Frequently asked questions about the drone flying licence

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 an owner of one or more drones, 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.

You need to programme the operator number you receive from the RDW 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 C 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 the standard scenario (STS) within the SPECIFIC category, the C5 and C6 labels apply for the time being. Previously sold drones can sometimes be given a C label through an update. 

If your drone does not have a C label then you may only use it in Open category A3. Unless it weighs less than 250 grams then it may also be used in A1 category.

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. 

View this website. Here you will find a list of drone rules by country. 

Not resident in EU or EASA country

You then apply for an operator number in the first country where you will fly in Europe. If that is the Netherlands then you can apply for an operator number at the RDW. 

Click here for more information.

To apply for a Remote ID, you first need an operator number. 

Drones labelled C1, C2 or C3 new to the market from 1 January 2024 will have Remote ID.

Also, many existing drones already have Remote ID built in. Note that this feature is not always activated. Check the supplier or manufacturer's website to see if your drone has Remote ID.

If your current drone does not have a Remote ID and it is required, there are 2 options:

  1. From the manufacturer of your drone, you will receive a message with a software update that activates the Remote ID function on your drone.
  2. You can use a special module (add-on) buy. That is a Remote ID transmitter that you can attach to your drone.

 

Click here for more information.

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 C labels C0 (up to 250 grams) or C1 (up to 900 grams). 

Subcategory A3

Category A3 has the same risk qualification as category A1 (a low risk profile). In this category, you may fly drones with C labels C2 (up to 4 kilograms), C3/C4 (up to 25 kilograms). Current drones without C labels up to 25 kilograms also fall into this category. 

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. 

Category A1 

This category includes drones with C labels C0 (up to 250 grams) or C1 (up to 900 grams). 

Category A3

Category A3 has the same risk rating as category A1 (a low risk profile). In this category, you may fly drones with C-label C2 (up to 4 kilograms), C3/C4 (up to 25 kilograms). Current drones without a C label up to 25 kilograms also fall into this category. 

Category A2

Drone flights in the OPEN category A2 are classified with the highest risk profile within the OPEN category. Drones with a C label C2 (up to 4 kilograms) are in the A2 category. 

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 can fly at a maximum height of 120 metres and must also stay within direct sight of the pilot. Furthermore, the distance from people varies:  

  • A1: near or above persons 
  • A2: near persons  
  • A3: far from people 

But never over crowds of people.

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 when you have completed all the learning modules, this can be done 24/7.

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.

For more information see this link. 

Flight training

That's right. You can also choose to bring someone along for free, then you have lessons for two. 

After you book a Basic flight training course with us, we will give you a discount code that you can enter at checkout of 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

If you are a non-Dutch resident, the drone licence will be mailed to you from the RDW. You pay the cost of 10,- euros while ordering the course. We then remit this 10,- euros back to the RDW. 

In a nutshell, after passing your exam, you will receive an email from the RDW with your drone certificate.

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. 

Check out this link and follow the steps.

Check out this link and follow the steps.

Check out this link and follow the steps.

Get your EU drone flying licence today!

  • Drone pass

    12.40
  • BASIC EU DRONE CERTIFICATE

    50.00
  • Sale!

    BASIC PLUS EU DRONE LICENCE

    100.00

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