Open Category A1/A3

A1/A3 Drone Certificate in Your Wallet

The EU A1/A3 certificate is the most common drone license in Europe. Convert your certificate PDF into an Apple Wallet pass and always have it ready when you fly.

LogoEU-fjernstyret pilotcertifikat
PILOTNAVN
Lars Nielsen
REGISTRERINGSNUMMER
DNK-RP-v2j6n8kx
KATEGORIER
A1/A3, A2
UDSTEDT AF
Trafikstyrelsen (Danmark)
UDLØBER
08.03.2031

What Is the A1/A3 Drone Certificate?

The EU A1/A3 Remote Pilot Certificate of Competency is the basic drone license required under EU Regulation 2019/947. It is the minimum certificate needed for most drone pilots in Europe and is issued by your national aviation authority after you pass the required online examination.

The certificate covers two subcategories of the Open Category: A1 allows you to fly lightweight drones (under 250g or C0/C1 class) near or over uninvolved people, while A3 covers flying heavier drones in areas away from uninvolved people. Together, they form the entry-level qualification for recreational and commercial drone pilots across the EU.

Once you receive your A1/A3 certificate as a PDF document, you can convert it into a digital wallet pass with drone-pass.com — so you always have proof of your qualification on your phone when you fly.

A1 vs A3 Subcategories

Subcategory A1

Fly Near People

Fly over uninvolved people with C0 drones (under 250g). Fly near — but not over — uninvolved people with C1 drones (under 900g). This is the lowest risk subcategory, designed for lightweight consumer drones in populated areas.

Subcategory A3

Fly Away From People

Fly in areas where no uninvolved people are expected. Minimum 150m horizontal distance from residential, commercial, industrial, and recreational areas. For drones without C-class labels or heavier drones.

A1/A3 Exam Details

The A1/A3 exam is an online multiple choice test administered by your national aviation authority. Here is what to expect:

  • 40 multiple choice questions across all exam topics
  • Pass mark: 75% — you need at least 30 correct answers out of 40
  • Topics covered: aviation safety, airspace rules, EU drone regulations, meteorology, UAS technical knowledge, and human factors
  • Online exam through your national authority (LBA, RDW, DGAC, etc.)
  • Free study materials provided by most national authorities before the exam
  • No practical test required — the A1/A3 is theory-only (unlike A2 which requires practical self-training)

Most candidates pass on their first attempt after 2-3 hours of preparation using the official training materials. The certificate is valid for 5 years from the date of issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the A1/A3 drone certificate?
The A1/A3 drone certificate is the basic EU drone license for the Open Category, officially known as the Remote Pilot Certificate of Competency. It covers two subcategories: A1 allows flying lightweight drones (under 250g or C0/C1 class) near or over uninvolved people, while A3 allows flying heavier drones in areas away from people. It is issued under EU Regulation 2019/947 by your national aviation authority.
How hard is the A1/A3 exam?
The A1/A3 exam consists of 40 multiple choice questions covering aviation safety, airspace regulations, meteorology, UAS knowledge, and human factors. You need a 75% pass mark (30 out of 40 correct answers). Most people pass on their first attempt with 2-3 hours of study. Free online training materials are provided by national aviation authorities such as the LBA (Germany), RDW (Netherlands), or DGAC (France).
Do I need A1/A3 to fly a DJI Mini?
The DJI Mini weighs under 250g and falls into the C0 class, which technically allows you to fly without a certificate under subcategory A1. However, the A1/A3 certificate is strongly recommended — it teaches you essential safety rules and airspace regulations. Some EU countries also require a certificate for any drone equipped with a camera, regardless of weight.
What's the difference between A1/A3 and A2?
A1/A3 is the basic certificate for the Open Category. A2 is an additional, more advanced qualification that allows you to fly heavier drones (up to 4kg, C2 class) closer to uninvolved people. To obtain the A2 certificate, you must hold the A1/A3 certificate first, complete practical self-training, and pass a separate proctored theory exam. Both certificates are valid for 5 years.
Can I add my A1/A3 certificate to Apple Wallet?
Yes! Upload your A1/A3 certificate PDF to drone-pass.com, pay a one-time fee of €2.99, and receive a digital Apple Wallet pass instantly. The pass includes your name, registration number, certificate categories, expiration date, and a QR code for verification — so you always have your license ready on your phone when you fly.

Got Your A1/A3 Certificate? Digitize It.

Upload your A1/A3 drone certificate PDF and get your Apple Wallet pass in seconds. Always have your license ready when you fly.

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