24 Jul DRONE CLASS MARKING

Drone class marking is a categorization system used to classify and regulate different types of drones based on their characteristics and capabilities.

This classification allows the establishment of specific requirements and restrictions for different classes of drones, with the aim of guaranteeing safety and efficiency in their operation.

Drone class marking may vary by country or region, as each civil aviation authority may have its own categories and classification criteria. However, different factors are generally used to determine the class of a drone, such as its weight, its flight capabilities, the maximum altitude at which it can operate, battery life, payload capacity, navigation capabilities, etc.

Drone classes are often designated with letters or numbers, such as Class A, B, C, or 1, 2, 3, for example. The regulations and restrictions associated with each class can vary, and it is common for classes with the larger drones to be subject to more stringent regulations.This is because higher class drones generally pose a greater risk to aviation safety and require more rigorous monitoring and control.

Drone class marking is important to regulate the use of these devices in different applications, such as aerial photography and videography, package delivery, surveillance, and many other fields. By establishing specific requirements for each class of drone, authorities can ensure that the operation of drones is carried out in a safe and responsible manner, minimizing risks to aviation and the general public.

According to European regulations, as of January 1, 2024, it will be mandatory for all UAS that operate in the open category to belong to one of the classes C0, C1, C2, C3 or C4 established in Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945. Flights in the A1 subcategory of the open category may be carried out with UAS that comply:

• Have the C0 class identification label, which implies meeting the following requirements:
  – MTOM < 250g;
  – Maximum speed in horizontal flight of 19 m/s;
  – Power supply, or
• Have the C1 class identification label, which implies meeting the following requirements:
  – MTOM < 900 g or energy transmitted in case of impact < 80 J;
  – Maximum speed in horizontal flight of 19 m/s;
  – Electrical power supply;
  – Unique serial number;
  – Direct and network remote identification system;
  – Geo-awareness system;
  – Low battery warning system for the unmanned aircraft and control station.

In subcategory A1 and with UAS class C0, overflight of people who do not participate in the operation is allowed, but never over concentrations of people.

Unlike C1 class UAS, which cannot fly over non-participants or concentrations of people.

Flights in the A2 subcategory of the open category may be carried out with UAS that have the C2
class identification label, meeting the following requirements:

– MTOM < 4 kg;

– Except if it is a fixed-wing unmanned aircraft, be equipped with a selectable low-speed mode that limits speed to a maximum of 3 m/s;

– Electrical power supply;

– Unique serial number;

– Direct and network remote identification system;

– Geo-awareness system;

– Low battery warning system for the unmanned aircraft and control station;- Be equipped with a data link protected against unauthorized access to command and control
functions (C2);

– Equip lights for attitude control and night flight.

In the A2 subcategory with C2 class UAS, the flight is allowed near people who do not participate in the operation, maintaining a safety distance of 30 m and in some cases 5 m.

Flights in the A3 subcategory of the open category may be carried out with UAS that comply:

– Have the C2 class identification label, with the requirements defined above;
– Have the C3 class identification label, which implies:
– MTOM < 25 kg and a maximum dimension less than 3 m;
– Electrical power supply;
– Unique serial number;
– Direct and network remote identification system;
– Geo-awareness system;
– Low battery warning system for the unmanned aircraft and control station;
– Be equipped with a data link protected against unauthorized access to command and control functions (C2);
– Equip lights for attitude control and night flight, or
– Have the C4 class identification label:
– MTOM < 25 kg;
– Be safely controllable and maneuverable by a remote pilot following the manufacturer’s instructions;
– Not having automatic control modes, except for flight stabilization assistance without any direct effect on the trajectory and for assistance in case of loss of link, provided that a predetermined fixed position of the flight controls is available in case of link loss;
– Be intended for the practice of model airplanes.

In subcategory A3 with UAS of class C2, C3 and C4, flight is allowed in areas where they are not expected to endanger non-participants and to fly at a minimum safe horizontal distance of 150 m from residential, commercial, industrial and recreational areas.
Likewise, on January 1, 2024 it will also be mandatory to have class marking for all UAS that operate in standard scenarios. These classes are C5 and C6.
To operate under STS 01, the C5 class identification label will be necessary, which implies:

– NOT be a fixed wing UAS;
– MTOM < 10 kg;
– Electrical power supply;
– Be equipped with a low speed mode at 5 m/s maximum;
– Have the UA insured;
– Means to reduce the effect of impact.

C5 class drones are intended for VLOS operations in a specific category over a controlled land area in an urban environment.
To operate under STS 02, the C6 class identification label will be necessary, which implies:

– MTOM < 25 kg;
– Maximum dimension of 3 m;
– Maximum speed of 50 m/s;
– Maximum cruising speed of 33 m/s;
– Have an independent emergency shutdown system;
– Have means to program the trajectory of the aircraft;
– Have insurance for the UAS.

C6 class drones are intended for BVLOS operations in a specific category over controlled land areas (CTR) in sparsely populated environments.
In conclusion, as of January 1, 2024, the use of drones will be much more regulated thanks to the class marking, fulfilling the objective of guaranteeing the safety and efficiency of operations.