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Drone Certification - UAS Class Label
After several years and various drone regulations, the Class Identification Label is here. The main obstacles regarding drone operations growth has been the lack of trust of the aircraft. Without a certification system in place, there is no way of ensuring that the aircraft complies with regulation and its specifications.
By January 1st of 2024, all UAS will have to be certified with a Class Identification Label in place. According to their Class Identification Label, they will be able to fly in one scenario, guaranteeing at any time the compliance with the Delegated Regulation
Below are listed the main characteristics of the UAS according to each Class.
UAS Class Label in Open Category
It is the category with fewer UAS requirements, but at the same time with more operative limitations. Depending on the operative scenario, we will need different UAS classes.
UAS Class Label C0
In order to fly in Open Category, A1 subcategory, we can use C0 drones.
Low MTOM means low-impact energy. Thus, reduced risk and less UAS technical and operative requirements. These are the main characteristics:
🥌 Maximum Take-off Mass (MTOM)
It shall have an MTOM of less than 250 g, including payload.
💨 Maximum Speed
The maximum speed in level flight shall be limited to 19 m/s.
⬆️ Maximum attainable height
The maximum attainable height above the take-off point, shall be limited to 120 m
🎮 Safely Controllable
The UAS shall be safely controllable regarding stability, manoeuvrability and data link performance, by a remote pilot following the manufacturer’s instructions. The easier, the better.
🤕 Minimise injury to people
The UAS shall be designed and constructed in order to prevent injury to people during operation. Sharp edges in the structure and the propellers will be not recommended.
⚡️ Power
The UAS shall be powered by electricity and have a nominal voltage under 24 V
⏩ Follow-me mode
Optional. If equipped with this mode, the UA shall be in range of 50 m from the pilot. The pilot must be able to regain manual control of the UA.
📄 User's manual
The UAS shall count with a detailed user’s manual that reflects MTOM, class, and general characteristics. Additionally, the operative behaviour and limitations must be described.
ℹ️ Information Notice
The UA shall include an information notice published by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) about limitation and obligations within the Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947.
UAS Class Label C1
To fly in Open Category, A1 subcategory, C1 drones can also be used. These are the requirements in order to fall under C1 Class:
🥌 Maximum Take-off Mass (MTOM)
It shall have an MTOM of less than 900 g, including payload.
☄️ Impact Energy
The UAS shall have kinetic energy, at terminal velocity, less than 80 J (without any parachute system).
💨 Maximum Speed
The maximum speed in level flight shall be limited to 19 m/s.
⬆️ Maximum attainable height
The maximum attainable height above the take-off point, shall be limited to 120 m
🎮 Safely Controllable
The UAS shall be safely controllable regarding stability, manoeuvrability and data link performance, by a remote pilot following the manufacturer’s instructions.
🦾 Mechanical strength
The UA shall resist the resulting forces and stress from the flight.
🤕 Minimise injury to people
The UAS shall be designed and constructed in order to prevent injury to people during operation. Sharp edges in the structure and the propellers will be not recommended.
📵 Loss of data link (C2)
The UA, in case of a loss of a data link, shall a) recover the data link, or or b) terminate flight in order to reduce risk to air and ground third parties.
🔉 Sound Power
The UA shall not exceed sound levels detailed in Part 13.
⚡️ Power
The UAS shall be powered by electricity and have a nominal voltage under 24 V
🪪 Unique Physical Serial Number
The UA shall display a unique physical serial number compliant with CTA-2063.
📡 Direct Remote Identification
The UA shall allow the pilot to upload the operator registration number and broadcast telemetry information.
🗾 Geo-awareness
The UA shall be able to upload airspace information by the operator. Additionally, the system shall be able to warn the pilot when a breach in an unauthorised airspace takes place.
🪂 Airspace limitation function
The UA shall not be able to enter determined airspace. This limit shall be imposed smoothly, without adversely affecting the flight operation. Additionally, the UA shall notify the pilot trough warnings.
🪫 Low-Level Battery Alert
The UA shall notify the pilot when reached a certain battery level. Such level shall be defined so that the pilot has enough time to land in a safe manner.
