A2 CofC in 2026: More freedom for Open Category drone pilots

• Find out how the A2 CofC unlocks greater flight freedoms for drone pilots flying in the Open Category in 2026;

• An A2 CofC benefits pilots with UK2/C2 drones, as well as legacy aircraft up to 2kg;

• Obtain your A2 CofC with heliguy™: With courses for new pilots and renewal options.

UK drone rules have entered a new era in 2026 — and the A2 CofC (Certificate of Competency) has become more valuable than ever.

Holding an A2 CofC helps unlock greater flight freedom in built-up areas with certain types of drones, benefiting commercial and recreational pilots alike.

From the start of 2026 — and this is the main headline — an A2 CofC allows you to fly a drone weighing up to 4kg with a UK2/C2 class mark as close as 30m from uninvolved people — and 5m in low-speed mode.

Compared to pre-2026 rules, that's a huge increase in operational privilege: Offering reduced separation distances and the ability to fly heavier drones closer to uninvolved people without having to pursue the more complex (and costly) Specific Category-Operational Authorisation route!

And if you have a legacy (non-class-marked) drone weighing up to 2kg (although this will be 250g to 2kg in most instances as sub 250g can fly in A1 subcategory), an A2 CofC enables you to fly up to 50m from uninvolved people, without being pushed into the Open Category's more restrictive A3 subcategory, where flying near people and built-up areas is effectively off-limits.

Interested? heliguy™ offers end-to-end support to help you obtain an A2 CofC: Whether you are getting it for the first time, or you want to renew your certificate.

Key takeaways

• A2 CofC = the key UK competency certificate for the Open Category. It is required for flying in the Open Category's A2 subcategory (flights near people).

• C2/UK2 drones + A2 CofC = closer flying (30m / 5m low-speed mode) in A2 subcategory. Previously, the A2 subcategory was limited to drones weighing 2kg and restricted flights to 50m from uninvolved people.

• Sub 2kg legacy drones (not class-marked) + A2 CofC = 50m from uninvolved people in A2 subcategory.

• C2/UK2 drones or sub 2kg legacy drones without A2 CofC = A3 subcategory (far from people) for Open Category flights, or obtain an Operational Authorisation for greater flight freedom.

• If you fly for work or near people, A2 CofC is the best 'freedom per cost' qualification.

Expert quote

“In 2026, the A2 CofC really matters. It’s one of the simplest ways for certain drone pilots to protect their operational freedoms, and in some cases, actually increase their operational privileges. For many pilots, it’s the difference between flying near people legally or being pushed into far more restrictive A3 conditions.”

— Bradley McLeary, heliguy™ Chief Instructor

What is an A2 CofC?

The A2 Certificate of Competency (A2 CofC) allows remote pilots to fly eligible drones in the Open Category's A2 subcategory (Near People).

It’s designed for pilots who need more flexibility for real-world operations, without applying for complex operational authorisations through the Specific Category.

It involves theory learning and a multiple-choice exam, and a period of practical self-flying. Unlike the GVC route, there is no practical flight test, no Operations Manual, and no UK CAA authorisation required.

Why the A2 CofC matters more than ever

In 2026, the biggest change is that 'near people' flying is increasingly built around class-marked drones (UK2 or EU equivalents) — and legacy drones (non-class-marked) are increasingly limited.

The A2 CofC matters because it helps pilots do two important things:

1. Fly closer with UK2/C2 drones.

2. Protects their operational flexibility with sub-2kg legacy (non-class-marked) drones.

A2 CofC for UK2/C2 drones

At the start of 2026, the UK drone class-marking system (UK0-UK6) went live, meaning all new drones brought to market must have a UK class mark (UK0 to UK6).

A drone class mark is determined by a range of factors, including weight and safety mechanisms. Find out more about class marks in our in-depth blog.

UK class markings are similar in scope to the European C markings introduced by EASA a few years ago — and up until the end of 2027 in the UK, C-marked drones can be flown as their UK equivalent, ie C1 as if it is a UK1 drone.

When it comes to the Open Category, operators can fly a UK2/C2 drone in the A2 subcategory (flights near people) — as long as they have an A2 CofC.

