Klar for DroneprøvenChoose your training route according to the drone’s class and the operation. A1/A3 is the foundation for many pilots. A2 is an additional qualification for flying a C2 drone closer to people, and is not automatically required because you are being paid.
Three things that are often confused
Use this overview before booking a course or exam. It makes it easier to see what you already have and what is missing.
| Term | What it concerns |
|---|---|
| Pilot competency | The person controlling the drone and the training they need. |
| Operator registration | The person or business responsible for the operation. |
| Operational category | The limits and risks of the particular flight. |
Start with the drone and the area
Find the class marking on the drone and read the manufacturer’s documentation. A model name or low weight alone does not tell the whole story. Then consider where you want to fly, who may be in the area and how you will maintain the required separation distances.
| Starting point | What to look into |
|---|---|
| C0 or a legacy drone under 250 grams | Exemption from the exam, but assess registration and the other rules. |
| C1 in A1, or a drone flown under A3 conditions | A1/A3 training and examination. |
| C2 to be flown in A2 | A1/A3, A2 theory and practical self-training. |
| Flying beyond the limits of the open category | The requirements of the specific category; STS is only one possible route. |
Source: EASA: what training is required in the open category?
Paid work does not mean a separate “commercial certificate”
The category is determined by the operation and its risk, not simply by whether you are paid. A photography job may fit within the open category, while a recreational flight may fall outside its limits.
Write a short description of the operation before choosing a training route: drone, area, planned height, people, airspace and intended flight pattern. This gives you a concrete basis for checking the rules.
Source: Luftfartstilsynet: drone rules and examination routes in Norway
Example: from holiday photos to a new assignment
A pilot is used to photographing landscapes with a small drone. A new assignment requires a different drone near a footpath. The pilot should not begin by asking whether the old certificate is “good enough”. First, they need to establish the drone’s class, the route and who is in the area.
If the assignment does not meet the conditions, the solution may be to change the timing, location or way it is carried out. A new theory certificate alone does not resolve every restriction.
Common questions
Is an operator registration number the same as a drone certificate?
No. The operator registration number concerns the registration of the responsible operator. The pilot certificate documents the pilot’s competency.
Do I need A2 to earn money from drone photography?
Not necessarily. Consider the drone’s class and how the assignment will be carried out. Payment alone does not determine the subcategory or pilot certificate requirements.
Sources and regulatory basis
Regulatory information has been checked against the sources below. Study plans and examples are Kurskompis teaching recommendations. Check current information from the authorities before flying or taking an exam.