💡 Lights
The UA shall be equipped with a light system that ensures the control of the aircraft from the ground during the night. The control lights shall comply with aviation standards. The visibility lights shall be intermittent and green.
⏩ Follow-me mode
Optional. If equipped with this mode, the UA shall be in range of 50 m from the pilot. The pilot must be able to regain manual control of the UA.
📄 User's manual
The UAS shall count with a detailed user’s manual that reflects MTOM, class, and general characteristics. Additionally, the operative behaviour and limitations must be described.
ℹ️ Information Notice
The UA shall include an information notice published by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) about limitation and obligations within the Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947.
UAS Class Label C2
To fly in Open Category, A2 subcategory, C2 drones must also be used.
🥌 Maximum Take-off Mass (MTOM)
It shall have an MTOM of less than 4 Kg, including payload.
⬆️ Maximum attainable height
The maximum attainable height above the take-off point, shall be limited to 120 m
🎮 Safely Controllable
The UAS shall be safely controllable regarding stability, manoeuvrability and data link performance, by a remote pilot following the manufacturer’s instructions. The easier, the better.
🦾 Mechanical strength
The UA shall resist the resulting forces and stress from the flight.
⚓️ Tethered UA
In case of a tethered UA, the manufacturer shall guarantee that the tensile strength, with a security factor, is under certain value.
🤕 Minimise injury to people
The UAS shall be designed and constructed in order to prevent injury to people during operation. Sharp edges in the structure and the propellers will be not recommended.
📵 Loss of data link (C2)
The UA, in case of a loss of a data link, shall a) recover the data link, or or b) terminate flight in order to reduce risk to air and ground third parties.
🐢 Low-speed Mode
This requirement affects all UA configurations except the fixed-wing. The UA shall have a selectable low-speed mode of 3 m/s.
🔉 Sound Power
The UA shall not exceed sound levels detailed in Part 13.
⚡️ Power
The UAS shall be powered by electricity and have a nominal voltage under 24 V
🪪 Unique Physical Serial Number
The UA shall display a unique physical serial number compliant with CTA-2063.
📡 Direct Remote Identification
The UA shall allow the pilot to upload the operator registration number and broadcast telemetry information.
🗾 Geo-awareness
The UA shall be able to upload airspace information by the operator. Additionally, the system shall be able to warn the pilot when a breach in an unauthorised airspace takes place.
🪂 Airspace limitation function
The UA shall not be able to enter determined airspace. This limit shall be imposed smoothly, without adversely affecting the flight operation. Additionally, the UA shall notify the pilot trough warnings.
🪫 Low-Level Battery Alert
The UA shall notify the pilot when reached a certain battery level. Such level shall be defined so that the pilot has enough time to land in a safe manner.
💡 Lights
The UA shall be equipped with a light system that ensures the control of the aircraft from the ground during the night. The control lights shall comply with aviation standards. The visibility lights shall be intermittent and green.
📄 User's manual
The UAS shall count with a detailed user’s manual that reflects MTOM, class, and general characteristics. Additionally, the operative behaviour and limitations must be described.
ℹ️ Information Notice
The UA shall include an information notice published by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) about limitation and obligations within the Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947.
UAS Class Label C3
To fly in Open Category, A3 subcategory, C3, C2, C1 and C0 drones can be used.
As the flights will be far from urban and industrial areas, roads or people, the risk will be lowered, and thus, the MTOM can be increased up to 25 Kg.
🥌 Maximum Take-off Mass (MTOM)
It shall have an MTOM of less than 25 Kg, including payload.
📏 Maximum Characteristic Dimensions
The UA shall have a maximum characteristic dimension under 3 m. All UA configurations shall be considered.
⬆️ Maximum attainable height
The maximum attainable height above the take-off point, shall be limited to 120 m
🎮 Safely Controllable
The UAS shall be safely controllable regarding stability, manoeuvrability and data link performance, by a remote pilot following the manufacturer’s instructions. The easier, the better.
⚓️ Tethered UA
In case of a tethered UA, the manufacturer shall guarantee that the tensile strength, with a security factor, is under certain value.
