Is there any sense in completing the A2 C of C as it appears by the end of this year it will be of no use for my MA2 as it has no C classification and i would still only be able to operate in the A3 open class regardless of having A2 C of C
I have seen some old info which suggests legacy drones may be able to be retrospectively classified by the manufacturer. Does anyone have any up to date information re this?
You’ve got more chance of finding a one ended stick … than drones with the new classification arriving by 01 Jan 2023.
It looks as if CAA will be extending the UK legacy drone transition period. We are waiting to find out the result of their consultation that closed on 13 May.
Given the above … I would say yes. I could be years before we actually see any drones with the new classification.
Further info …
I know all the benefits and I began doing it. My issue is if the planned changes come into force in January the A2 C of C will no longer apply to drones with no C mark therefore so called legacy drones over 250g will all be relegated to A3 category only. So is it really worth spending ÂŁ100 on a certificate that will be no good to an MA2 owner like myself after 6 months.
Can be done for much cheaper than that, remember when it was over ÂŁ500 not so long ago
During my A2CofC training we had discussion about the sorts of areas you list and concluded that you couldn’t fly in them (in A2 transitional) unless you were very sure there would be no people within 50m horizontal distance and that no-one would emerge from a building or vehicle within that radius. All those areas are basically active and hence you can’t guarantee no people - unless they are totally closed or derelict.
You would therefore need to keep at least 50m away from the edge of such areas and stay over adjacent open areas. With Article 16 you could take off in those open areas, 30m from the edge, fly up to the edge and even fly over anyone who emerged into the open area below you. (With A2COfC you would have to retreat 50m from them).
That’s why we concluded there was no real benefit for drones 500g-2kg. Yes A2CofC could help in those areas - but only if they are totally deserted.
Fair comment for buildings, but many of them are outside, making it very easy to see whether “uninvolved people” are present. For example …
Sorry, but I maintain paying my ÂŁ79 at the time was of great benefit.
Agreed - those are certainly easier to assess. But they are mainly areas which can be considered to be “used substantially for recreational purposes” so with Article 16 and a simple risk assessment you can take off 30m from people (or even 15m) and overfly them. With A2COfC you still need to stay 50m horiz from people.
A2CofC is great for my Spark but personally I’m not comfortable using it with my Air2S with people present.
I did it so I would be covered to fly my drones until they sort out the C classification mess (completed the extension petition when Mr London posted that video), I also did it to remind myself that I was still capable of learning new things and passing tests. From that perspective it gave me a boost to discover that, although it has been a while, I am still capable of absorbing information in order to pass a formal test. It was as much about that as anything else.
Question
Has anyone actually been approached/asked/questioned how much there drone weighs?
Has anyone actually had “anyone” ask them if the drone they are flying is within the permissible weight class for the area/separation distance they are flying?
I would hazard a guess the answer will be a definite NO
Yes I understand the classification is not actually in force yet. But the distances we are allowed to fly from buildings/objects and people are in force now.
Just go out and fly your drones. Enjoy them.
It is going to take years until this will be enforced or even policed.
That actually brings me onto the next point.
Who is going to enforce the regulations?
Aeroscope is just too expensive for most police forces.
Yes they will use it for organised events but come on.
They can’t prosecute the local sh@ts who they catch on cctv robbing everyone due to lack of evidence.
This is going to take years to sort out and then longer to police. They don’t have the man power.
As above stop worrying about all that EASA rules and just fly your drone
Soap box now off.
Amen to that
Post of the week (no badge sorry)
Hi Everyone,
As you gathered I am new to drones, I have recently gained my flyer ID. I intend to purchase a Mini Pro 4. Simply the camera is great, sensors all around. I have the drone assist app. I love learning, so I was interested in the A2 CofC - Is this worth it? As I have read in 2026 not sure this will even be valid if I am not mistaken. The only thing now is I get the knowledge. I am not sure I wanted to go full GVC. Help from you kind folk would help and be appreciated hugely.
As my main starting point is going to be with 249g weight limit, I live not far from Mote Park which is in Maidstone and wanted to know whether this is possible to fly there with certainty. I cannot find a bylaw that states no drones, and I cannot see any restrictions on drone assist. I am aware some areas you cannot take off from but can fly over. Thanks all in advance.
Hi @Drone5, it looks as though you’re quite new here 
Why not nip over to the Introductions page, and say hello properly and tell us a bit about yourself. 
If you took the A2CofC now it would only just expire when the legacy period does. So imo you have time then to see the lay of the land.
It’s also a safe bet that any extension will be extended again 