Drone categories A1, A2, A3 explained
The EU drone regulation sorts flights into three categories: open, specific and certified. Hobby FPV almost always happens in the open category, which is split into three subcategories – A1, A2 and A3 – that mostly regulate how close you may get to people.
As of October 2026. Not legal advice – the regulation and the German Federal Aviation Office (LBA) are authoritative.
What applies across the open category
- At most 120 metres above ground.
- Flights within visual line of sight – with FPV goggles only with an observer right next to you.
- No flights over assemblies of people, no dangerous goods, no dropping anything.
- At most 25 kg take-off mass.
The three subcategories
| A1 | A2 | A3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Idea | over people (briefly, occasionally) | close to people | far from people |
| Typical drones | C0, C1, self-built below 250 g | C2 | C2, C3, C4, self-built below 25 kg |
| Distance to uninvolved people | no assemblies; with C1 avoid overflight | 30 m (5 m in low-speed mode) | do not endanger uninvolved people |
| Distance to residential, commercial, industrial, recreational areas | – | – | 150 m |
| Proof | from 250 g: A1/A3 proof of competence | plus A2 certificate | from 250 g: A1/A3 proof of competence |
What this means for your FPV quad
A typical FPV quad has no class label because it is self-built or put together from parts. Since 1 January 2024:
- Below 250 g take-off mass (including battery): subcategory A1. Typical for tiny whoops and light 3-inch quads.
- From 250 g up to 25 kg: subcategory A3 only – far from people and 150 m from built-up and recreational areas. That covers most 5-inch freestyle and racing quads.
- EASA adds that drones faster than 19 m/s are limited to A3.
Because take-off mass counts, weigh your ready-to-fly quad with battery and action cam.
Registration, competence, insurance
- Operator registration with the LBA: required from 250 g or as soon as the drone has a camera – so always for FPV. The operator number goes visibly on the drone.
- A1/A3 proof of competence: required from 250 g, recommended below. Online training and an online test with the LBA; valid for five years. Steps and fees: Drone licence in Germany.
- Liability insurance: mandatory for all drones in Germany. Many personal liability policies exclude drones – check the terms.
And the specific category?
Flying alone with goggles, over people or beyond visual line of sight leaves the open category. That needs an operational authorisation or a standard scenario in the specific category – usually too much effort for a hobby. The exception are model flying associations with their own authorisation under Article 16: as a member you fly by their rules.
In practice: finding A3 spots
The 150-metre rule is why good A3 spots rarely sit right at the edge of town. The FPV Spot Finder blocks points closer than 150 m to residential or recreational areas and shows for every spot how far the nearest residential area is. More on choosing a place in Where can I fly FPV in Germany?.