The open category governs the operation of drones generally flown without authorisation from the FOCA. The open category is divided into three sub-categories: A1, A2, A3. The vast majority of drones are operated in the open category. This page highlights the key points to bear in mind.
What are the new requirements from 1 January 2023?
- 1. Mandatory registration on the UAS.gate platform
- 2. Training and examination as specified in the sub-category (A1, A2, A3).
- 3. Minimum age for drone pilots of 12
- 4. Minimum distance from uninvolved persons as specified in the sub-category
- 5. Maximum flight altitude of 120m above ground level
- 6. Drones need to have a class identification label
- Not new but still important
1. I have registered
Registration is mandatory for all drone pilots.
Exception: The drone weighs less than 250g and is not equipped with a camera, sensor or any other kind of device for recording personal data.
2.I complete the training and take an examination appropriate to my sub-category
I place my drone in one of the subcategories, so I know which certificates I need. I can find all the information about the training and certificateshere.
The table below only applies to drones with class identifications labels. If I fly a drone without a class identification label, I place it in thetransitional category.
| Category | Class | Training |
| A1 < 250g | C0 | Not required |
| A1 < 900g | C0, C1 | A1/A3 |
| A2 | C0, C1, C2 | A1/A3 + A2 |
| A3 | C0, C1, C2, C3, C4 | A1/A3 |
3.I meet the minimum age requirement
I am at least 12 years old or fly my drone under the supervision of an accompanying person who is at least 16 years of age and has the required skills.
4. Ikeep the minimum horizontal distance from uninvolved persons
! In the open category I am generally not allowed to fly over assemblies of people !
When I fly a drone, I must keep a minimum horizontal distance from persons who are not involved in the flight. The distance depends on the sub-category (A1, A2, A3) in which I fly my drone:
| Category | Safety distance |
| A1 < 250g | - I may fly over uninvolved persons, but should avoid doing so whenever possible.
|
| A1 < 900g | - Before flying, I assess the area; I may only fly if it can be reasonably assumed that no uninvolved people will be overflown. If I do unexpectedly fly over uninvolved people, I steer the drone away from the people.
|
| A2 | - Flying over uninvolved people is prohibited.
- The minimum horizontal distance to uninvolved persons is
- 30mwithout low speed mode
- 5mwith activated low speed mode (<3m/s)
- In addition, I must comply with the1:1 rule. This means that the number of meters of horizontal distance must be at least equal or more than the number of meters of altitude (e.g.: If I fly at 40m height, I must fly at least 40m away from people).
|
| A3 | - Flying over uninvolved persons is prohibited.
- I always keep a minimum horizontal distance of at least150mfrom residential/commercial/industrial and recreational areas (*see note below).
- In addition, I must always comply with the following three points concerning the distance to uninvolved people:
- minimum distance of30m
- 1:1 rule(number of meters height I am flying, I must also keep in horizontal distance)
- at least the distance my drone travels at maximum speed within2 seconds(reaction time).
*FOCA's Guidance on point 2: The intent of point 2 above is that the operation is conducted in an area where no uninvolved person will be endangered within the range where the unmanned aircraft is flown. The remote pilot shall thus ensure a minimum horizontal distance of 150m from areas where, at the time of the operation, 10 or more uninvolved people, contained within a radius of 100m, are present. It is the responsibility of the remote pilot to evaluate the area by means of an on-site inspection prior to the start and during the operation, and to determine whether the operational environment complies with the limitations above. See examples here. |
5.Maximum flight altitude of 120m above ground level
A maximum flight altitude of 120m above ground level now applies in the open category. Authorisation must be obtained from the FOCA to fly higher.
6.Ifly a compliant drone
My drone must bear a CE marking: A drone purchased without a CE marking cannot be flown.
Exception: The drone is self-built.
Self-built drones can also be operated in the open category. Pilots are responsible for checking that the drone is correctly built and does not pose a safety risk. In the open category, privately built drones may only be operated in the following two subcategories:
- Subcategory A1: if the weight of the drone (including its payload) is less than 250g and it is flown at a speed of less than 19 m/s.
- Subcategory A3: if the weight of the drone (including its payload), is less than 25kg.
If these criteria cannot be met, the drone is flown in the specific category.
