A2 CofC - Drone Certificate of Competency Open Category A2 Operations Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: You are operating a 1.5 kg C2-marked drone under A2 rules, maintaining a 30-metre separation from uninvolved people. A small group of people unexpectedly walks into this 30-metre buffer zone. What is your most appropriate immediate action according to CAA guidance?
- Continue the flight as they are transient and will likely move out of the area.
- Immediately move the drone away to re-establish the required separation distance. (Correct answer)
- Land the drone immediately, regardless of the landing site's suitability.
- Fly the drone directly overhead to quickly pass them and continue the mission.
Correct answer: Immediately move the drone away to re-establish the required separation distance.
Under A2 rules, the remote pilot must maintain the required separation from uninvolved people at all times. If this separation is breached, the pilot's immediate responsibility is to take a safe and controlled action to restore it. Moving the drone away is the most direct and appropriate first action. Continuing the flight violates the rule, and landing without assessing the site could introduce new hazards. Flying overhead is a direct contravention of the 'no intentional overflight' principle.
Question 2: A remote pilot checks the TAF for their planned flight location, which reads: `TAF EGLL 200500Z 2006/2106 24015G25KT`. What specific flight performance consideration should be prioritized based on the 'G25KT' section of this forecast?
- The visibility will be reduced to 25 kilometres.
- The cloud base will be at 2,500 feet.
- The wind will be gusting up to 25 knots, potentially exceeding the drone's operational limits. (Correct answer)
- The temperature will be 25 degrees Celsius, affecting battery performance.
Correct answer: The wind will be gusting up to 25 knots, potentially exceeding the drone's operational limits.
In a TAF (Terminal Aerodrome Forecast), the wind group `24015G25KT` means the wind will be from 240 degrees at a mean speed of 15 knots, with gusts (`G`) up to 25 knots. These strong gusts are a major hazard for UAS operations, affecting stability and control, and must be compared against the manufacturer's stated operational limits.
Question 3: To be awarded an A2 Certificate of Competency, a candidate must pass the theoretical exam and complete a period of practical flight training. Which of the following accurately describes the requirements for this practical training as specified by the CAA?
- It is a self-declared statement by the remote pilot confirming they have practiced and are competent to fly in A2 conditions. (Correct answer)
- It must consist of at least 2 hours of logged flight time in the specific operational conditions of the A2 category.
- It must be conducted at a Recognised Assessment Entity (RAE) under the supervision of an examiner.
- It requires the remote pilot to submit video evidence of specific manoeuvres to the CAA for review.
Correct answer: It is a self-declared statement by the remote pilot confirming they have practiced and are competent to fly in A2 conditions.
The practical flight training for the A2 CofC is a self-monitored process. The candidate must complete a period of practice to familiarise themselves with the drone's handling and A2 operating conditions. They then make a formal declaration to their Recognised Assessment Entity (RAE) that they have achieved a suitable level of competency. There is no formal flight test, minimum logged hours requirement, or direct supervision by an examiner required for the A2 CofC itself.
Question 4: A pilot with an A2 CofC plans to use a 1.2 kg C2-class drone to photograph a property. The property is located in a suburban housing estate with multiple residential homes, gardens, and a small park. According to UK CAA regulations (CAP 722), how would this operational environment most likely be classified?
- A controlled traffic region (CTR).
- An uninvolved area, safe for all operations.
- A restricted flying zone.
- A congested area. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: A congested area.
The UK CAA's CAP 722 defines a 'congested area' as 'in relation to a city, town or settlement, any area which is substantially used for residential, commercial, industrial or recreational purposes'. A suburban housing estate clearly fits this definition. While the location might also be within a CTR or have a restricted zone nearby, its fundamental characteristic based on land use is 'congested'.
Question 5: Under the Air Navigation Order (ANO), who holds the ultimate legal responsibility for ensuring that a UAS is airworthy and fit for the intended flight before it is operated in the A2 Open Category?
- The remote pilot in command. (Correct answer)
- The manufacturer of the UAS.
- The owner of the UAS.
- The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Correct answer: The remote pilot in command.
The Air Navigation Order (ANO) states that the remote pilot of a small unmanned aircraft may only fly it if they are reasonably satisfied that the flight can be safely made. This places the ultimate responsibility for the safety of each specific flight on the remote pilot in command, which includes conducting pre-flight checks to ensure the UAS is airworthy. While manufacturers, owners, and the CAA have broader responsibilities, the remote pilot has the final say and legal accountability for the flight itself.
Question 6: A remote pilot is planning an A2 operation in an urban park on a weekday. Which of the following is the most effective *operational* mitigation they could implement to reduce the ground risk to uninvolved people?
- Using a drone with a C2 class marking.
- Attaching high-visibility strobing lights to the drone.
- Conducting the flight in the early morning when the park is least likely to be busy. (Correct answer)
- Flying at the maximum permitted altitude of 120 metres.
Correct answer: Conducting the flight in the early morning when the park is least likely to be busy.
An operational mitigation involves changing the plan of the operation (how, when, or where you fly) to reduce risk. By choosing to fly at a time when the number of uninvolved people is foreseeably at its lowest (e.g., early morning), the pilot actively reduces the probability of a conflict or incident. Using a C2 drone is a technical requirement, not an operational choice in this context. Lights are a technical mitigation for air risk, and flying higher could increase the area affected if something goes wrong.
A2 CofC - Drone Certificate of Competency Open Category A2 Operations Questions and Answers
You are operating a 1.5 kg C2-marked drone under A2 rules, maintaining a 30-metre separation from uninvolved people.
A small group of people unexpectedly walks into this 30-metre buffer zone.
What is your most appropriate immediate action according to CAA guidance?