BLOG POSTS
Drone licence in Romania: how to get your A1/A3 certificate step by step
In short
- To fly a drone with a camera in Romania you need the A1/A3 certificate, valid in all 31 EASA countries.
- The exam is run by the Romanian Civil Aeronautical Authority (AACR).
- You can also sit it with another EASA authority, for example in Spain, where it is free and online.
- Photo and video in restricted areas need prior approval from the Ministry of National Defence.
- Check the ROMATSA restricted-zone map before every flight.
To fly a drone in Romania you almost always need the A1/A3 certificate, issued by the Romanian Civil Aeronautical Authority (AACR). This guide covers the steps, the A2 certificate, registration, insurance and where you can fly, plus the option of sitting the exam in another EASA country.
The certificate is European: once you have it, it is valid in all 31 EASA countries, Romania included.
Who needs a drone licence in Romania
You need the A1/A3 certificate to fly any drone with a camera, even one under 250 grams. Only toy drones without a camera are exempt.
The A1/A3 certificate lets you fly in the Open category:
- A1: with light drones (under 250 g, or class C0 and C1), near uninvolved people but never over crowds.
- A3: with drones up to 25 kg, at least 150 metres from residential, commercial, industrial or recreational areas.
If you want to fly a class C2 drone closer to people, you will also need the A2 certificate after your A1/A3.
The AACR A1/A3 exam step by step
The AACR runs the A1/A3 exam through its online drone portal.
- Create an account on the AACR drone portal.
- Sit the online exam.
- Receive your certificate. Like every A1/A3 certificate, it is valid for 5 years.
Check the current requirements on the AACR website before you start.
The alternative: sit the exam in another EASA country
You do not have to take the A1/A3 exam in Romania. Any aviation authority in the 31 EASA countries can issue it, and it is valid in all of them, Romania included.
In Spain, for example, the A1/A3 exam run by AESA is free, online and open to any nationality. Your browser’s translator is enough to get through it.
Our course includes links to the official exam in every EASA country, with instructions on how to register.
The A2 certificate in Romania
The A2 builds on your A1/A3 and adds practical self-training and a second theory exam.
| A1/A3 certificate | Required before the A2 |
|---|---|
| Practical training | Self-training in A3 conditions |
| Exam | Additional theory exam with the AACR |
| Validity | 5 years |
Registration, aerial photography and restricted zones
As well as your certificate, Romania has specific rules on aerial images and restricted zones.
- Operator registration: with the AACR on its drone portal. Display your operator number on the drone. If you live in another EU country, register there instead.
- Aerial photo and video: in the Open category outside restricted areas, you do not need approval from the Ministry of National Defence. Inside restricted areas, apply at least 7 working days before the flight. Over Bucharest you need a separate overflight authorisation, at least 5 working days ahead. Source: Ministry of National Defence, aerial photo and video.
- Restricted zones: check the ROMATSA drone map before every flight.
Your certificate and your registration are two different things: the certificate is about you as a pilot, the registration is about you as the drone’s operator.
How to prepare for the exam
The quickest route is an online course that takes you straight to the official exam.
The EU Drone Port A1/A3 course is built for exactly that:
- Video lessons online, whenever you like.
- 5 mock exams and a final exam.
- Links to the official exam in every EASA country.
- Lifetime access, handy for renewal after 5 years.
EU Drone Port is an Official Designated Training Entity. The course prepares you for the exam: the certificate is issued by the authority where you sit it.
Want to test yourself first? Download our free 25 practice questions for A1/A3 and A2.
For the A2, there is the A2 course, with mock exams and a guide to practical self-training.
Online course
Prepare for your A1/A3 exam
Video lessons online at your own pace, 5 mock exams and links to the official exam in every EASA country. A course by an Official Designated Training Entity.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need permission to film with a drone in Romania?
Not in the Open category outside restricted areas. Inside restricted areas you need prior approval from the Ministry of National Defence.
Can I fly a drone over Bucharest?
Only with a separate overflight authorisation, requested at least 5 working days before take-off.
Is a drone certificate from another country valid in Romania?
Yes. A certificate issued by any EASA authority is valid in all 31 EASA countries, Romania included.
Do I need a licence for a drone under 250 grams?
Yes, if it has a camera. Only toy drones without a camera are exempt.
How long is the drone certificate valid?
The A1/A3 and A2 certificates are valid for 5 years.
Where can I check restricted zones in Romania?
On the ROMATSA drone map.
How long does it take to prepare?
With a structured online course, a few hours is enough: our A1/A3 course takes about three and a half hours, mock exams included.