A2 CofC UK CAA Drone Regulations 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which class marking must a drone carry to fly close to uninvolved people in the A2 subcategory without maintaining 150m horizontal distance?
- C0
- C1
- C2 (Correct answer)
- C3
Correct answer: C2
A drone with a C2 class marking can be flown in the A2 subcategory. With an A2 CofC and a C2-marked drone, the pilot may fly as close as 30 metres to uninvolved people (or closer in low-speed mode).
Question 2: What penalties can the UK CAA impose for breaching drone regulations under the Air Navigation Order 2016?
- Only verbal warnings for first-time offenders
- Fines only, with no possibility of imprisonment
- Unlimited fines and up to 5 years imprisonment for the most serious offences (Correct answer)
- A maximum fine of £1,000 and community service
Correct answer: Unlimited fines and up to 5 years imprisonment for the most serious offences
Serious breaches of drone regulations, such as endangering aircraft, can result in unlimited fines and up to 5 years imprisonment under the Air Navigation Order 2016 and associated criminal legislation.
Question 3: In the UK Open category, which subcategory allows flights over uninvolved people with a sub-250g drone?
- A1 only (Correct answer)
- A2 only
- A3 only
- Both A1 and A2
Correct answer: A1 only
The A1 subcategory permits flights over uninvolved people when using a drone under 250g (or with a C0 class marking). A2 allows flight near but not directly over uninvolved people.
Question 4: How long is the UK A2 Certificate of Competency valid before it needs to be renewed?
- 1 year
- 3 years
- 5 years (Correct answer)
- It never expires
Correct answer: 5 years
The A2 CofC is valid for 5 years from the date of issue. After expiry, the holder must retake the practical self-study and examination to renew it.
Question 5: What must an operator do if their drone is involved in an incident that causes serious injury in the UK?
- Report it to the local police within 48 hours
- Report it to the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) immediately (Correct answer)
- File a report with the drone manufacturer within 7 days
- No reporting is required if the drone weighs under 20 kg
Correct answer: Report it to the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) immediately
Any drone incident resulting in serious injury or death must be reported to the AAIB as soon as possible. This is a legal requirement under UK aviation accident reporting regulations.
Question 6: Under UK CAA regulations, what is the purpose of an Operational Authorisation?
- To allow commercial drone photography
- To permit operations beyond the limits of the Open category (Correct answer)
- To register a drone weighing over 25 kg
- To authorise night flying only
Correct answer: To permit operations beyond the limits of the Open category
An Operational Authorisation is required for operations in the Specific category, which covers flights that go beyond the standard limitations of the Open category, such as flying beyond visual line of sight or in congested areas at higher risk levels.
A2 CofC UK CAA Drone Regulations 2
Which class marking must a drone carry to fly close to uninvolved people in the A2 subcategory without maintaining 150m horizontal distance?