EU A1/A3 Drone License — Everything You Need to Know

What Is the A1/A3 Drone Certificate?

The A1/A3 certificate of competency is the baseline qualification for drone pilots in the European Union. Established under EASA Regulation 2019/947, it proves that you understand the rules, risks, and responsibilities of flying an unmanned aircraft in the Open category.

The certificate is split into two subcategories that determine where and how you can fly:

• A1 — Close to people: Fly over uninvolved people (but not over assemblies of people) with drones under 250g (class C0) or under 900g (class C1). This is the subcategory for lightweight drones like the DJI Mini series.
• A3 — Far from people: Fly drones up to 25kg at a safe distance from uninvolved people, and at least 150 metres from residential, commercial, industrial, or recreational areas. This is the subcategory for larger drones in open spaces.

Both subcategories are covered by a single certificate. You do not take separate exams for A1 and A3 — one exam, one certificate, both categories.

Who Needs an A1/A3 Certificate?

Under EU regulations, every drone pilot operating in the Open category must complete the A1/A3 online training. If your drone weighs 250g or more, you are legally required to hold the certificate. Even for sub-250g drones, you must complete the training module, and obtaining the full certificate is strongly recommended as proof of compliance.

The certificate is required regardless of whether you fly recreationally or commercially. The distinction between hobby and professional flying does not matter in the Open category — the same rules and the same certificate apply to everyone.

The Exam: 40 Questions, 75% Pass Rate

The A1/A3 exam is an online, multiple-choice test administered by your national aviation authority (or a delegated provider). Here is what to expect:

• 40 questions covering air safety, airspace restrictions, EU drone regulations, human performance limitations, and meteorology basics
• 75% pass mark — you need at least 30 correct answers out of 40
• No time limit in most countries, though some authorities set a 60-minute window
• Open-book in some countries — Luxembourg, for example, lets you reference the training material during the exam
• Unlimited retakes — if you fail, you can try again immediately in most countries

Before taking the exam, you must complete an online training module. The training covers the same topics as the exam and typically takes 1 to 3 hours depending on your pace and prior knowledge.

The Luxembourg Method: Free and Fast

While every EU country offers the A1/A3 exam, Luxembourg stands out as the fastest and cheapest option. The Direction de l'Aviation Civile (DAC) provides the entire process — registration, training, and exam — online and completely free of charge.

Most pilots complete the Luxembourg training and exam in under 2 hours. The certificate is issued immediately as a PDF, and it is valid across all 27 EU member states plus EASA countries like Norway, Iceland, and Switzerland. You do not need to be a Luxembourg resident to use this method.

For a step-by-step walkthrough, see our guide to the cheapest and fastest EU drone license.

Validity and Renewal

The A1/A3 certificate is valid for 5 years from the date of issue. When it expires, there is no simplified renewal process — you must retake the full exam. The first wave of A1/A3 certificates issued in 2021 are expiring in 2026, which means many pilots will need to renew soon.

You can renew through any EU country, not just the one that issued your original certificate. Many pilots who originally got their certificate through their national authority choose to renew via Luxembourg for convenience and cost savings.

Carry Your A1/A3 Certificate in Apple Wallet

EU regulations require you to carry proof of your pilot certificate during every flight. Traditionally, this means keeping a printed PDF or a screenshot on your phone. PilotPocket offers a better solution: convert your A1/A3 certificate into an Apple Wallet pass.

Once added, your certificate sits alongside your boarding passes and payment cards in the native Wallet app. Double-click the side button on your iPhone or raise your Apple Watch, and your drone license is instantly visible. It works completely offline — no internet, no app to open, no fumbling during a field inspection.

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