Open Category Competency Requirements

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.

Operator and Pilot Responsibilities in the Open Category

Updated 9th June 2020: to include CAP1789 rules on remote ID for all aircraft post 1 January 2022 and night time flying

It’s important to understand the difference between a drone operator and remote pilot so you know your responsibilities.

• Operator - means any legal or natural person operating or intending to operate one or more UAS. The CAA consider this to be the person who has the management of the small unmanned aircraft

• Remote Pilot - an individual who operates the flight controls by manual use of remote controls or if flying automatically, monitors its course and is able to intervene and change its course by operating its flight controls;

The Operator and Remote Pilot would be the same person if you’re a one-man-band, but bigger organizations may have an operator who doesn’t actually fly the drone. You may also be the parent of a child with a drone, in which case the parent would be the operator and the child the remote pilot.

Operator Responsibilities

• Ensuring operational procedures are in place (commensurate with the risk) and make efficient use of radio spectrum

• Ensure anyone involved in the drone flight is competent to do their task

• Ensure you provide the geographical zone information

• Ensure you update the geo-awareness system

• If using a drone that is compliant with the delegated regulation then ensure that the drone is accompanied with a Decleration of Confirmity, it is CE Marked and Class ID Label affixed to the drone

• If flying in circumstances of A2 or A3 then ensure all persons are informed of the risk and agreed to particpate.

• From 1 January 2022 operators must ensure that each individual unmanned aircraft is installed with an active and up to date remote identification system

Remote Pilot Responsibilities

• Ensure you are competent (unless Class C0; Or Privately built, <250g and max speed of 19 m/s (36 kts / 42 mph); OR Placed on Market < 1 July 2022 and <250g).

• Observe environment for obstacles and uninvolved persons

• Obtain latest geographical zone information

• Ensure drone is safe and remote ID working (if equipped)

• Ensure mass does not exceed limits (manufacturer, open category or class)

• Ensure fit and not under influence

• Maintain VLOS and visual scan

• Comply with geographical zones

• Operate i.a.w user manual and operator procedures

• Avoid areas where an emergency response effort is ongoing unless permitted

• Observer may assist pilot in VLOS if situated alongside

• From 1 July 2022 RP must ensure they activate a green flashing light when operating at night.

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.