📵 Loss of data link (C2)
The UA, in case of a loss of a data link, shall a) recover the data link, or or b) terminate flight in order to reduce risk to air and ground third parties.
🔉 Sound Power
The UA shall not exceed sound levels detailed in Part 13.
⚡️ Power
The UAS shall be powered by electricity and have a nominal voltage under 24 V
🪪 Unique Physical Serial Number
The UA shall display a unique physical serial number compliant with CTA-2063.
📡 Direct Remote Identification
The UA shall allow the pilot to upload the operator registration number and broadcast telemetry information.
🗾 Geo-awareness
The UA shall be able to upload airspace information by the operator. Additionally, the system shall be able to warn the pilot when a breach in an unauthorised airspace takes place.
🪂 Airspace limitation function
The UA shall not be able to enter determined airspace. This limit shall be imposed smoothly, without adversely affecting the flight operation. Additionally, the UA shall notify the pilot trough warnings.
📶 C2 Link Protection
The C2 link from the pilot to the UA shall be protected to unwanted third parties.
🪫 Low-Level Battery Alert
The UA shall notify the pilot when reached a certain battery level. Such level shall be defined so that the pilot has enough time to land in a safe manner.
💡 Lights
The UA shall be equipped with a light system that ensures the control of the aircraft from the ground during the night. The control lights shall comply with aviation standards. The visibility lights shall be intermittent and green.
📄 User's manual
The UAS shall count with a detailed user’s manual that reflects MTOM, class, and general characteristics. Additionally, the operative behaviour and limitations must be described.
ℹ️ Information Notice
The UA shall include an information notice published by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) about limitation and obligations within the Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947.
UAS Class Label C4
The C4 Class is not intended for the Open Category, A3 subcategory. This class is similar to C3, but it is intended to Aeromodelism.
🥌 Maximum Take-off Mass (MTOM)
It shall have an MTOM of less than 25 Kg, including payload.
🎮 Safely Controllable
The UAS shall be safely controllable regarding stability, manoeuvrability and data link performance, by a remote pilot following the manufacturer’s instructions. The easier, the better.
🚫 No automatic control modes
The UA shall not be capable of autonomous flights. The only allowed aid is the flight stability assistance.
📄 User's manual
The UAS shall count with a detailed user’s manual that reflects MTOM, class, and general characteristics. Additionally, the operative behaviour and limitations must be described.
ℹ️ Information Notice
The UA shall include an information notice published by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) about limitation and obligations within the Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947.
Class Label in Specific Category
Class Identification Label is also compulsory in the Specific Category. So far, it is only used in the published scenarios by EASA: STS-01 & STS-02. Thus, to fly in these two standard scenarios, these two Class Identification Labels will be required:
UAS Class Label C5
To fly in Specific Category, STS-01, C5 UAS shall be used. C5 drones, can consist of a C3 one, with a certified accessory kit.
🥌 Maximum Take-off Mass (MTOM)
It shall have an MTOM of less than 25 Kg, including payload.
📏 Maximum Characteristic Dimensions
The UA shall have a maximum characteristic dimension under 3 m. All UA configurations shall be considered.
🎮 Safely Controllable
The UAS shall be safely controllable regarding stability, manoeuvrability and data link performance, by a remote pilot following the manufacturer’s instructions. The easier, the better.
🛫 UA configuration
Any configuration type, unless non-tethered fixed-wings.
📵 Loss of data link (C2)
The UA, in case of a loss of a data link, shall a) recover the data link, or or b) terminate flight in order to reduce risk to air and ground third parties.
🔉 Sound Power
The UA shall not exceed sound levels detailed in Part 13.
⚡️ Power
The UAS shall be powered by electricity and have a nominal voltage under 24 V
🪪 Unique Physical Serial Number
The UA shall display a unique physical serial number compliant with CTA-2063.
📡 Direct Remote Identification
The UA shall allow the pilot to upload the operator registration number and broadcast telemetry information.
