Buying guide · 9 min read
Best Drones for the EASA A2 Category (C2 Class) – 2026 Guide
The A2 licence applies to C2-class drones — typically 900 g to 4 kg. You need both the certificate and a properly labelled aircraft to fly closer to people legally.
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What makes a drone "C2 class"?
- Weight: 900 g–4 kg (with class label)
- Must carry a C2 class identification label on the aircraft
- Direct remote ID broadcast (typically built-in or module)
- Low-speed mode limiting horizontal speed to ≤3 m/s where required
- Geofencing / geo-awareness capability per manufacturer declaration
What does the A2 licence actually unlock?
| Scenario | Without A2 | With A2 |
|---|---|---|
| Distance to uninvolved people | 50 m minimum (A3) or A1 limits | 30 m (5 m in low-speed mode) |
| C2 drone legal operation | Not permitted at A2 distances | Permitted with C2 aircraft |
| Commercial scope | Limited open category | Broader (still not full Specific category) |
Top C2-class drones in 2026
DJI Mini 3 Pro (C2 kit)
C2 certified: With C2 kit- Weight
- ~249 g (aircraft) / C2 module adds mass for class
- Flight time
- Up to ~34 min
- Camera
- 4K HDR, 48 MP stills
- Price range
- €700–€900+
Popular lightweight platform; C2 compliance via official DJI C2 identification kit for EU operations.
View on Amazon UK →DJI Air 3
C2 certified: Check manufacturer- Weight
- ~720 g
- Flight time
- Up to ~46 min (dual battery combo)
- Camera
- Dual 1/1.3" sensors, 4K
- Price range
- €900–€1,200
Strong all-round flyer for pilots stepping up from Mini series; verify current EU C-class marking.
View on Amazon UK →DJI Mavic 3 Classic
C2 certified: Check manufacturer- Weight
- ~895 g
- Flight time
- Up to ~46 min
- Camera
- 4/3 CMOS Hasselblad, 5.1K
- Price range
- €1,200–€1,600
Pro-grade camera in a foldable airframe suitable for serious A2 operators who need image quality.
View on Amazon UK →Autel EVO Lite+
C2 certified: Check manufacturer- Weight
- ~835 g
- Flight time
- Up to ~40 min
- Camera
- 1" sensor, 6K video
- Price range
- €900–€1,100
Non-DJI alternative with competitive sensors; confirm C2 label and geo-awareness for your market.
View on Amazon UK →Parrot Anafi (legacy C2 path)
C2 certified: Check manufacturer- Weight
- ~320 g
- Flight time
- Up to ~25 min
- Camera
- 4K HDR, 180° gimbal
- Price range
- €500–€800 (availability varies)
Budget-friendly option when still available with valid C-class documentation — verify before purchase.
View on Amazon UK →Do I need a C2 drone to take the A2 exam?
No — you can pass the theoretical exam before buying hardware. Many pilots certify first, then choose a C2 aircraft. Practical self-assessment is completed on the drone you intend to operate.
Frequently asked questions
- Is the DJI Mini 4 Pro C2 certified?
- Check DJI's EU compliance page for your exact serial and firmware. Mini 4 Pro may use a different C-class path than Mini 3 Pro with the official C2 kit — always verify the label on the aircraft.
- Can I use a C1 drone with an A2 licence?
- A2 privileges apply to C2 operations. You can still fly C1 drones under A1 rules with your A1/A3 certificate; A2 does not remove A1/A3 limits on non-C2 aircraft.
- Does my drone need to be EU-certified to fly in Europe?
- Open-category flights in the EU require appropriate C-class marking (or legacy rules until transition deadlines). Import grey-market drones may lack EU declarations.
Drone certifications and availability change. Verify C2 status with the manufacturer before purchase.