Open category — A2 practical
A2 Self-Training Guide
Before you can sit the A2 theory exam, EASA requires you to complete practical self-training and self-declare your competency. No instructor, no approved centre — you train yourself, log it, and declare on your NAA's platform.
Instructor
Not required
Approved centre
Not required
Minimum flight hours
None set by EASA
Drone required
C2 class identification label
When to do it
Before the theory exam
Declaration
On your NAA platform
What do I need to practise?
EASA defines the practical self-training scope in the A2 syllabus (AMC2 UAS.OPEN.030(2)(b)). You must be able to demonstrate competency across six areas before self-declaring.
Basic flight manoeuvres
Stable take-off and landing, hovering in place, horizontal and vertical movement, 360° rotations. You should be able to hold position and orientation confidently without drifting.
Low-speed mode operation
Activate and fly in your drone's low-speed mode. The A2 certificate reduces your minimum safe distance to 5 m horizontally from uninvolved people only when low-speed mode is active. Practise maintaining precise, slow flight at this reduced distance limit.
Safe distance management near people
Practise maintaining the 30 m minimum horizontal distance from uninvolved people in normal mode. Develop your ability to judge these distances accurately in the field — estimating distances while flying is a skill that requires repetition.
Emergency procedures
Practise activating return-to-home (RTH), executing a controlled emergency landing, and managing loss of video or control signal. Know your drone's failsafe behaviour in advance — test it in a safe open area.
Meteorological awareness
Fly in varying weather conditions — different wind speeds, temperatures, light levels — so you can judge when conditions are safe and how weather affects your drone's handling and battery life. The A2 exam specifically tests low-altitude meteorology.
Pre-flight checks and situational awareness
Run the full pre-flight checklist on every session — drone condition, battery state, firmware, airspace status, NOTAM check. Practise scanning the sky actively for manned aircraft while controlling the drone.
How do I log my sessions?
EASA does not mandate a specific log format. You are responsible for recording your sessions and being able to demonstrate you completed adequate training. A simple log entry should include:
A spreadsheet or dedicated drone logbook app is sufficient. Keep your logs — some NAAs ask to see them during audits, though this is uncommon. Your log is your evidence if your declaration is ever questioned.
Self-declaration checklist
Am I ready to self-declare?
Work through this checklist before submitting your self-declaration. Every point must be true before you declare.
I hold a valid A1/A3 certificate
Mandatory prerequisite — you cannot register for the A2 exam without it
I have practised basic flight manoeuvres and feel confident
Take-off, landing, hovering, directional control, rotations
I have flown in low-speed mode and understand its behaviour
Includes knowing when the 5 m distance limit applies
I can reliably judge and maintain a 30 m distance from uninvolved people
Practised in real environments, not just estimated from the ground
I have practised emergency procedures and know my drone's failsafes
RTH, emergency landing, signal loss behaviour
I have flown in varying weather conditions and understand their effects
Wind, temperature, visibility — and how they affect flight performance and battery
I routinely complete a pre-flight check before every flight
Drone condition, batteries, firmware, airspace check, NOTAM
I have maintained a log of my training sessions
Dates, locations, conditions, training areas covered
I have read and understood my drone's user manual
Including C2 class limitations if applicable, and all operational constraints
How to self-declare
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1
Log in to your national aviation authority's platform
France uses AlphaTango, Germany uses LuftfahrtBundesamt (LBA), Spain uses AESA. If you registered your drone operator ID, you already have an account. Use the same login.
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2
Navigate to the A2 practical self-declaration section
The exact menu path differs by country. Look for "A2 exam registration", "practical training declaration", or similar. On AlphaTango, it appears in the pilot competency section before the A2 exam booking step.
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3
Confirm each self-training area
The platform presents a checklist of competency areas from the EASA syllabus. You check each box to confirm you have completed that training. This is your legal declaration — only declare what you have genuinely practised.
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4
Book and take the A2 theory exam
Once the self-declaration is submitted, you unlock the A2 theory exam booking. The 30-question exam (75% pass mark) is taken on the same NAA platform in most countries.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a C2 drone to complete the self-training?
Yes. The self-training is about developing the piloting skills and habits required for safe A2 operations with a class C2 UAS within its limitations. You will also need an actual C2 drone when you fly under A2 subcategory rules after passing the exam.
Is there a minimum number of flight hours required?
EASA sets no minimum flight hours for the A2 self-training. The requirement is competency, not time. An experienced pilot may need only a few sessions to cover all the training areas; a beginner may need significantly more. Train until you are genuinely confident across all six areas — the self-declaration is a legal statement, not a formality.
Can I train anywhere, or are there location restrictions?
You must fly within the rules applicable to the A3 open category. If have to hold an A1/A3 certificate before training, you must respect the A3 operating rules for your A2 self-training. You cannot use the self-training period to fly as if you already have A2 — the A2 rules only apply once you have passed and received your certificate. Choose open areas with good visibility and low air traffic for your training sessions.
What happens if I self-declare without actually training?
The self-declaration is a legal statement made to your national aviation authority. Making a false declaration is a regulatory infringement that could result in the suspension or revocation of your certificate. Beyond the legal risk: the training exists because flying near people with a C2 drone at reduced distances creates genuine risk — skip it, and you are the hazard. Take it seriously.
How long does the self-training typically take?
For pilots who already have some flight experience, a few focused sessions spread over a week or two is typically enough to cover all six areas thoroughly. Complete beginners should allow four to six weeks of regular practice. There is no rush — you want to be genuinely confident before declaring, since the whole point of the A2 is that you are qualified to fly closer to people.