Introduction
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) governs drone operations across all 27 EU member states plus Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland. Since January 1, 2024, the full EASA drone regulatory framework has been in effect, and 2026 brings important clarifications and enforcement updates that directly impact FPV (First Person View) drone pilots.
This article breaks down the EASA Open Category rules as they apply to FPV flying, explains what class labels mean for home-built drones, and outlines the legal pathways for FPV pilots to fly within European airspace.
The Three Categories: Open, Specific, and Certified
EASA divides drone operations into three categories based on risk:
- Open Category: Low-risk operations that don’t require prior authorization. This is where most FPV recreational flying falls.
- Specific Category: Medium-risk operations requiring operational authorization from the national aviation authority.
- Certified Category: High-risk operations requiring drone certification, licensed pilots, and operator certification — comparable to manned aviation standards.
For FPV pilots, the Open Category is the primary regulatory framework. However, certain FPV operations (BVLOS, above 120m, over assemblies of people) may fall into the Specific Category.
Open Category Subcategories (A1, A2, A3)
Subcategory A1: Fly Over People
A1 allows flight over uninvolved people (but not over assemblies). This subcategory is available to:
- C0 drones (under 250g, max speed 19 m/s) — no competency requirement
- C1 drones (under 900g) — requires A1/A3 competency certificate
Most FPV drones do not carry a C-class label (they’re home-built), which limits A1 access. However, sub-250g home-built FPV drones can operate in A1 with the A1/A3 certificate, which is a significant advantage for micro quad builders.
Subcategory A2: Fly Close to People
A2 allows flight as close as 30m horizontally from uninvolved people (or 5m in low-speed mode). This subcategory requires:
- A C2-class drone with a maximum takeoff mass under 4 kg
- The A2 Certificate of Competency (additional theoretical exam beyond A1/A3)
- Practical self-training declaration
Home-built FPV drones without a C2 class label cannot operate in A2. This is a significant limitation for FPV pilots flying custom builds in populated areas.
Subcategory A3: Fly Far From People
A3 is the catch-all subcategory for operations far from people — at least 150m from residential, commercial, industrial, or recreational areas. This subcategory applies to:
- Drones under 25 kg without a class label (including all home-built FPV drones)
- Requires the A1/A3 certificate (online, free or low-cost in most member states)
This is the most relevant subcategory for FPV pilots flying custom-built 5-inch or larger drones. The 150m distance from people and buildings makes A3 suitable only for flying in remote areas, dedicated flying fields, or designated model aircraft zones.
FPV-Specific Requirements
The Visual Observer Mandate
Under EASA rules, FPV flight with goggles is considered to break visual line of sight (VLOS). Therefore, an FPV pilot MUST be accompanied by a visual observer (VO) who maintains unaided visual contact with the drone at all times. The VO must:
- Be co-located with the remote pilot
- Have a direct communication link with the pilot
- Be capable of taking over or alerting the pilot to hazards
- Not be performing any other task while observing
The VO requirement applies across all Open Category subcategories. Some member states (notably France and Germany) have implemented limited exceptions for FPV flight in designated areas without a VO, but these are rare and require prior authorization.
Altitude and Distance Limits
- Maximum altitude: 120 meters (394 feet) above ground level in uncontrolled airspace
- In controlled airspace, altitude limits are set by the airspace authorization
- Horizontal distance: The drone must remain within unaided visual line of sight of the visual observer
Registration and Competency Requirements
Drone Operator Registration
Every drone operator (the person or organization responsible for the drone) must register in the EU member state where they reside. Registration is mandatory if your drone:
- Weighs 250g or more, OR
- Is equipped with a camera or any sensor capable of capturing personal data (which includes all FPV drones)
Registration is done through your national aviation authority’s portal (e.g., the UK’s CAA, France’s Alpha Tango, Germany’s LBA). The registration number must be displayed on the drone — a 3D printed label holder is perfect for this.
A1/A3 Certificate of Competency
Required for all Open Category operations except C0 drones. The certificate is obtained by passing a free online theoretical exam covering:
- Air law and procedures
- Human performance
- Operational procedures
- Privacy and data protection
- Insurance requirements
- Security procedures
The exam is administered by national aviation authorities and is available online in all EU languages. It takes 30-60 minutes and is valid for 5 years.
Insurance Requirements
In the EU, all drone operators must carry third-party liability insurance. This is typically covered by national model aircraft association memberships (e.g., FPV Verein in Germany, Fédération Française d’AéroModélisme in France, BMFA in the UK) or specialist drone insurance providers like Coverdrone. Flying without insurance carries significant financial risk — a single incident involving property damage or injury can result in claims exceeding €100,000.
Enforcement and Penalties in 2026
National aviation authorities across Europe have increased enforcement activity in 2026. Common violations include:
- Flying FPV without a visual observer — fines range from €500 to €5,000 depending on the member state
- Flying above 120m — fines up to €3,000
- Flying in restricted zones (near airports, military installations) — fines up to €25,000 and potential criminal charges
- Operating without registration — fines from €200 to €2,000
Conclusion
For FPV pilots in Europe, the key compliance checklist is: (1) register as a drone operator, (2) obtain the A1/A3 certificate of competency, (3) always fly with a visual observer, (4) stay below 120m and 150m from people/buildings for home-built drones, (5) carry third-party liability insurance, and (6) avoid restricted airspace. While the regulations are more structured than in some other regions, they provide a clear legal framework that, when followed, allows FPV pilots to fly safely and legally throughout the EU.
Sources: EASA Easy Access Rules for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Regulations 2019/945 and 2019/947), consolidated version 2026 — https://www.easa.europa.eu/en/document-library/easy-access-rules