A2 COFC Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield A2 COFC facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. To which organisation must a serious drone incident or accident in the UK be reported? → The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and potentially the AAIB for serious accidents
2. What wind speed measurement unit is most commonly used in UK aviation weather reports relevant to drone pilots? → Knots (kt)
3. How does fatigue primarily affect a drone pilot's performance? → It increases reaction time and impairs decision-making capability
4. What is the recommended action when a drone pilot feels overwhelmed by the demands of a complex operation? → Simplify the mission by shedding non-critical tasks, delegating, or aborting if necessary
5. What class of airspace is typically found around major UK airports such as Heathrow and Gatwick? → Class A
6. What is the correct term for the unique identifier that must be displayed or broadcast by registered drones in the UK? → Operator ID
7. What is the standard shape and extent of a Flight Restriction Zone (FRZ) around a UK aerodrome with a single runway? → A shape resembling a keyhole or lozenge extending along the runway centreline
8. After a drone incident in the UK that causes injury to a person, within what timeframe should it be reported to the CAA? → As soon as reasonably practicable
9. A drone pilot plans to fly near a military aerodrome that is not listed as having an FRZ. What should they do? → Contact the military aerodrome to notify them and seek guidance before flying
10. When must a UK drone operator register with the Civil Aviation Authority? → When operating a drone 250 g or over, or any drone with a camera
11. Which tool should a UK drone pilot use to check for airspace restrictions before flying? → The NATS Drone Assist app or CAA's online airspace map
12. Under UK CAA rules, at what age can a person legally fly a drone in the open category without supervision? → 16 years old
13. Which UK legislation, alongside UK GDPR, governs the use of personal data collected by drones? → The Data Protection Act 2018
14. What is the lawful basis most commonly relied upon by drone operators for incidental capture of personal data during legitimate operations? → Legitimate interests, balanced against the rights and freedoms of data subjects
15. What type of weather front typically brings sudden changes in wind direction and speed that could affect drone operations? → A cold front with rapid weather changes including gusting winds and possible thunderstorms
16. What is the primary risk of continuing to fly a drone with a swollen or damaged LiPo battery? → Risk of thermal runaway leading to fire or explosion
17. Which document must a UK drone operator complete before conducting a commercial flight in the specific category? → Operational Authorisation (OA) or PDRA
18. What is 'task saturation' in the context of drone operations? → When a pilot is overwhelmed with too many concurrent tasks, causing performance to degrade
19. Under UK CAA regulations, what is the maximum take-off mass (MTOM) for a drone operated in the A2 subcategory of the Open category? → 4 kg
20. Under the ANO 2016, what is the maximum penalty for flying a drone dangerously in the UK? → Unlimited fine and up to 5 years imprisonment
21. In UK Class G (uncontrolled) airspace, what is the maximum height a drone may be flown in the Open category? → 120 metres AGL
22. Which weather phenomenon poses the greatest risk to drone batteries and electronic components? → Very low temperatures (below 0°C)
23. Under UK CAA regulations, what is the purpose of an Operational Authorisation? → To permit operations beyond the limits of the Open category
24. Which document must an A2 CofC holder carry or have available when conducting drone flights? → Proof of drone insurance and the operator ID
25. What is the purpose of the UK Drone Safe Register? → It is not an official CAA register — CAA registration is done via the CAA portal directly
26. Under UK GDPR, drone footage containing identifiable individuals is classified as what type of data? → Personal data requiring a lawful basis for processing
27. What should a remote pilot do if they lose visual contact with their drone during an Open category flight? → Initiate the return-to-home function or land the drone as soon as safely possible
28. What does the DODAR decision-making model stand for? → Diagnose, Options, Decide, Assign tasks, Review
29. Under UK regulations, in which open category subcategory is it permitted to fly directly over uninvolved persons (with a compliant drone)? → A1
30. What is the recommended action if a drone's motor begins to sound abnormal during flight? → Land immediately at the nearest safe location and inspect the motor before further flight