I Got My A1/A3 Drone Pilot License in 4 Hours! And You Should Too

Why Get a Drone License? 🤔

Drones are popping up everywhere, from capturing stunning landscapes to inspecting rooftops or delivering packages. Even if you don’t have a drone now, having a basic license is like having a driving license - future-proofing your life! The A1/A3 license isn’t just about your manual flying skills; it’s also about understanding the safety rules, privacy considerations, and airspace regulations that keep our skies safe.

Besides, let’s be honest: calling yourself a “pilot” (okay, a drone pilot, but still!) is a fun achievement and will make you think a bit differently about the skies above. 🌤️

Who Oversees This? Meet EASA ✈️

All these rules and certifications fall under the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which regulates drone operations across the EU to keep flying safe and consistent across all member states. The A1/A3 license is the most basic certification within the EU’s “Open Category” of drone operations, making it easy for beginners and hobbyists to get started. You can read more about EASA and drone licensing on their official website ⤴.

My 4-Hour Path to Certification 📝

1. Registering as a Drone Operator: First, I registered as a drone operator online through my national aviation authority. This step is super easy and helps keep drone operations trackable and safe.

2. Taking the Online Course: The course, available online, covers all the basics like safe distances, airspace restrictions, and privacy considerations. It’s a straightforward overview of what you need to know, broken down into bite-sized modules. 📚

3. Passing the Test: The exam is a 40-question, single-choice test that you can take right after the course. Once you pass (and it’s not too hard if you study the material!), you’ll get your certificate instantly! 🎉 You’ll need a score of 75% to pass. But if it doesn’t go well the first time, no worries - you can retake the test as many times as needed.

What the A1/A3 License Covers 🛫

Here’s a quick look at what the A1/A3 license lets you do compared to other certifications:

The A1/A3 license is perfect for anyone just getting started with drones. If you’re planning to fly closer to people or operate larger drones, you might eventually consider the A2 or Specific category licenses.

Where to Get Licensed in Your Country

Each EU country has its own aviation authority, where you’ll register, take the course, and pass the test. Here’s a list of some national aviation authority links to get you started:

Germany: Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (LBA) ⤴
France: Direction générale de l’aviation civile (DGAC) ⤴
Italy: Ente Nazionale per l’Aviazione Civile (ENAC) ⤴
Spain: Agencia Estatal de Seguridad Aérea (AESA) ⤴
Poland: Urząd Lotnictwa Cywilnego ⤴
Switzerland: Bundesamt für Zivilluftfahrt BAZL ⤴

For other EU countries, check the full list of national contacts on the EASA website ⤴.

Visitors to the EU

If you’re visiting Europe and want to fly a drone, you’ll also need to follow these regulations. In many cases, you can register and take the A1/A3 test in the country where you’ll be flying, or even register online with EASA-approved courses before arriving. Just remember to carry your certificate with you in case it’s requested by local authorities!

Do you have questions?

Check the official FAQ ⤴.

Final Thoughts

The A1/A3 license is a quick and easy way to understand the rules, fly safely, and enjoy the skies responsibly. It’s a small achievement with big potential benefits, whether you’re flying for fun or exploring a new hobby. So if you’re on the fence, go for it - getting licensed is simpler than you think, and you might just love the view from above! 🚁