The A2 CofC Practical Self-Assessment Explained

The practical element of the A2 Certificate of Competency (A2 CofC) often surprises newcomers, because it is not a supervised flight test in the way a driving test is. Instead, it is a structured self-assessment declaration. This guide explains what that means and how to approach it responsibly.

What the practical self-assessment is

The practical self-assessment is a process in which you familiarise yourself with flying your specific drone safely, then declare that you have done so. The Recognised Assessment Entity (RAE) sets out what you should cover, and you confirm your competence honestly. There is no examiner standing beside you while you fly.

Why a self-assessment rather than a flight test

Drones in the A2 subcategory are relatively small and varied, and pilots fly in many different environments. A self-assessment recognises that you are best placed to practise in conditions relevant to your own flying, while still requiring you to take the responsibility seriously. It is a declaration, so honesty and genuine practice are essential.

What you should practise

Although the format is a self-declaration, you are expected to be genuinely competent. Sensible practice areas include:

• Pre-flight checks and confirming your drone is airworthy.
• Smooth, controlled take-off, manoeuvring and landing.
• Maintaining visual line of sight throughout the flight.
• Responding to a loss of control link or low battery.
• Judging distances from people and obstacles accurately.

How it fits with the theory examination

The practical self-assessment sits alongside the theory examination. The theory examination, set and marked by the RAE, tests your knowledge of the rules. The practical declaration confirms you can apply that knowledge in the air. Together they form the basis on which the RAE issues your A2 CofC.

Taking the declaration seriously

Because no examiner observes the flight, the integrity of the certificate depends on pilots being honest. Declaring competence you do not have undermines the safety the certificate is meant to support, and it leaves you exposed if something goes wrong. Treat the self-assessment as a genuine standard to meet, not a box to tick.

After the assessment

Once you have passed the theory examination and completed the practical self-assessment declaration, the RAE issues your A2 CofC. From that point you can use A2 subcategory privileges with an eligible drone, subject to the standard Open Category conditions.