Due to the current global Covid-19 pandemic, the EU Commission has agreed to postpone the introduction of the new EU Regulation package until 31st December 2020 (originally scheduled for 1st July 2020 and then postponed until 1st November 2020).
Because the introduction of the new regulations has been postponed the transitional period for legacy aircraft (A1 and A2 Transitional Provisions) has been extended and will now run until 1st January 2023 instead of expiring on 1st July 2022, allowing for a full 2 year transition period.
When does the Transitional Provision for Legacy Drones end?
The A1 Transitional Provision (drones between 250g - 500g flying weight) will end on 1st January 2023 (originally scheduled for 1st July 2022).
The A2 Transitional Provision (drones between 500g - 2000g flying weight) will end on 1st January 2023 (originally scheduled for 1st July 2022).
What is a Legacy Drone?
A Legacy drone is any drone that is currently on the market (such as a DJI Mavic, DJI Mavic 2 Pro, DJI Phantom 4 and Parrot ANAFI) and doesn't have either a C0, C1 or a C2 'class stamp' on the body of the aircraft and a CE marking. The drones need BOTH a CE marking AND either a C0, C1 or C2 marking on the body of the aircraft.
When does the UK adopt the EU UAS Regulations?
The UK is now scheduled to adopt the EU UAS Regulations on the 31st December 2020.
When can I fly with my A2 CofC?
You will only be able to fly in the A2 Subcateogy of the Open Category with your A2 Certificate of Competency from 31st December 2020.
Until this date has passed, if you want to fly commercially you will need a Permission for Commercial Operation (PfCO) or if you want to fly recreationally you just need to do the CAA Drone Registration (DAMARES) and follow the drone code.
When can I do an A2 CofC Course?
At UAVHUB, we started to deliver the A2 C of C course back in April 2020 and we currently still deliver the A2 C of C as a purely Online course today.
Your certificate will only become valid from 31st December 2020 and your certificate will be dated for 5 years from this date (or if you do your A2 CofC after 31st December 2020 then you 5-year validity will be valid from the date of your Theory Examination).
When can I fly with my GVC?
If you have completed a GVC Course and have a General Visual Line of Sight Certificate (GVC) you can apply for a PfCO from the CAA today. When you renew your PfCO in 12 months, you will be granted an Operational Authorisation.
Do you still do PfCO Drone Courses?
Our General Visual Line of Sight Certificate (GVC) Drone Course covers and goes beyond all of the requirements to get a PfCO from the CAA.
By doing a GVC course rather than purely a PfCO Drone Course, you will be able to do 'bolt-on' courses when we transition over to the new regulations on 31st December 2020 which will grant you permissions to operate drones 'BVLOS', with other bolt-on courses due to be announced over time.
