Frequently asked questions
Quick answers to your questions, quite pleasant
Frequently asked questions
Below are the most frequently asked questions, divided into several categories. If your question is not listed, please contact us.
General
The drone licence is valid for 5 years, after which you have to take another exam.
In the Netherlands, the A1/A3 and A2 drone pilot licences require a minimum age of 16.
If you are under 16 years old, you can also get the A1/A3 and A2 drone flying licence, however, you will only be allowed to fly under the supervision of someone who is 16 or older and has their A1/A3 and A2 drone flying licence.
Other age limits may apply in other countries.
As the owner of the drone(s), you are required to register online as an operator at the RDW. You do this by applying for an operator number. This can be done as an individual or as an organisation. You can find the costs on the RDW website.
The operator number you receive from the RDW must be visibly affixed to all your drones, for example through a sticker, branded plate or digitally programmed into your drone.
Are you flying a drone that weighs less than 250 grams and has no camera? Then registration is not required
From 1 January 2024, all drones sold ready-made that you want to fly in the OPEN category with must have a new CE label.
Depending on the weight of your drone, it will be given a C0, C1, C2, C3 or C4 label:
- Drones labelled C0 or C1 are in category A1;
- Drones labelled C2, fall into subcategory A2 or A3;
- Drones labelled C3 and C4 fall into subcategory A3.
For SPECIFIC, the C5 and C6 labels apply for the time being. Previously sold drones can sometimes get a new CE label through an update.
Do you have a drone without a CE label? This is subject to a transition period until 1 January 2024:
- With a drone up to 250 grams, you are allowed to fly in OPEN A1.
- Drones between 250 and 500 grams are allowed to fly in A1 with a knowledge test.
- With a drone up to 2 kilograms, you are allowed to fly in OPEN A2. An additional condition is that you keep at least 50 metres away from people.
- Drones heavier than 2 kilograms (but not exceeding 25 kilograms) fall into A3.
- Are you flying a homebuilt drone? Then you have two options:
- Does your drone weigh less than 250 grams? Then you will end up in OPEN A1. The condition is that the drone cannot reach speeds of more than 70 km/hour.
- Does your homebuilt drone not fall under point 1 and weigh less than 25 kilograms? Then you fall into OPEN A3. From 1 January 2023, you may fly your current drone without a CE label only in subcategory A3, except if your drone is home-built and weighs less than 250 grams: for that, A1 remains applicable.
No, each country may have different rules. For example, in the Netherlands we also have to deal with the Regeling Onbemande Luchtvaartuigen (ROL).
For certain government operations (that includes security forces operations), the ROABL regulation (= Remote Controlled Aircraft Regulation) may apply.
Contact us for more information.
FPV drones are built for speed and manoeuvrability. They have lightweight frames and powerful motors to make the fastest turns and stunts. The cameras give you an uninterrupted view from the sky. The FPV goggles allow you to move your head to change your view, just as you would if you were actually flying.
Want more information about FPV Drones? Then click here.
For FPV drones, you also need a drone licence, but note you need to work with an observer who will monitor the airspace and territory for you.
The general EASA rule says this is allowed, but this may vary from country to country.
For example, flying in the dark is not allowed in the Netherlands.
More information on this topic can be found here.
Yes, OmniDrones is a recognised examination institute, accredited by ILENT.
As OmniDrones is a CRKBO respected institution, we are allowed to offer our product VAT-free.
Our courses
BASIC course (a1/a3)
After you place your order, you will have immediate access to our learning environment. There you will find learning materials, practice exams and the exam.
After you have taken the lessons and completed some practice exams, it is time for the real exam.
This consists of 40 multiple-choice questions, to pass the exam you need to score 75% or higher.
Once you have passed the exam, you will receive an email from us containing a link from the RDW to apply for your drone licence.
At OmniDrones Academy, the online training for the A1/A3 EU drone licence including exam costs €50 free of VAT. This includes unlimited practice and re-examinations. We are the cheapest drone trainer in the Netherlands with this drone training course.
The course can be passed within a day
The exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions, to pass the exam you need to score 75% or higher.
