate accessible during every flight for inspection.
Learning Objectives
- Identify the additional requirements for A2 operations if planning commercial or closer-to-people flights
- Describe the Specific Category and SORA process for operations beyond Open Category limits
- List recommended resources for continuing professional development as a drone pilot
Key Topics
- A2 Certificate of Competency (CofC): additional self-study + practical skills training
- Specific Category: SORA risk assessment, Operational Authorisation from NAA
- Certified Category: type-certificated aircraft, Full ATPL-like licensing path
- Staying current: EASA safety publications, NAA newsletters, drone forums
- Insurance renewal: ensure third-party liability cover is renewed annually
- Geo-zone updates: re-check apps before every flight — restrictions change
EASA Reference
EU Reg 2019/947 Art. 5–6 · EASA SORA methodology · EU Reg 2019/945 Part 16 (Certified Category) · EASA drone safety resources
Instructor Notes
End the course on a positive, forward-looking note. Congratulate students on completing the curriculum. Point them toward national drone pilot communities and the EASA "Drones" portal for ongoing updates.
Assessment Structure How you are graded
| Component | Format | Weight | Pass Mark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Module Quizzes (M2–M4) | 5–10 MCQ after each module | Formative | No minimum |
| Mock Exam 1 | 40 MCQ, 30 min | Formative | Aim for ≥65% |
| Mock Exam 2 | 40 MCQ, 30 min | Formative | Aim for ≥75% |
| Official EASA Theory Exam | 40 MCQ, 30 min — online at national NAA portal | Summative | 75% (30/40) |