A2 category - everything you need to know
The A2 subcategory lets you fly closer to people than A1/A3 - but only with the right aircraft, qualification and risk mitigation.
What is the A2 category?
A2 is an Open Category subcategory under EASA Part-UAS. It is for pilots who need to operate closer to uninvolved persons than A1 or A3 allow, but still within Open Category without a Specific Category authorisation.
To fly in the A2 subcategory you need a valid A1/A3 online training completion, a passed A2 theory exam at your NAA and a compliant C-class aircraft (usually C2).
EASA categories explained
EU drone operations are classified by risk. Open Category covers A1, A2 and A3 subcategories - each with different distance and environment limits.
When standard Open Category rules do not allow your planned operation, you need Specific Category - typically STS scenarios with a risk assessment.
A1 and A3
A1 allows certain operations closer to people with compliant aircraft (e.g. C0, C1). A3 covers flights further away (≥50 m) from uninvolved persons, often in industrial areas.
A2
A2 lets you fly closer to people than A1/A3 in Open Category - but requires an additional theory exam and usually a C2-class aircraft.
STS (Specific Category)
STS-01, STS-02 and other scenarios apply to commercial operations needing deeper risk management and procedural knowledge.
A2 distances and low-speed mode
With a C2-class aircraft the standard horizontal distance to uninvolved persons is 30 m. With low-speed mode enabled (≤3 m/s) you may approach to 5 m if other A2 rules are met.
The 1:1 rule - horizontal distance to an obstacle must be at least equal to flight height. This is one of the most common A2 exam questions.
- A3: 50 m from uninvolved persons
- A2 + C2: 30 m (or 5 m with low-speed)
- 1:1: horizontal ≥ vertical height
- VLOS and 120 m height limit still apply
Aircraft requirements for A2
A2 operations typically use a C2-class aircraft with marking, Direct Remote ID and appropriate technical mitigations (FTS, geo-fence, etc.).
Without a C-class mark you cannot declare A2 compliance - you would need Specific Category authorisation.
EU drone exam formats (NAA)
Across the EU, remote pilot qualifications are assessed by your National Aviation Authority. Each category has a different test format - prepare for the exact exam you plan to sit.
A1/A3: 40 questions in 40 minutes (renewal: 20/20). A2: 30/30 min. STS: 60/60 min. All require ≥75% to pass.
- A1/A3: 40 q, 40 min, 75% threshold
- A2: 30 q, 30 min, 75% threshold
- STS: 60 q, 60 min, 75% threshold
- 5-year renewal - shorter formats per NAA rules
A2 preparation plan - 4-6 weeks
Structured A2 preparation typically takes 4-6 weeks with 15-30 minutes daily. Week 1-2: review 3 A2 syllabus areas and topic tests. Weeks 3-4: strengthen weak areas. Final weeks: full timed simulations.
Never book the NAA exam until you consistently score ≥80% in simulations. A failed attempt costs extra fees and wasted time.
Weeks 1-2
Review all topics; use learning mode with explanations.
Weeks 3-4
Topic tests; focus on weakest areas from your stats.
Week 5+
Full simulations, mistake review, repeat registration and rules questions.
How A2STS helps with A2 preparation
A2STS is a specialised preparation platform with a 545+-question bank, topic learning, explanations and NAA-format simulations. Free A1/A3 lets you start risk-free; premium unlocks full A2 and STS exam simulations.
The most effective model: regular topic tests (15-30 min daily), wrong-answer review (SRS) and full simulations in the final weeks. Aim for a stable ≥80% before booking your NAA exam.
- Learning mode with explanations after each answer
- Quick tests - time pressure and focus
- Full exam simulation - exact question count and timer
- Topic statistics - see weak areas
- Mistake review - SRS for long-term retention
Common A2 exam mistakes
These errors cause most A2 failures. Address them in practice before you pay for the official test.
- Confusing A3 (50 m) and A2+C2 (30 m / 5 m) distances
- Ignoring meteorology and ground-risk topics
- Studying without a timer - the real exam is timed
- Booking the NAA test before reaching ≥80% in simulations
How to book your NAA drone exam
First, register as a drone operator in your national UAS portal and obtain an operator registration number. Without it you cannot fly registered aircraft legally or book a qualification exam.
When ready, select the qualification level (A1/A3, A2 or STS), pay the NAA fee and receive your exam slot. Format (online or in-person) depends on your authority.
- Register operator and aircraft in the national UAS system
- Choose qualification level (A1/A3 → A2 → STS as needed)
- Prepare with timed simulations (A2STS)
- Book the official exam and follow NAA rules on the day
EASA and your NAA - official sources
A2STS content aligns with Regulation (EU) 2019/947 (Part-UAS), EASA AMC/GM and common NAA practice. Official certificates and exams are organised by your National Aviation Authority - A2STS is preparation only.
Always verify current requirements on your NAA website before booking - national procedures may be updated.
- EASA Easy Access Rules for UAS
- National UAS portal - registration and exams
- GEO zones and NOTAM - before every flight
- 5-year renewal - shorter exam formats
Why prepare with A2STS?
Official-format exam simulations
A1/A3, A2 and STS practice tests match official question counts, time limits and the 75% pass threshold - you prepare for the real exam, not a random quiz.
545++ question bank
Comprehensive questions with explanations, topics and spaced repetition (SRS). See weak areas and track progress in real time.
Free A1/A3 foundation
Sign up in about a minute. Full A1/A3 theory and tests are free with no expiry. Premium unlocks A2/STS full simulations only.
Prepare anywhere
Study on phone, tablet or desktop. You still take the official exam at your National Aviation Authority (NAA) - A2STS helps you prepare more efficiently.
Prepare for your NAA exam today
Start free with the A1/A3 foundation. Premium A2 and STS simulations - one-time payment, no subscription.
Trust and transparency
- Not an NAA partner - clear role
- A2STS is a preparation platform. Official certificates and exams are organised by your National Aviation Authority. We are not affiliated with any NAA.
- EASA regulations kept current
- Content follows EU Part-UAS requirements and common NAA practice. Transparent information on categories, validity and renewal.
- 9 in 10 candidates pass
- Structured preparation with simulations and topic drills delivers stable results. Start free and benchmark your level before booking the official test.
Frequently asked questions
- Does A2 replace A1/A3?
- No - A1/A3 is the mandatory foundation. A2 is an additional certificate.
- Which aircraft suits A2?
- Usually C2-class aircraft with marking and Remote ID.
- How many questions in the A2 exam?
- 30 questions in 30 minutes, ≥75% (23 correct) to pass.
- Is A2 valid across the EU?
- Yes - EASA qualifications are recognised in EU member states.
- How does A2 differ from STS?
- A2 is Open Category. STS covers Specific Category scenarios.
Pilot reviews
“The timed simulator mirrors the official 30-question, 30-minute session. I passed A2 on the first attempt after two weeks of topic drills - far more reliable than scattered PDFs.”
Marcus W. - A2 passed
“Question wording and pacing felt like the real exam. Wrong-answer explanations fixed my airspace gaps in days, not weeks - I walked in knowing exactly where I stood.”
Sofia R. - First attempt
“The learning hub kept STS prep alongside A2 without juggling tools. Progress tracking and one-time access - no subscription churn - made it easy to justify to my team.”
James P. - A2 + STS
Register and start learning
Sign-up takes about a minute. You still take the official exam at your NAA - A2STS helps you prepare more efficiently.