Drone Classes C0–C6 and Subcategories A1, A2, A3 Explained for Buyers

The Class Describes the Hardware, the Subcategory Describes the Flight

EU rules divide drone flights into three categories. The open category covers low-risk flights without ULC permission: a drone under 25 kg, flown within visual line of sight (VLOS), up to 120 m from the closest point of the ground, without carrying dangerous goods and without dropping anything. The specific category requires a declaration under a standard scenario, a ULC authorisation or an LUC certificate. The certified category is for high-risk operations such as carrying people.

For buyers of a recreational drone the open category is what matters. It is split into three subcategories, and the drone's class decides which one you may use. The manufacturer assigns the class under EU Regulation 2019/945 and marks it on the airframe. You will find all catalogue models with their class in the drones overview.

Subcategories A1, A2 and A3

A1: flights over individual people. For C0 and C1 drones. A C0 drone may fly over uninvolved people; with a C1 drone such overflights should be kept to a minimum. In both cases flying over assemblies of people is not allowed.

A2: flights close to people. For C2 drones. You must keep a horizontal distance of 30 m from uninvolved people, or 5 m in low-speed mode. The pilot needs an A2 certificate. EASA plans to open A2 to drones of other classes, such as C3 and C5, but according to ULC there are no specifics yet (as of 16 October 2026).

A3: flights far from people. For C0–C4 drones and drones without a class up to 25 kg. You must stay at least 150 m horizontally from residential, commercial, industrial and recreational areas. ULC advises against flying over roads in A3.

Classes C0–C6 at a Glance

The masses for C0–C4 follow the overview in the Gliwice city guide, which is based on information from ULC, PANSA and EASA. According to ULC, a C5 drone can be a C3 drone fitted with an accessory kit that converts it to class C5. A C6 drone does not need a parachute, while a C5 drone does. The requirements for both classes are set out in Parts 16 and 17 of the annex to Regulation 2019/945.

Remote identification is mandatory for classes C1, C2, C3, C5 and C6. It does not apply to C0, C4, tethered drones or drones without a class placed on the market before 1 January 2024.

Example Models from the Catalogue

Masses and classes are as stated by the manufacturers; FIMI does not state an EU class for the MINI 3. In the professional segment, examples are the DJI Matrice 350 RTK in class C3 and the eBee X survey aircraft in classes C2 and C6.

A model does not always have just one class. For the Mini 5 Pro, DJI states that the drone in the Fly More Combo is C0-certified and the drone in the Fly More Combo Plus is C1-certified. A C0 drone fitted with the Plus battery exceeds the C0 mass threshold. The Lito X1 works the same way. When buying, check the class of the specific bundle, not just the model. We cover the details in “Drones Under 250 g in Poland”.

Drones Without a Class Label

A drone without a class placed on the EU market before 1 January 2024 may still fly in the open category. If it weighs under 250 g, A1 rules apply. A heavier one, up to 25 kg, may fly only in A3. Drones built for private use may also fly without a class.

What the Class Means in Practice

• Qualifications. Class C0 needs no exam; reading the manufacturer's manual is enough. From C1 upwards you need the A1/A3 exam, and for C2 flights near people an A2 certificate. We describe the procedure in “Drone Registration and the A1/A3 Exam in Poland (2026)”.
• Registration. It depends not on the class but on mass and camera. A C0 drone with a camera also requires operator registration.
• Insurance. It also depends on take-off mass, not class. It applies from 250 g to 20 kg and therefore covers C1 and C2 drones. More in “Mandatory Drone Liability Insurance in Poland Since 13 November 2025”.
• Where you fly. The class sets the subcategory but does not override geographical zones. In a no-fly zone you cannot fly any drone, whatever its class. We cover the zones in “Where You Cannot Fly a Drone in Poland”.
• Speed. C1 drones are limited to 19 m/s. DJI lists a 19 m/s limit in the EU for the Air 3S and for the manual mode of the Avata 2, which is 68.4 km/h.

The Specific Category After the End of NSTS

Poland's national standard scenarios (NSTS) expired on 1 January 2026. Since then, specific category flights rely on the EU scenarios STS-01 (VLOS, C5 drone) and STS-02 (BVLOS, C6 drone) or on a ULC authorisation. STS competence requires the A1/A3 exam, a theory exam at a designated entity and practical training. STS validity runs from the date of the theory exam, while the practical training does not expire.

This guide summarises the rules but is not legal advice.