EASA Drone Regulations 2026: What FPV Pilots Need to Know
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has established one of the world’s most comprehensive drone regulatory frameworks. For FPV (First Person View) pilots flying in the EU and associated states, understanding the EASA Open and Specific category rules is essential for legal operation. This guide covers everything from the three operational subcategories to the mandatory Cx class markings, registration requirements, and specific FPV considerations that every European drone pilot must understand in 2026.
The EASA Regulatory Framework Overview
EASA’s drone regulations are defined by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947 and Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945, which came into full force on January 1, 2024. The framework divides drone operations into three categories: Open, Specific, and Certified. The Open category — which covers most recreational FPV flying — is further divided into three subcategories: A1, A2, and A3.
According to the EASA Drones Portal, national aviation authorities (NAAs) in each EU member state are responsible for enforcement. This means FPV pilots in Germany answer to the Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (LBA), French pilots to the DGAC, and Spanish pilots to AESA — but the underlying rules are harmonized across all 27 EU member states plus Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland.
Open Category Subcategories Explained
Subcategory A1: Fly Over People
A1 allows flight over uninvolved people (but not crowds) with the lightest drones. It covers:
- C0 class drones (under 250g, max speed 19 m/s): No competency requirement beyond reading the manual. These are typically toy-grade drones.
- C1 class drones (under 900g): Requires completion of the A1/A3 “proof of competency” exam. Must maintain safe distance from people.
- Legacy drones under 250g: After January 1, 2024, legacy drones (without Cx marking) under 250g can operate in A1 without additional requirements.
Subcategory A2: Fly Close to People
A2 permits flight at distances as low as 30 meters from uninvolved people (or 5 meters in low-speed mode) when using C2 class drones (under 4 kg). This requires the A2 Certificate of Competency, which involves a more thorough theoretical examination and a self-declared practical training component. According to EASA Easy Access Rules for UAS, A2 pilots must also declare their practical competency.
Subcategory A3: Fly Far from People
A3 is the most restricted subcategory, requiring flight at least 150 meters horizontally from residential, commercial, industrial, and recreational areas. It covers C3 and C4 class drones (up to 25 kg) and legacy drones over 250g. Like A1, it requires only the basic A1/A3 competency certificate. For many FPV pilots flying in rural locations, A3 remains the most practical subcategory for larger builds.
Cx Class Markings and FPV Drones
The Cx classification system (C0 through C6) establishes technical requirements that drone manufacturers must meet for their products to be sold in the EU market. Each class has specific requirements for weight, maximum speed, noise level, and safety features like remote identification and geo-awareness. For FPV pilots building custom drones, this creates a significant challenge: home-built drones cannot currently receive a Cx class marking.
Under the EASA framework, home-built FPV drones are classified as “privately built” UAS. According to Article 22 of Regulation (EU) 2019/947, privately built drones:
- Can only be operated in subcategory A3 (far from people)
- Must weigh less than 25 kg
- Cannot fly over uninvolved people
- Must comply with all A3 operational restrictions (150m from built-up areas, 1:1 rule for altitude:distance)
Remote ID Requirements in Europe
EASA’s direct remote identification (DRI) requirements apply to all C1, C2, and C3 class drones as well as any drone operated in the Specific category. The system broadcasts:
- UAS operator registration number
- Unique serial number of the drone
- Geographical position and altitude of the drone
- Route course and ground speed
- Geographical position of the remote pilot or take-off point
For custom FPV builds, aftermarket Remote ID modules meeting the ASTM F3586-22 or ASD-STAN prEN 4709-002 standards are becoming widely available. In 2026, several European manufacturers including Dronetag (Czech Republic) and Thales offer compliant modules for privately built drones.
Registration and Competency Requirements
All drone operators in the EU must register with their national aviation authority. Registration is mandatory for:
- Any drone with a camera or sensor capable of capturing personal data
- Any drone weighing 250g or more
- Any drone capable of transferring kinetic energy above 80 joules
This means essentially all FPV drones — which carry cameras by definition — require operator registration. The registration number must be displayed on every drone. Additionally, pilots flying in A1/A3 subcategories must pass the free online competency test offered by their NAA. For Germany, this is through the Luftfahrt-Bundesamt; for France, the DGAC AlphaTango portal.
FPV-Specific Rules: The Observer Requirement
A critical requirement for FPV flying in Europe is the mandatory use of an observer when flying with goggles. According to EASA AMC1 UAS.OPEN.060(2)(d)(iii), when flying in FPV mode, the remote pilot must be assisted by an observer who maintains unaided visual contact with the drone at all times. The observer must:
- Stand next to the remote pilot
- Maintain direct unaided visual line of sight with the drone
- Communicate any hazards immediately to the pilot
- Not use any visual aids (binoculars, etc.) except corrective lenses
This requirement presents a practical challenge for solo FPV pilots and is enforced with varying strictness across member states. Some countries, like France, have been particularly stringent about the observer requirement.
Insurance Requirements
EU Regulation (EC) No 785/2004 requires all aircraft operators — including drone pilots — to carry third-party liability insurance. Most EU countries require minimum coverage between €750,000 and €1.5 million SDR (Special Drawing Rights). Many national model aircraft associations (like the British Model Flying Association or the German DMFV) offer insurance coverage as part of their membership packages. Independent drone insurance is also available from providers like Coverdrone, Moonrock, and Flock.
U-Space and Future Developments
EASA’s U-Space initiative is progressively implementing a comprehensive traffic management system for drones. By 2027, all EU member states are expected to have operational U-Space services in designated airspace. For FPV pilots, this could mean mandatory electronic conspicuity, flight authorization requirements, and dynamic airspace restrictions accessible through mobile applications. Staying informed through your national aviation authority and the EASA website is strongly recommended.
Key Takeaways
- Register as an operator with your national aviation authority
- Pass the A1/A3 competency test (free online exam)
- Home-built FPV drones can only fly in subcategory A3
- Always use an observer when flying FPV with goggles
- Carry liability insurance (mandatory across all EU states)
- Display your operator ID on every drone
- Check U-Space developments in your flying area regularly
Sources: EASA Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947, EASA Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945, EASA Easy Access Rules for Unmanned Aircraft Systems, National Aviation Authority portals. Last updated June 2026.