Yes, you can take the exam at any time, it will be ready for you immediately after your order!
In A1/A3, you are allowed to fly a drone up to 25 kilograms.
Subcategory A1
This subcategory includes drones with CE mark C0 (up to 250 grams) or C1 (up to 900 grams). Pending these CE markings, current drones up to 500 grams are allowed to fly in this category until 1 January 2024.
Subcategory A3
Subcategory A3 has the same risk qualification as subcategory A1 (a low risk profile). In this category, you may fly drones with CE mark C2 (up to 4 kilograms), C3/C4 (up to 25 kilograms). Current drones without CE mark from 2 kilograms to 25 kilograms also fall into this subcategory.
Click here To apply for A1/A3 drone training.
You can start the exam once you have completed all lesson modules. Once you have completed all modules and manually set it to completed, you can go through lessons again. If you want to restart in the meantime, we advise you to email us so that we can reset your progress.
BASIC plus course (a2)
After you place your order, you will have immediate access to our learning environment. There you will find learning materials, practice exams and the exam.
After you have taken the lessons and completed some practice exams, it is time for the real exam.
This consists of 30 multiple-choice questions, to pass the exam you need to score 75% or higher.
Once you pass the exam, we will check it. This is done within 2 days. Once we have approved the exam, you will receive an e-mail with a link to the certificate.
At OmniDrones Academy, the online training for the A2 EU drone licence including exam now costs €100 free of VAT. This includes unlimited practice exams and 1 free re-exam. We are the cheapest drone trainer in the Netherlands with this drone training course.
The course can be passed within a day
The exam consists of 30 multiple-choice questions, to pass the exam you need to score 75% or higher.
Yes, you can take the exam at any time
On the Basic course, you will eventually get your A1/A3 certificate and on the Basic Plus course, your A2 certificate.
Subcategory A1
This subcategory includes drones with CE mark C0 (up to 250 grams) or C1 (up to 900 grams). Pending these CE markings, current drones up to 500 grams are allowed to fly in this category until 1 January 2024.
Subcategory A3
Subcategory A3 has the same risk qualification as subcategory A1 (a low risk profile). In this category, you may fly drones with CE mark C2 (up to 4 kilograms), C3/C4 (up to 25 kilograms). Current drones without CE mark from 2 kilograms to 25 kilograms also fall into this subcategory.
Subcategory A2
Drone flights in OPEN category A2 are classified with the highest risk profile within the OPEN category. Drones with a CE mark C2 (up to 4 kilograms) fall into subcategory A2. This subcategory also includes current drones without CE mark from 500 grams to 2 kilograms.
No, you need to get your A1/A3 drone licence first before you can start the A2 course
If you obtained your A1/A3 certificate from another Dutch training provider, you can start directly on the Basis Plus course (A2)
Yes, you can start the Basic Plus (A2) course immediately. However, before we issue your drone certificate, we still ask you to mail us your A1/A3 certificate.
Click on my account and then keys to view your results.
You can start the exam once you have completed all lesson modules. Once you have completed all modules and manually set it to completed, you can go through lessons again. If you want to restart in the meantime, we advise you to email us so that we can reset your progress.
ALL IN course (a1/a3 + A2)
The course is largely available online. It includes an online exam for A1/A3 with 40 multiple choice questions and the online exam of 30 multiple choice questions for A2 under online supervision.
In addition, you will have to declare that you have gained some practical knowledge with your drone. This is in the form of a practical self test, which you can do yourself. After you have taken the test, you will sign this declaration; you do not need to send it to us.
Keep these well, should you get audited you may be asked for them!
With this training in your pocket, you will be allowed to fly in both A1/A3 and A2 categories. This means you are allowed to fly a drone up to 25 kilograms.
Keep in mind that the drone must be registered in many cases. The drone may fly at a maximum height of 120 metres and must also remain within direct sight of the pilot. With a drone up to 4 kg in the A2, you are allowed to get up to 5 metres horizontal distance near people with a low-speed function. Without a low-speed function, it is 30 metres horizontal distance. However, there is a general ban on flying above (groups of) uninvolved persons. In A1/A3, the drone must stay 150m away from buildings, industry and recreational areas.