Not new but still important:
- I am aware of the area restrictions
- I always keep visual contact with my drone
- I avoid other aircraft in good time*
- I do not fly over assemblies of people
- I respect the privacy of other people
- I have sufficient insurance cover
* The "see and avoid" principle applies to unmanned aircraft as well. Since an aircraft pilot stands little chance to recognize a small drone early enough, it is the drone pilot’s responsibility to take timely evasive action and to maintain a proper distance from other aircraft at any time.
Further information
Last modification22.08.2024
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FAQs
While the open category is officially open to “swimmers of all sex and gender identities,” those who are no longer eligible for male or female competition — trans women, trans men on testosterone, and intersex people with Swyer syndrome — must register in the open category in order to compete.
What is the difference between open category and specific category? ›
The Specific category covers flying (operations) with a greater level of risk than the Open category. In most cases, the Specific category is the next step for people who want to carry out anything other than basic flying. You can use the Specific category to carry out operations for work, for a hobby, or both.
What subcategories is the open category? ›
The 'open' category is in turn subdivided in three sub-categories – A1, A2, A3 -- which may be summarised as follows: A1: fly over people but not over assemblies of people. A2: fly close to people. A3: fly far from people.
What insurance is required in the open category? ›
The drone must be marked with the operator's registration number. All drones other than CE-marked toys must be insured. That means you must have third-party liability insurance covering at least 0.75 million SDRs (Special Drawing Rights).
What are the 4 types of gender? ›
What are the four types of genders? The four genders are masculine, feminine, neuter, and common.
What is a cisgender female? ›
Cisgender is a term that is used to describe people whose gender identity matches the sex they were assigned at birth. For example, someone who was assigned female at birth (AFAB) and identifies as a woman is a cisgender woman. On the other hand, an AFAB person who identifies as a man is a transgender man.
What are open categories? ›
Open category means for all the caste. If there is a recruitment or an admission they have some seats. They keep some seats for reserve category like SC/ST/OBC etc. & some are open category means any one can apply for that either General, SC/ST/OBC etc. Means caste/social status is no bar on open category.
What is the difference between open and closed categories? ›
Word classes may be classified as open or closed: open classes (typically including nouns, verbs and adjectives) acquire new members constantly, while closed classes (such as pronouns and conjunctions) acquire new members infrequently, if at all.
What is an example of a sub category? ›
For example, if you have "Cars" as a main category, you might have subcategories like "Sedan," "Coupe," "SUV," and "Convertible." This structure helps place relevant articles in appropriate subcategories rather than a single broad category, improving navigation.
What is open category A2 subcategory? ›
Drones with a CE mark C2 (up to 4 kilograms) fall into the A2 subcategory. With this type of drone you have to keep a distance of at least 30 meters from people unless you fly slower than 3 m/s, then the distance may be shortened to 5 meters.
Class inclusion and degree of specificity manifest themselves in three levels of categorization - namely the superordinate level, the basic level and the subordinate level.
What is lower than sub category? ›
The three levels are Categories, Subcategories and Groups; Categories being the broadest classification group.
What does open mean in insurance? ›
An open policy is a type of insurance policy that does not state the value of the insured property. Instead, the value must be proven in case of loss. This is different from a valued policy, which sets a fixed amount to be paid out in case of loss. Open policies are also sometimes called unvalued policies.
What is the most profitable insurance category? ›
Life insurance stands out as one of the most profitable types of insurance due to its steady demand, attractive commissions, high premiums, and long-term policy tenure.
What does open mean on an insurance claim? ›
Open claim means a claim that has yet to be settled, or otherwise disposed of, where the insurer expects to make future indemnity and expense payments on behalf of the insured. Sample 1Sample 2Sample 3. Open claim has the meaning set forth in Section 6.8. Sample 1Sample 2.
What is it called when you are open to all genders? ›
Pansexual people: Individuals who are attracted to others regardless of their gender identity or biological sex. Polysexual people: Individuals who are attracted to more than one gender and/or form of gender expression, but not to all.
What are the different categories of gender? ›
There are many different gender identities, including male, female, transgender, gender neutral, non-binary, agender, pangender, genderqueer, two-spirit, third gender, and all, none or a combination of these. There are many more gender identities then we've listed.
How is gender categorized? ›
Gender is often defined as a social construct of norms, behaviors and roles that varies between societies and over time. Gender is often categorized as male, female or nonbinary. Gender identity is one's own internal sense of self and their gender, whether that is man, woman, neither or both.
What is the third gender category? ›
Third gender is a concept in which individuals are categorized, either by themselves or by society, as neither a man or woman. It is also a social category present in societies that recognize three or more genders.
