Is LSM automatically activated on C2 aircraft?

LSM is a flight mode that the pilot activates deliberately. It is not an automatic function. The pilot is responsible for activating the correct mode.

What does the 3 m/s speed requirement mean in LSM?

In LSM, the aircraft's horizontal speed must not exceed 3 m/s. That is roughly a slow walking pace — very slow flight.

A2 exam

A2 low-speed mode explained

LSM allows 5 m distance with C2 — common exam topic.

A2STS editorial11 min readUpdated 29/06/2026

Contents

Format

Low-Speed Mode (LSM) is an A2 subcategory-specific operational capability that allows C2-class aircraft to fly closer to people: the standard A2 distance is 30 m from uninvolved persons; with LSM active the distance reduces to 5 m.

LSM is one of the most frequently tested A2 exam topics. Questions test whether the candidate understands when LSM may be used, what conditions it requires and what the underlying safety trade-off is.

Preparation

For LSM preparation, know: 1) LSM applies only to C2-class aircraft (not C1 or C0), 2) horizontal speed in LSM must not exceed 3 m/s, 3) the 5 m distance reduction does not permit overflight of people.

Common exam sub-questions: can LSM be used with C1? (No.) Does LSM allow flying over people? (No — closer to, but not directly above.) Does the 3 m/s limit apply to vertical movement? (This question phrasing appears on tests.)

Exam tip

Mistakes

The most common mistake is believing that LSM permits flying directly over people. LSM reduces horizontal separation distance but the prohibition on flying directly above people (except C0) remains.

Another mistake is confusing LSM with the A1 subcategory. A1 allows flying over individual people with C1 aircraft; LSM is an A2-specific concept with C2 aircraft. These subcategories and their rules must not be mixed up.

Mocks

In A2STS, LSM questions appear within the A2 topic block. Study LSM questions alongside all A2 distance rules: 30 m standard, 5 m LSM, 150 m from assemblies of people.

Learning these distance rules with a diagram is important. A2STS provides a graphical distance illustration that helps firmly memorise the several different distance thresholds.

Frequently asked questions

Is LSM automatically activated on C2 aircraft?: LSM is a flight mode that the pilot activates deliberately. It is not an automatic function. The pilot is responsible for activating the correct mode.
What does the 3 m/s speed requirement mean in LSM?: In LSM, the aircraft's horizontal speed must not exceed 3 m/s. That is roughly a slow walking pace — very slow flight.

Authority & sources

A2STS Editorial · Reviewed by: EASA UAS syllabus aligned