What is the A2 CofC (Certificate of Competency)

The A2 Certificate of Competency is a certificate that allows you to fly certain aircraft within the Open Category regardless if you want to fly commercially or recreationally. The 'Near People (A2)' Sub-category allows you to operate 'closer to people’ if you hold an A2 Certificate of Competency (A2 CofC) and are flying UK2 class, C2 class (Until 31 December 2027) or 'Legacy' drones less than 2kg (not UK2 or C2 class). 

You can book an A2 CofC Course by clicking here.

‘Legacy’ (not UK2/C2 class) Aircraft with an A2 CofC

If your aircraft is between 250g and 2kg then you will need to hold an A2 CofC and you will have to maintain a 50m horizontal separation distance from uninvolved people.

You will be able to fly these ‘legacy’ aircraft under these permissions with an A2 CofC until the 31st December 2027. After this point, you may only be able to fly these aircraft in the 'Far from People (A3)' category which means you’ve got to stay 150m away from residential, industrial, business and recreational areas and a minimum of 50m from uninvolved people.

UK2 class or C2 class (until 31 December 2027)

If your aircraft features UK2 or C2 class (until 31 December 2027) and youhold an A2 CofC you can operate within congested areas but you must not fly within 30m of people unless they’re involved in what you are doing, or you fly in low speed mode. If you fly in low speed mode, you can reduce this distance to 5m from people following the 1:1 rule. 

How do I get an A2 CofC

To get the A2 Certificate of Competency (A2 CofC) you firstly need to register with the CAA to gain your A1/A3 Flyer ID to get the basic RP competency. You can then purchase an A2 CofC course with an RAE (Recognised Assessment Entity) such as UAVHUB.

This requires you to complete mandatory theory learning then sitting a 30 question closed book examination which you will have a minimum of 75 minutes to complete.

There is no practical flight test or operations manual required as part of the course, however, the student will need to have completed a period of practical flight training, either under the guidance of an RAE or under self-monitored circumstances.

The student must declare in writing that they have completed the CAA A1/A3 Flyer ID element and flight training before taking the A2 CofC written examination.

As soon as you pass the written exam & you have been awarded the certificate you’ll be qualified to fly in the A2 category (an audit may be required before the certificate is released)

Your qualification lasts for 5 years, after which you’ll have to renew it.

You can book onto an A2 CofC course by visiting the link here > https://www.uavhub.com/products/online-a2-cofc-drone-course-a2-certificate-of-competency