EASA Drone Class Markings and Open Category Rules: Complete 2026 Guide
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has established one of the world’s most comprehensive drone regulatory frameworks. With the full transition to the new class marking system now complete, understanding C0 through C6 classifications is essential for anyone flying in the EU, EEA, or Switzerland. This guide covers everything FPV pilots and drone builders need to know about operating legally under EASA’s Open Category in 2026.
The Three Categories of Drone Operations
EASA divides all drone operations into three categories: Open, Specific, and Certified. The Open Category covers the vast majority of recreational and low-risk commercial flights. It requires no operational authorization, but mandates strict compliance with defined subcategories (A1, A2, A3) and their associated limitations based on the drone’s class marking.
The Specific Category requires operational authorization from your national aviation authority (NAA) and covers higher-risk operations like BVLOS flights or operations over 25 kg. The Certified Category mirrors manned aviation standards and applies to large drones carrying people or dangerous goods.
Understanding C-Class Markings
EASA’s C-class system defines standardized drone types from C0 to C6. Each class comes with specific technical requirements and operational limits. Critically, as of January 1, 2026, drones placed on the EU market must bear a class marking to be operated in the Open Category without additional authorization.
C0 — Toy-grade and very small drones: Under 250g, maximum speed 19 m/s, cannot fly over uninvolved people (though incidental overflight is tolerated). No remote ID required. No competency requirement beyond reading the manufacturer’s manual. Perfect for Tiny Whoops and ultralight FPV builds if they can meet the weight target.
C1 — Small consumer drones: Under 900g or impact energy under 80 joules. Can fly over uninvolved people briefly but not over crowds. Requires A1/A3 certificate of competency (the basic online test, typically €25-40). Must have remote ID and geo-awareness features. Many 3-inch and lightweight 5-inch builds fall here if they carry C1 marking.
C2 — Medium drones with proximity restrictions: Under 4 kg. Requires A2 certificate (additional theoretical exam beyond A1/A3). Must maintain 30m horizontal distance from uninvolved people (reducible to 5m with low-speed mode). Must have remote ID. This is where most 5-inch FPV quads would sit if they carried class markings.
C3 and C4 — Legacy and model aircraft: C3 covers drones under 25 kg not meeting C0-C2 requirements. Operations restricted to A3 subcategory: far from people, far from residential/commercial/industrial areas, minimum 150m from such areas. C4 covers traditional model aircraft with similar restrictions.
The Self-Built Drone Problem
Here is the elephant in the room for FPV pilots: self-built drones cannot carry C-class markings. The marking requires conformity assessment by the manufacturer, which is impossible for a home-built quad. EASA addresses this through transitional provisions.
Under current transitional rules, self-built drones without class markings can operate under the legacy framework based on weight alone until January 1, 2027. After this date, all drones operating in the Open Category must either carry a class marking or qualify for the “privately built” exemption currently under development.
EASA is working on a framework for privately built drones that would allow operation under conditions similar to the C4 class: restricted to A3 subcategory areas (far from people and buildings), under 25 kg, and operated by pilots holding at least an A1/A3 certificate. The final rule is expected in Q3 2026.
Remote ID Under EASA Rules
EASA’s remote ID requirements differ from the FAA’s in significant ways. The EU system uses Direct Remote ID (broadcast via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, similar to FAA Standard Remote ID) combined with Network Remote ID for certain operations. C1, C2, and C3 drones must broadcast their registration number, position, altitude, track, speed, and the operator’s registration number.
For self-built drones, adding remote ID is becoming both a regulatory necessity and a technical challenge. Several manufacturers now produce EASA-compliant add-on modules compatible with Betaflight and INAV, including the Dronetag Mini and the Aerobits idronetag.
Operator Registration and Competency
Every drone operator in the EU must register with their NAA. The registration number must be affixed to all drones they operate. Registration is separate from competency certification and is valid across all EU member states — you register in your country of residence and can fly anywhere in the EU.
Competency requirements escalate with operational complexity: A1/A3 certificate (online theory test) covers basic operations including self-built drones under legacy rules, while A2 certificate (additional supervised exam) is needed for C2 operations closer to people. FPV pilots should note that the A1/A3 exam includes questions on emergency procedures, meteorology, and privacy — all highly relevant to our flying style.
Practical Guidance for FPV Pilots in Europe
If you fly in the EU, register as an operator in your country of residence immediately. Take the A1/A3 online exam — it costs little and opens up significantly more operational freedom. For your fleet, focus on sub-250g builds that align with the C0 framework, even if they lack formal class marking, as they retain the most operational flexibility under transitional rules.
Monitor EASA’s Opinion on privately built drones closely through 2026. The outcome will directly determine where and how you can fly custom-built quads after the transitional period ends in 2027. Meanwhile, always carry your operator registration, competency certificate, and proof of insurance when flying — spot checks by law enforcement are increasingly common at popular flying spots across Germany, France, and the Netherlands.
Source: EASA Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947, EASA Easy Access Rules for Unmanned Aircraft Systems, EASA NPA 2025-08 on Privately Built Drones