EASA A1/A3 & A2 Drone Certification – Online Training
Get your EASA drone pilot certification through online training and examinations for the A1/A3 and A2 categories, in accordance with EASA regulations and the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority
What Is the A1/A3 and A2 Drone Pilot Certification?
The A1/A3 and A2 drone pilot certificates are the official certifications required for operating drones in the Open Category, in accordance with the European regulations of the EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) and the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA).
The certification is intended for UAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) pilots who want to operate drones legally and safely, whether for recreational or professional use.
The A1/A3 category covers lower-risk drone operations, while the A2 category allows operations closer to people, with additional theoretical and practical training requirements.
The online drone training and certification exams are conducted in accordance with EASA standards, providing remote pilots with the essential knowledge required for:
- Safe drone operation
- Aviation regulations
- Operational procedures
- Data and privacy protection
- Flight risk management
Drone Certification Categories in the Open Category
Category A1 – Drones from 250g to 900g
with the following subcategories:
C0: 0 to 250g
C1: 250g to 900g
Privately built: up to 250g
Category A2 - Drones from 900g to 4kg
with the following subcategory:
C2: 900g to 4kg
Κατηγορία A3 - Drones από 4kg έως 25kg
με υποκατηγορίες
C3-C4: 4 kg ως 25 kg
C4: Iδιοκατασκευή ως 25kg
UAS Remote Pilot Certificate
Get your A1/A3 and A2 drone pilot certification in accordance with EASA and Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority regulations. The online training is delivered through an e-learning platform with video lessons, training materials and practice tests to help you prepare for the certification exams.
A1/A3 Drone Training and Exams
The A1/A3 programme includes 9 theoretical modules with detailed lessons and supporting training materials to help you prepare for the drone certification exams.
A1/A3 Training Modules
- UAS Flight Safety
- Air Traffic
- Aviation Regulations
- Human Factors
- Operational Procedures
- General UAS Knowledge
- Privacy and Data Protection
- Insurance
- Protection Against Unlawful Interference
The A1/A3 exams are conducted online and include 40 multiple-choice questions. A minimum of 30 correct answers (75%) is required to pass.
A2 Drone Training and Exams
The A2 programme is designed for drone pilots who want to conduct operations with greater operational capabilities within the Open Category.
A2 Training Modules
- UAS Flight Performance
- Meteorology
- Technical and Operational Risk Mitigation Measures
The A2 exams are conducted online through the Proctor Exam system and include 30 multiple-choice questions. A minimum of 23 correct answers (75%) is required to pass.
Patras Drone Academy operates as a certified examination centre for conducting the exams.
Practical Drone Flight Training
To obtain the A2 drone pilot certification, practical training and the submission of a self-declaration of practical training are required, in accordance with the requirements of EASA and the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority.
The practical flight training programme is delivered individually and lasts 1 to 2 days, with certified UAS instructors and the academy’s latest-generation drones. The training is designed to help remote pilots build confidence, develop proper handling techniques and gain a complete understanding of safe UAS operations.
What Does the Practical Training Include?
- Basic UAS handling principles
- Basic and advanced manoeuvres
- Coordination and stabilisation manoeuvres
- Emergency procedures
- Recognition and avoidance of common pilot errors
- Application of safe flight procedures
The practical training helps new remote pilots gain real flight experience and prepare properly for safe and compliant drone operations within the Open Category.
A1/A3 & A2 Drone Certificate Renewal
According to Regulation (EU) 2019/947 and Article UAS.OPEN.070, the A1/A3 and A2 remote pilot certificates for the Open Category are valid for 5 years and must be renewed before they expire.
The Drone Certification Refresher Course is designed to help UAS pilots stay fully up to date with:
- Changes in drone legislation and EASA regulations
- New operational requirements
- Technological developments in the UAS sector
- Procedures for safe and compliant drone operations
To renew the drone pilot certificate, the remote pilot must successfully complete the Refresher Course training program, which includes the theoretical modules required by the European regulatory framework.
The drone certificate should be renewed before the end of its five-year validity period so that the pilot can maintain an active certification without having to repeat the full initial examination process.
If the certificate expires, theoretical competency must be demonstrated again, as required for the initial issue of the drone pilot certificate.
In simple terms, renewing your drone certification on time saves time and helps you avoid a full re-examination.
Frequently Asked Questions
The certificate you need depends on your drone’s class and how you intend to operate it. The A1/A3 certificate is required for C1 drones and many operations in the A3 subcategory. The A2 certificate is required when operating C2-class drones closer to uninvolved people under the A2 subcategory.
Yes. To obtain the A2 remote pilot certificate, you must first hold proof of completion of the A1/A3 online training and examination. You must also complete practical self-training and pass the additional A2 theoretical examination.
Yes. A1/A3 training and the theoretical examination can be completed online. For A2, EASA allows the additional theoretical examination to be conducted by the competent authority or as a proctored online examination, subject to the applicable national arrangements.
The A1/A3 exam includes 40 multiple-choice questions, while the A2 exam includes 30 multiple-choice questions. A minimum score of 75% is required to pass.
A1/A3 and A2 remote pilot certificates are valid for 5 years. Before expiry, they can be revalidated by meeting the applicable competency requirements or completing eligible refresher training.
Yes. Remote pilot training and certificates issued under the EASA framework in one EASA Member State are recognised in the others. When flying abroad, you must still comply with the applicable operational requirements, geographical zones and national restrictions.
