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Certification Requirements for Class C3 Drones
The European Union’s regulatory framework for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), especially the Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945 and Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947, lays out precise technical and operational requirements for each drone class. Class C3 drones occupy a significant place in the market, supporting more demanding operations and professional applications—always within a strict regime of safety, identification, and compliance.
Below, you’ll find the most important requirements and standards for manufacturers, operators, and anyone interested in understanding what it takes to comply with the C3 classification.
Below, you’ll find the most important requirements and standards for manufacturers, operators, and anyone interested in understanding what it takes to comply with the C3 classification.
What is a Class C3 Drone?
Class C3 drones are designed for use within the Open Category, Subcategory A3—which means they must always be flown far from uninvolved people and away from residential, commercial, industrial, or recreational areas. These drones can be larger and heavier than lower-class drones, which means they are subject to stricter technical and operational standards.
1. General and Operational Characteristics
- Maximum Take-Off Mass (MTOM): A Class C3 drone can weigh up to 25 kg (including batteries and payload).
- Maximum Characteristic Dimension: The drone’s largest dimension (e.g., diagonal length for multicopters) must not exceed 3 meters.
- Maximum Height: The drone must not fly higher than 120 meters above the take-off point. It must be equipped with a system that limits and allows configuration of this altitude.
- Controllability and Stability: The drone must be safely controllable at all times, even in case of certain system failures or challenging weather, within its defined operating limits.
- Tethered Use: If the drone can operate with a tether, specific requirements apply regarding the tether’s length, strength, and safe disconnection procedures.
2. Identification and Registration Requirements
- Class Identification Label: The drone must carry a visible, legible, and permanent label indicating its C3 classification.
- Direct Remote Identification: The drone must be equipped with a direct remote identification system that continuously broadcasts key information (such as serial number and location) in real time throughout the flight.
- Unique Serial Number: Each drone must carry a unique serial number in accordance with the ANSI/CTA-2063-A-2019 standard, ensuring full traceability.
3. Additional Safety and Compliance Requirements
- Data Link Recovery: In the event of loss of command and control (C2) link, the drone must have reliable procedures to either recover the link or safely terminate the flight.
- Data Link Protection: Data transmission must be protected against unauthorized access, maintaining privacy and data integrity.
- Airspace Limitation Functions: If the drone includes functions to restrict access to certain airspace zones, these must operate without compromising flight safety and must notify the remote pilot when restrictions apply.
- Geo-awareness: The drone must have a geo-awareness system that warns the pilot of possible airspace violations, enabling immediate corrective action.
- Low Battery Warning: The system must provide a clear warning to the remote pilot when the battery reaches a critical level, allowing sufficient time for a safe landing.
4. Sound Power Levels
- Sound Power Indication: The guaranteed sound power level must be clearly indicated on the drone itself or its packaging.
5. Manuals and User Information
- Manufacturer Instructions: The drone must include comprehensive manuals with all technical characteristics, operational modes, limitations, and mandatory safety warnings.
- EASA Information Notice: An official information notice from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) must be provided, outlining the legal obligations and limitations for operating the drone within the EU.
Class C3 drones unlock the potential for more ambitious and professional operations within the European regulatory framework—but only if strict safety, identification, and compliance standards are met. Whether you’re a manufacturer or an advanced operator, understanding and meeting these requirements is key for safe and responsible integration into European airspace.
Thinking about certifying your Class C3 drone or have technical documentation questions? Reach out to a notified body like EU Drone Port to ensure your drone is fully compliant from day one.
Thinking about certifying your Class C3 drone or have technical documentation questions? Reach out to a notified body like EU Drone Port to ensure your drone is fully compliant from day one.