EASA Drone Regulations 2026: EU Open Category Rules Explained

EASA Drone Regulations 2026: EU Open Category Rules Explained

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) unified drone regulations across EU member states under a common framework. Whether you fly recreationally or commercially in Europe, understanding the Open Category rules is essential for legal operation. This guide explains the current framework.

The Three Categories

EASA divides drone operations into three categories based on risk:

• Open Category — low-risk operations. No prior authorization needed, but specific rules apply. Most recreational and light commercial flying falls here.
• Specific Category — medium-risk operations requiring an operational authorization or a standard scenario declaration.
• Certified Category — high-risk operations (urban air mobility, cargo delivery) requiring full certification.

For the official regulation text, see EASA's drone operations guidance.

Open Category Subcategories

The Open Category is divided into three subcategories based on drone class and operation type:

A1 — Fly over people (with restrictions):

• C0 class: drones under 250g, no registration required (private), fly over uninvolved people allowed
• C1 class: 250g–900g, registration required, fly near (not over) uninvolved people
• Requires A1/A3 online training and passing the test

A2 — Fly close to people:

• C2 class drones (900g–4kg)
• Minimum 30m horizontal distance from uninvolved people (5m in low-speed mode)
• Requires A2 Certificate of Competency (theory exam + self-declaration)

A3 — Fly far from people:

• C3, C4, C5, C6 class drones (or legacy drones)
• Minimum 150m from residential, commercial, industrial, or recreational areas
• Requires A1/A3 online training

Registration Requirements

Drone operators must register with their national aviation authority if they:

• Operate a drone 250g or heavier in the Open Category
• Operate any drone equipped with a camera in public spaces (even under 250g in some member states)

Registration is done through your country's national aviation authority (e.g., CAA in the UK, LBA in Germany, DGAC in France). The registration number must be displayed on the drone and entered in its Remote ID system.

C0 Class — The Mini Drone Advantage

DJI Mini-series drones (Mini 3, Mini 3 Pro, Mini 4 Pro) weigh under 249g and qualify as C0 class in the EU, giving operators the most flexibility — they can fly over uninvolved people without authorization. This is a key reason the sub-249g category is so popular with European operators.

If you are repairing a Mini-series drone, it is worth keeping it operational rather than replacing it with a heavier model that faces more restrictions. See our repair guides: Mini 4 Pro Repair Guide | Mini 3 Pro Repair Guide.

UK Regulations Post-Brexit

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) retained a similar framework to EASA but operates independently. UK operators should refer to the UK CAA drones page for current rules, which broadly mirror the Open/Specific/Certified structure but have some differences in class markings and transition timelines.

Staying Up to Date

EASA regulations are updated periodically. The most reliable sources for current EU drone rules are the EASA drones hub and your national aviation authority's website.

Fixdron ships drone repair parts to all EU countries and the UK. Fast worldwide shipping.