🪂 Airspace limitation function
The UA shall not be able to enter determined airspace. This limit shall be imposed smoothly, without adversely affecting the flight operation. Additionally, the UA shall notify the pilot trough warnings.
📶 C2 Link Protection
The C2 link from the pilot to the UA shall be protected to unwanted third parties.
🪫 Low-Level Battery Alert
The UA shall notify the pilot when reached a certain battery level. Such level shall be defined so that the pilot has enough time to land in a safe manner.
💡 Lights
The UA shall be equipped with a light system that ensures the control of the aircraft from the ground during the night. The control lights shall comply with aviation standards. The visibility lights shall be intermittent and green.
🐢 Low-speed Mode
The UA shall be equipped with a low-speed mode (except for tethered drones), selectable by the pilot, limiting horizontal speed to 5 m/s.
🏁 Flight Termination System
The UA shall be equipped with an independent system that allows to finish the flight safely.
🧑🏼✈️ Flight Information
The UA shall broadcast in-flight information.
📄 User's manual
The UAS shall count with a detailed user’s manual that reflects MTOM, class, and general characteristics. Additionally, the operative behaviour and limitations must be described.
ℹ️ Information Notice
The UA shall include an information notice published by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) about limitation and obligations within the Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947.
UAS Class Label C6
To fly in Specific Category, STS-02, C6 drones must be used. C6 drones, can consist of a C3 one, with a certified accessory kit.
🥌 Maximum Take-off Mass (MTOM)
It shall have an MTOM of less than 25 Kg, including payload.
📏 Maximum Characteristic Dimensions
The UA shall have a maximum characteristic dimension under 3 m. All UA configurations shall be considered.
🎮 Safely Controllable
The UAS shall be safely controllable regarding stability, manoeuvrability and data link performance, by a remote pilot following the manufacturer’s instructions. The easier, the better.
🛫 Any dron configuration
Multirotors, fixed-wings, flying wing, lighter-than-air & VTOLs.
📵 Loss of data link (C2)
The UA, in case of a loss of a data link, shall a) recover the data link, or or b) terminate flight in order to reduce risk to air and ground third parties.
🔉 Sound Power
The UA shall not exceed sound levels detailed in Part 13.
⚡️ Power
UA shall be powered by electricity or fossil energies.
🪪 Unique Physical Serial Number
The UA shall display a unique physical serial number compliant with CTA-2063.
📡 Direct Remote Identification
The UA shall allow the pilot to upload the operator registration number and broadcast telemetry information.
🪂 Airspace limitation function
The UA shall not be able to enter determined airspace. This limit shall be imposed smoothly, without adversely affecting the flight operation. Additionally, the UA shall notify the pilot trough warnings.
📶 C2 Link Protection
The C2 link from the pilot to the UA shall be protected to unwanted third parties.
🪫 Low-Level Battery Alert
The UA shall notify the pilot when reached a certain battery level. Such level shall be defined so that the pilot has enough time to land in a safe manner.
💡 Lights
The UA shall be equipped with a light system that ensures the control of the aircraft from the ground during the night. The control lights shall comply with aviation standards. The visibility lights shall be intermittent and green.
📄 User's manual
The UAS shall count with a detailed user’s manual that reflects MTOM, class, and general characteristics. Additionally, the operative behaviour and limitations must be described.
ℹ️ Information Notice
The UA shall include an information notice published by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) about limitation and obligations within the Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947.
💨 Maximum Speed
The maximum speed in level flight shall be limited to 50 m/s.
🧑🏼✈️ Flight Information
The UA shall broadcast in-flight information.
🛣 Trajectory planning
The UAS shall be programmed in order to execute a pre-defined trajectory in an autonomous manner.
🏁 Flight Termination System
The UA shall be equipped with an independent FTS that provides the ability to end the flight in a controlled manner. Additionally, the UAS shall count with means for reducing the impact energy such as parachute systems.
This is only the 1st list of UAS Class Labels published by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Soon, we will see more classes and scenarios.
This will make the drone industry more standardised, and therefore, mature. If you are a drone operator willing to conduct a flight, you will only have to worry about complying with the scenario requirements, and carrying the right drone for that scenario.