New drone types - Explanation of C-classified drones

Classification of drones according to EU Regulation 2019/945

With the publication of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has taken an important step towards harmonisation in European drone operations. Existing drones, i.e. drones without C classification, may only be placed on the market for operation in the open category until 31 December 2023. However, the operation of existing drones will continue to be possible beyond this date, for drones with an MTOM < 250 g in the open category A1 and for drones with an MTOM > 250 g in the open category A3.
Drones without a C classification that are placed on the market after 31.12.2023 are allowed only to be operated in the special category.

From 01.01.2024, drone manufacturers are obliged under Article 20 DVO 2019/947 to have their new models certified or to certify them themselves and classify them in one of the seven classes. There are various technical requirements for the respective classes (e.g. weight and noise level), which are presented and explained below:

	C0	C1	C2	C3	C4	C5	C6
A1 (open, permit-free)	X	X
A2 (open, permit-free)			X
A3 (open, permit-free)	X	X	X	X	X
special (approval required)	X	X	X	X	X	X	X

Maximum weight below 250 g	X
Maximum weight below 900 g		X
Maximum weight below 4 kg			X
Maximum weight below 25 kg				X	X	X	X
A low speed mode (< 3 m/s), excepted for fixed-wing			X
A low speed mode (< 5 m/s), unless tethered						X
An indication of the noise emission		X	X	X		X	X
A direct remote identification function		X	X	X		X	X
A geo-awareness function		X	X	X
A low-battery warning		X	X	X		X	X
A flight termination system, unless tethered						X	X
Geo-Caging-Funktion							X
Information of drone position, speed and altitude						X	X

Certification procedure and placing on the market of C-classified drones

With the Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945, the certification of new drones is mandatory for manufacturers. However, existing drones and privately manufactured drones can continue to be used after the regulation comes into force on 01.01.2024. Only the placing on the market of non-certified drones for operation in the open category will then no longer be permitted.

To certify drones in classes C1, C2 and C3, drone manufacturers must contact the conformity assessment bodies responsible in Germany. These test a drone for the above-mentioned criteria and certify it via a conformity assessment procedure according to Part 8 or Part 9 of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945. For the assessment according to Part 8, the conformity assessment body carries out an EU-type examination (Module B). Subsequently, the manufacturer ensures the conformity of the drones with the requirements via an internal production control (module C).

For the assessment according to Part 9, an established quality management system of the drone manufacturer is initially and continuously audited by the conformity assessment body (Module H). For drone classes C0, C4, C5 and C6, drone manufacturers may apply to the conformity assessment bodies or implement internal production control according to Part 7, Module A - EU 2019/945.

Part 7	Part 8		Part 9
Module A Internal production control	Module B EU-type examination	Module C Internal production control	Module H Comprehensive Quality assurance system

Attachment for direct remote identification (Part 6) Class C5 ancillary equipment (Part 16)	Attachment for direct remote identification (Part 6) Class C5 ancillary equipment (Part 16)

All notified conformity assessment bodies, their assessment procedures and the products that can be certified can be found throughout Europe on the site of the European Commission (New Approach Notified and Designated Organizations - NANDO).

Selected properties of C-classified drones

C0
Class C0 includes all classified drones that have a take-off weight of less than 250g.
Identification marking in class C0:

Toy drones according to the EU-wide Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC can also be classified in class C0. In general, drones in class C0 must not exceed a maximum speed of 19 m/s. They must also not exceed an altitude limit. Likewise, a maximum altitude limit of 120 m must be adjustable in the operating software.
For operation in this class, a drone liability insurance must be available. An EU certificate of competence does not have to be presented. Registration as a pilot with the Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (LBA) is necessary if sensors for recording personal characteristics (camera, microphone, etc.) are installed. In this case, identification via the UAS operator number (e-ID) is also mandatory. With drones of class C0, operation in the licence-free open category A1 or in the special category is also possible.
To be certified in class C0, manufacturers must meet the following requirements, among others:
- The drone is designed and built to minimise the risk of injury to people during operation and to avoid sharp edges.
- A possible follow-me mode can be used up to a maximum distance of 50 m.
- The EASA information sheet on the applicable restrictions and requirements according to the Implementing Regulation (EU 2019/947) is enclosed.
C1
This class covers all C-classified drones that do not fall into class C0 and have a take-off weight of less than 900 g.
Identification marking in class C1:

To operate such a drone, operators must have an EU certificate of competence of class A1/A3 and be registered as a pilot via the LBA. Drone liability insurance is also mandatory. The e-ID must be entered by the operator in the designated system for remote identification of the drone. In addition, the drone must be marked with the UAS operator number. Class C1 drones can also be operated in the licence-free open category A1 or in the special category.
For certification in class C1, manufacturers must fulfil the following requirements, among others:
- Instructions for use are available.
- The maximum speed is limited to 19 m/s.
- Technical confirmation of the maximum kinetic energy in the event of an impact and mechanical stability of the drone are available.
- An altitude limit can be set.
- The drone has emergency procedures in case of loss of connection (e.g. return-to-home).
- The drone is designed and built to minimise the risk of injury to people during operation and to avoid sharp edges.
- A system for remote identification is installed, which also permanently transmits the e-ID of the pilot.
- A system for automated monitoring of flight restrictions (geosensitisation) is installed.
- The EASA information sheet on the applicable restrictions and requirements in accordance with the Implementing Regulation (EU 2019/947) is enclosed.
C2
This class covers all C-classified drones that do not fall into classes C0 or C1 and do not exceed a maximum take-off weight of 4 kg.
Identification marking in class C1:

To operate such a drone in category A3, operators must present an EU certificate of competence of class A1/A3 and be registered as a pilot via the LBA. If the drone operation is to take place in operating category A2 (e.g. in the vicinity of uninvolved persons), the EU remote pilot certificate must also be presented. In category A2, operation may only take place with drones of class C2. Operation subject to authorisation in the special category is also possible. In addition, drone liability insurance is always mandatory. The e-ID must be entered by the operator in the designated system. In addition, the drone must be marked with the UAS operator number.
For certification in class C2, manufacturers must fulfil the following requirements, among others:
- Instructions for use are available.
- An altitude limit can be set.
- The drone has emergency procedures in case of loss of connection (e.g. return-to-home).
- The drone is designed and built to minimise the risk of injury to people during operation and to avoid sharp edges.
- A system for remote identification is installed, which also permanently transmits the e-ID of the pilot.
- A system for automated monitoring of flight restrictions (geosensitisation) is installed.
- The drone has a slow flight mode which can be activated during operations in the vicinity of people and limits the speed to a maximum of 3 m/s. The drone can also be used for other purposes.
C3
This class covers all C-classified drones that do not fall into classes C0, C1 or C2 and do not exceed a maximum take-off mass of 25 kg. Like Class C1 and C2 drones, a geosensitisation and remote identification system is mandatory for Class C3.
Identification marking in class C3:

To operate such a drone, operators must have an EU certificate of competence of class A1/A3 and be registered as a pilot via the LBA. Drone liability insurance is also mandatory. The e-ID must be entered by the operator in the designated system for remote identification of the drone. In addition, the drone must be marked with the UAS operator number. With Class C3 drones, operation in the permit-free open category A3 or in the special category is permitted.
For certification in class C3, manufacturers must fulfil the following requirements, among others:
- Instructions for use are available.
- An altitude limit can be set.
- The drone has emergency procedures in case of loss of connection (e.g. return-to-home).
- A system for remote identification is installed, which also permanently transmits the e-ID of the pilot.
- A system for automated monitoring of flight restrictions (geosensitisation) is installed.
C4
This class includes all drones that do not fall into categories C0, C1, C2 or C3 and do not exceed a maximum take-off weight of 25 kg. Due to the lack of requirements for geosensitisation or remote identification in contrast to classes C1, C2 or C3, model aircraft, for example, can be assigned to this drone class.
Identification marking in class C4:

To operate such a drone, operators must present an EU certificate of competence of class A1/A3 and be registered as a pilot via the LBA. In addition, drone liability insurance is mandatory. The e-ID must be entered by the operator in the designated system, if one is available. In addition, the drone must be marked with the UAS operator number. With class C4 drones, operation in the permit-free open category A3 or in the special category is possible.
To be certified in class C4, manufacturers must fulfil the following requirements, among others:
- Instructions for use are available.
- Automatic / autonomous flight is not possible.
C5
In principle, these are drones of class C3, which are specially modified and have neither an adjustable altitude limit nor a system for geosensitisation. In class C5, only flights in the special category or in the standard scenario UAS.STS-01 are possible. However, operation via the standard scenario STS-01 is only possible from 01.01.2024.
Identification marking in class C5:

For certification in Class C5, manufacturers must fulfil the following requirements, among others:
- The flight altitude is permanently transmitted to the pilot.
- A slow flight mode must be installed, which does not exceed a speed of 5 m/s.
- An emergency system for aborting the flight and for terminating the ascend and forward flight must be installed, which also brakes a possible descent, for example by means of a parachute. A class C3 drone can also be classified as a C5 drone by means of an additional kit that reproduces this function.
C6
In principle, these are drones of class C3, which are specially modified and have neither an adjustable altitude limit nor a system for geosensitisation. In addition to electric propulsion, other types of propulsion are also possible in category C6 (e.g. combustion engines or jet engines). In category C6, only flights in the special category or in the standard scenario UAS.STS-02 are possible. However, operation via this standard scenario is only possible from 01.01.2024.
Identification marking in class C6:

To be certified in class C6, manufacturers must meet the following requirements, among others:
- A maximum speed of 50 m/s must not be exceeded.
- The flight path must be programmable and the pre-approved operating volume must be systemically maintained.
- In emergency procedures, it must be possible to switch off the autonomous flight. It must be ensured that the approved operating volume is not left.
- Permanent monitoring of speed, position and connection quality by the pilot must be possible. Warnings must be given automatically in the event of problems.