Click here To sign up for the All In course (A1/A3 + A2).
At OmniDrones Academy, the online training for the A1/A3 and A2 EU drone licence including exam costs €150 free of VAT. This includes unlimited practice exams and includes 1 free re-exam (A2)
No, you can take the exams at any time (after you have completed all lesson modules), it will be ready for you right after you order!
You can start the exam once you have completed all lesson modules. Once you have completed all modules and manually set it to completed, you can go through lessons again. If you want to restart in the meantime, we advise you to email us so that we can reset your progress.
All-in Plus (a1/a3 + A2 + practice)
After successful completion of both exams, it's time to get into practice! We go through flight preparation, checking your drone for settings and making sure they are adjusted correctly. In addition, you will be taught certain flying skills so that you can confidently take off with your drone next time. Prefer to practice 'on dry land' first? This is also possible on our drone flight simulator, which is also very suitable for practice in bad weather.
The group will consist of 8-10 people
SPECIFIC TRAINING
The OmniDrones Academy SPECIFIC course is a Dutch- and English-language course and is a continuation of the OPEN A1/A3 and A2 course. The training can be followed partly online.
The online course will be followed by two-and-a-half days of classroom teaching. This will be completed with a written exam. Is this completed? Then we will enter practical training, which will also be examined.
Please note that to be admitted to the SPECIFIC course, you must have completed OPEN A1/A3 and A2. You can manage this with our ALL IN course in one go.
Contact us if you are interested in the SPECIFIC training.
The SPECIFIC category includes higher-risk flights. If the operation does not fit into the OPEN category, it automatically falls under the SPECIFIC. For example, flying a heavier drone over urban areas. To fly in this category, you need a flight permit from the Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT). This can also be a flight certificate if it involves a Standard Scenario published by EASA.
Contact us on if you are interested in the SPECIFIC course.
Flight training
That's right. You can also choose to bring someone along for free, then you have lessons for two.
After you have booked a Basic flight course with us, we will give you a discount code that you can enter when booking the All-In course.
RDW and Environmental and Transport Inspectorate
A pilot's licence is mandatory if you fly a drone weighing 250 grams or more.
Owners of drones with a camera or drones weighing 250 grams or more must have an operator number.
If the manufacturer has classified your drone as a toy drone, these rules do not apply to you.
The flying licence is valid for 5 years from the date you pass the online theory exam.
You need an operator number if you own 1 or more drones with a camera or weighing 250 grams or more. By applying for an operator number with the RDW, you are registered with them as the owner (operator). You only need 1 operator number even if you have several drones.
Question here your operator number to.
The operator number is valid for 1 year. Six weeks before it expires, you will receive a reminder e-mail. You can renew the operator number from then on. The expiry date will then remain the same extended by 1 year.
For flying in the open category, you do not need a flight licence. If you fly in the specific category, you do need a flight permit.
More information on the categories or flight permits can be found at here.
You may obtain a pilot's licence for the OPEN A1/A3 category outside the Netherlands and then fly here in the Netherlands. Note that a foreign course is only valid if you took it in a country affiliated to the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). This is because a certificate obtained in an EASA member country is valid in all EASA member countries. The Netherlands is also a member of EASA.
You therefore do not need to have your EASA drone flying licence converted to a Dutch drone flying licence. This also applies if you want to take your additional theory exam for the OPEN A2 category with a Dutch identity. Now that you have successfully completed the training and the exam, you can apply to RDW for a new pilot licence. You must then enclose the (valid) A1/A3 licence with your application.
For more information, check out this site: ilent.co.uk
Proctor
ProctorExam is a programme that allows exams to be taken at home via computer.
Students can identify themselves at home at the computer via webcam. To avoid cheating, share your computer screen while taking the test.
No, only for the A2 exam.
Watch this link and follow the steps.
Watch this link and follow the steps.
Watch this link and follow the steps.
Watch this link and follow the steps.
Watch this link and follow the steps.
Watch this link and follow the steps.
Get your EU drone flying licence today!
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