Open Category A2

A2 Drone Certificate — Fly Closer, Fly Legal

The A2 certificate lets you fly drones up to 4kg close to uninvolved people. Upload your certificate PDF and convert it into an Apple Wallet pass.

LogoCertificat de pilote à distance UE
NOM DU PILOTE
Jean Dupont
NUMÉRO D'ENREGISTREMENT
FRA-RP-k4n7p2vx
CATÉGORIES
A1/A3, A2
DÉLIVRÉ PAR
DGAC (France)
EXPIRE
08.03.2031

What Is the A2 Drone Certificate?

The A2 Remote Pilot Certificate (also called EU-Fernpiloten-Zeugnis A2 in German) is the advanced qualification within the Open Category. It allows pilots to fly C2-class drones (up to 4kg) in subcategory A2, which permits operations close to uninvolved people at reduced safety distances.

This is the highest qualification in the Open Category. While the A1/A3 certificate covers basic drone operations, the A2 certificate unlocks the ability to fly heavier drones in closer proximity to people — a requirement for many professional and commercial use cases in populated areas.

Once you receive your A2 certificate as a PDF document, you can convert it into a digital wallet pass with drone-pass.com — making it easy to carry and present whenever you fly.

A2 Requirements

What you need before getting the A2 certificate:

  • Must already hold the A1/A3 certificate
  • Complete practical self-training (documented flight experience)
  • Pass an additional proctored theory exam
  • Exam content covers: meteorology, drone performance, and technical mitigation measures

A2 vs A1/A3 — Key Differences

A1/A3

Basic Certificate

  • Online self-study exam
  • No practical training required
  • Fly lightweight drones near people (A1) or heavier drones far from people (A3)
  • Sufficient for most recreational pilots
A2

Advanced Certificate

  • Requires A1/A3 first
  • Proctored exam + practical training
  • Fly C2 drones (<4kg) close to people at 30m (or 5m in low-speed mode)
  • Needed for professional operations near populated areas

Safety Distances Under A2

  • Minimum 30m horizontal distance from uninvolved people with C2 drones
  • Can be reduced to 5m if drone is in low-speed mode (max 3m/s)
  • Must maintain safe distance from assemblies of people at all times
  • Always maintain visual line of sight

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the A2 drone certificate?
The A2 drone certificate is the advanced EU Open Category qualification for flying C2-class drones (up to 4kg) close to uninvolved people. It requires holding the A1/A3 certificate first, completing practical self-training, and passing an additional proctored theory exam.
How do I get the A2 certificate?
First, obtain your A1/A3 certificate by passing the online exam. Then complete practical self-training with documented flight experience. Finally, pass a proctored theory exam at your national aviation authority (e.g., LBA in Germany, RDW in the Netherlands, DGAC in France).
How much does the A2 exam cost?
The cost varies by country. In Germany (LBA), the A2 exam costs around €50–100. Some countries offer it at the same test centers used for the A1/A3 exam. Check with your national aviation authority for exact pricing.
Is A2 required for commercial drone work?
It depends on the operation. The A2 certificate is needed when flying close to people with heavier drones (up to 4kg). Many commercial operations in open areas only require A1/A3. Operations that exceed Open Category limits require Specific Category authorization (STS or individual authorization).
Can I add my A2 certificate to Apple Wallet?
Yes! Upload your A2 certificate PDF to drone-pass.com and get a digital Apple Wallet pass with all your qualification details and verification QR code. It’s instant, costs €2.99, and works on any iPhone.

Digitize Your A2 Certificate

Upload your A2 drone certificate PDF and get your Apple Wallet pass in seconds. Show your advanced qualification instantly.

Pas encore de licence drone ?

Obtenez votre certificat de pilote de drone EU (A1/A3 & A2) en ligne — formation et examen inclus.

Obtenir la licence