The new drone regulation stipulates that any drone in the open category must have a CE marking and a class marking (C0, C1, C2, C3, C4). Drones that bear none or only one of these markings fall into the "Limited Open" transitional category. The same rules apply here as in the ‘open’ category, except that the weight classes are defined differently and the rules are slightly stricter:
| The contents of this website refer to legal bases which have not entered into force. |
Why does my drone have to have a CE marking and a class marking?
| CE marking | By means of the CE mark, the manufacturer of your drone declares that it meets the applicable technical requirements. In this way the manufacturer ensures that the device complies with the applicable quality and safety standards. |
| Class marking | The class mark determines the operating capabilities of your drone as well as the requirements which pilots must meet. |
My drone has none or only one of these two markings. What impact does this have on my drone flying?
I don’t fly my drone in the open category but in the Limited Open transitional category. Obviously, I can still fly my drone in this category, but from now on slightly more restrictive rules apply to me. The Limited Open category runs until the end of December 2023. From January 2024, flying of drones that do not bear both markings (both CE marking and class marking) is still permitted but under even more restrictive conditions.
| Subcategory | Weight | Training | Safety distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | <500g | Proof of completion of online training | Areas in which, after reasonable assessment, the conclusion may be drawn that no uninvolved persons will be flown over |
| A2 | <2kg | For holders of a remote pilot certificate of competency, the minimum horizontal distance is reduced to 50 m | |
| A3 | <25kg | Proof of completion of online training | Maintain a minimum horizontal distance of 150 m from residential/commercial/industrial and recreational areas |
| Subcategory | Weight | Training | Safety distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | <250g | Proof of completion of online training | Areas in which, after reasonable assessment, the conclusion may be drawn that no uninvolved persons will be flown over |
| A3 | <25kg | Proof of completion of online training | Maintain a minimum horizontal distance of 150 m from residential/commercial/industrial and recreational areas |
Further Information
Legislation
Publications
FAQ limited open transitional category (PDF, 147 kB, 23.02.2022)Leaflet that summarizes the most important points to the transitional limited ‘open’ category.
The FOCA is available to answer any questions.
Last modification 23.02.2022