The weight of a UK2/C2 drone is sub 4kg — although it's important to state that a drone does not automatically become class marked by weight alone.

But weight is important because it means for users of drones like the DJI M30 Series,

With an A2 CofC, you can now fly your UK2/C2 drone:

• As close as 30m from uninvolved people.

• As close as 5m in low-speed mode.

This level of flexibility is essential for many missions or commercial jobs: Property inspections, surveys, built-up filming, construction site work, and infrastructure checks.

Never before in the UK have pilots operating in the A2 subcategory — with a valid A2 CofC — been able to fly this close to uninvolved people.

The previous restriction was 50m from uninvolved people with drones weighing up to 2kg. Pilots wanting to fly anything closer and/or heavier would need to obtain an Operational Authorisation to fly in the Specific Category.

Which DJI drones have a C2/UK2 mark for A2 subcategory flights?

DJI drones with a C2 mark are:

• DJI Mavic 4 Pro, DJI Mavic 3 Pro, Cine.

• DJI Mavic 3E EU/ DJI Mavic 3T EU/ DJI Mavic 3M EU.

• DJI Matrice M30/30T.

• DJI Mavic 4E, 4T.

• DJI Matrice 4D, TD.

No DJI drone currently has a UK2 mark.

But for current DJI users of a C-marked DJI drone, the new rules unlock greater freedoms - as shown by this table.

Having this ability to fly closer is ideal for a range of applications, including:

• Residential property roof inspections.

• Construction site monitoring.

• Surveying and mapping in mixed environments.

• Commercial filming near public spaces.

• Infrastructure inspections near public access.

• Agricultural work near buildings or workers.

• Emergency or insurance documentation.

A2 CofC for legacy (non-class-marked) drones

If your drone has no class mark, it is described as a legacy drone.

Legacy drones remain legal, but for pilots flying legacy drones weighing between 250g and 2kg, the A2 CofC is crucial to unlock grearer flight freedom in the Open Category.

• With A2 CofC: Flights in A2 subcategory 50m from uninvolved people.

• Without A2 CofC: Flights in A3 subcategory — No closer than 50m from uninvolved people; no flights closer than 150m of residential, commercial, industrial, or recreational areas.

It’s fair to say that users of legacy drones weighing between 250g and 500g may feel hard done by. Before 2026, an A2 CofC would allow you to fly in the A1 subcategory (Over People).

But, from 2026, without an A2 CofC — it’s A3 operations, so the A2 CofC is important for these operators.

It’s worth noting that sub-250g legacy drones can continue to fly in the A1 subcategory (Over People) without needing an A2 CofC.

A2 CofC: Streamlined qualification for Open Category drone operations

The A2 CofC is an important mechanism for unlocking greater flight freedom in the Open Category, and obtaining one is a streamlined process.

• Accessibility: Obtain your A2 CofC through online learning and a multiple-choice theory exam. This is supported by self-declared practical training. No formal flight test is required. heliguy™ offers remote learning, but with live support from our in-house instructor team. Learn from a team that has taught 7,000+ candidates.

• Validity: A2 CofC is valid for 5 years, and it can be renewed. No requirement to obtain an authorisation from the UK CAA, unlike the process for Specific Category operations.

• Proof of competency: Holding an A2 CofC demonstrates you understand how to manage risk, operate responsibly, and fly safely near people — which can also support credibility when working with clients, site managers, or stakeholders.

Summary: Why the A2 CofC matters in 2026

In 2026, the UK drone landscape is shifting toward class-marked drones and tighter boundaries for legacy aircraft.

That’s why the A2 CofC matters more than ever: It protects operational freedom, supports legal near-people flying for eligible drones, and keeps your capability strong as transitional allowances end.

If you fly for work, want to operate responsibly, or need access to more practical locations, the A2 CofC remains one of the most valuable qualifications you can add.

For many drone operators — including photographers, surveyors, inspectors, and content creators — the A2 CofC provides the right balance of access and compliance, enabling safe, lawful flying within Open Category limits without the administrative burden.

It can also act as a springboard for scaling to more complex operations, conducted in the Specific Category with an Operational Authorisation.

Start your A2 CofC today

Get started with your A2 CofC today, or renew your A2 CofC, with full support from heliguy™.