The sub-category you are intending to fly in, determines the level of risk to 3rd parties and therefore the level of safety to be achieved and hence the level competency required. For the open category here’s the differing levels of competency and a brief overview of what type of flights they apply to. See my previous blog post here for more details.

User Manual Familirasation

If flying in A1 with a Class 0, Privately Built, or Pre July 2022 Drone then all you need from a competency perspective is to be familiar with the user manual.

Foundation Test

If you are flying in A1 with a Class 1 Drone or in A3 with any drone then you’ll need to pass a foundation test. This is based on an online theory test with 40 questions, multiple-choice covering things such as air safety, regulations, privacy, insurance, security, etc. This could either be a entirely new test or the CAA may simply increase the number of questions in the existing DMARES test required to get a Flyer ID. The Flyer ID is currently valid for 3 years, hopefully this will remain the same.

Certificate of Remote Pilot Competency / A2 Certificate of Competency

If flying in A1 with a drone <500g (under the transitional arrangement in place until 30 June 2022) OR any aircraft in A2 then you’ll need to hold an A2 Certificate of Competence (A2 CofC). This is an additional course targeted at the extra risks that A2 flying comes with (i.e. flying close to uninvolved persons). This is a 30 question exam conducted by a CAA recognized organization (RAE - recognised assessment entity). To do this assessment you must first have completed the foundation test, obtained a Flyer ID and conducted some practical flight training in A3 but simulating A2 flight. The certificate will be valid for 5 years.

Small Print: These posts are a summary only, include my personal interpretation and is not intended to be a replacement for reading the actual rules.