A2 CofC and C2 Class Drones: What You Need to Know

The A2 Certificate of Competency (A2 CofC) and the C2 drone class marking are closely linked. C2 is a drone class designation introduced under the UK's adoption of the Open Category framework, and the A2 CofC is the pilot qualification that unlocks the most useful flying privileges for that class.

This guide explains how the two fit together, what distances apply, and why the certificate is the natural next step for many recreational and lightweight commercial pilots.

What is a C2 class drone?

A C2 class-marked drone is a manufactured aircraft that meets a defined set of technical standards, typically weighing less than 4 kg. C2 drones are built with features intended to support safer flight close to people, such as a low-speed mode and clear identification of the class marking on the airframe.

Class markings (C0 through C4) were introduced to make it clear which subcategory of the Open Category a drone is designed for. The C2 marking specifically aligns with the A2 subcategory.

How the A2 CofC and C2 work together

When you hold a valid A2 CofC and fly a C2 class-marked drone, you may operate in the A2 subcategory. This is the part of the Open Category that allows flight closer to uninvolved people than the more open A3 subcategory permits.

• With a C2 drone and A2 CofC, you may fly down to 30 metres horizontally from uninvolved people.
• If the C2 drone is in its low-speed mode, that minimum horizontal distance reduces to 5 metres.
• You must never fly directly over uninvolved people in this subcategory.

These distances are considerably more permissive than flying without the certificate, which is why the A2 CofC is valued by pilots who want to operate in built-up or semi-populated areas.

A2 CofC versus the GVC

The A2 CofC sits at the upper end of the Open Category. If your intended operations go beyond what the Open Category allows, the next step is the General VLOS Certificate (GVC), which is the entry point to the Specific Category. The A2 CofC is the right qualification when your flying stays within the Open Category but you want to operate closer to people than A3 allows.

How you obtain the A2 CofC

The A2 CofC is issued by a Recognised Assessment Entity (RAE), not directly by the CAA. The process involves a theory examination and a practical self-assessment declaration. You will also need a valid Operator ID and Flyer ID where applicable.

A note on transitional drones

Many older drones do not carry a C2 class marking because they were placed on the market before the class-marking system applied. Transitional arrangements have governed how such "legacy" drones can be flown, so it is important to check the current CAA position for your specific aircraft before relying on A2 privileges.