Most drone flights are in the open category. From 2024, some drone rules in the open category will change. In this blog we will explain all the drone rules that apply in the open category from January 1, 2024.

General drone rules in 2024

The general drone rules apply to all drone flights in the open category, regardless of weight or the presence of a Cx label.

The general drone rules are as follows:

• The drone can fly a maximum of 120 meters high.
• The drone must fly within line of sight of the pilot (VLOS).
• The drone is only allowed to fly in the Netherlands during the day.
• It is not permitted to fly in a (temporary) no-fly zone.
• It is not allowed to fly over crowds.

If you fly with a drone weighing 250 grams or more, the following rules also apply:

• The drone pilot must have an EU drone driving license.
• The drone pilot must register with the LBA with an operator number.

What drone rules apply to the subcategories?

The open category has three subcategories: A1, A2 and A3. Each subcategory has different restrictions regarding distance from people and buildings. The following table shows the different distance criteria.

From January 1, 2024, the drone’s Cx marking will determine which subcategory you are allowed to fly in. If the drone doesn’t have a Cx label, you can still fly it, but you could end up in a different subcategory.

Additionally, your aircraft may be required to send a Remote ID. This means authorities can digitally inspect the aircraft during flight.

There are five Cx designations for drones in the open category: C0 to C4. For each Cx label, this table shows which subcategory you are allowed to fly in and whether a Remote ID is required.

*You can also fly in the A3 subcategory with a C2 label, but the A2 certificate remains mandatory

Certainly not all aircraft have a Cx label. Just think of all the older aircraft. Many will therefore fly without a Cx marking.

Help, my plane doesn’t have a Cx label

For drones without a Cx marking, the subcategory in which they are allowed to fly is determined based on the weight of the drone. Drones weighing less than 250 grams are still allowed to fly in subcategory A1. Drones over 249 grams without a Cx marking will fall into subcategory A3 from January 1, 2024.

Does your drone not have a Cx label and was it released on the market before January 1, 2024? You can then continue to fly them legally in the relevant subcategory. Without Remote ID requirement. From January 1, 2024, manufacturers in the EU will no longer be allowed to bring devices onto the market without a Cx label. An exception applies to home-built drones, which do not require Remote ID. The Remote ID requirement always applies to operations in the special category.

Do I need to register as a pilot?

If your drone has a camera or weighs more than 249 grams, you must register as an operator with the LBA. After registration you will receive an operator number by email. This operator number must be visibly displayed on the outside of the drone.

From January 1, 2024, drones in the open category with a C1, C2, C3 and C4 marking must transmit the operator number via Remote ID. You must enter the operator number in the software (flight app).

Which EU drone certificate do I need?

Which EU drone license you need depends on the subcategory in which you will be flying. The EU drone license for the open category consists of two certificates: the basic certificate A1/A3 and the additional certificate A2.

If you fly in subcategory A1 or A3, you only need to purchase the basic certificate A1/A3. If you own a drone with the C2 marking, purchasing the additional A2 certificate is also mandatory.

You can use our decision support to receive tailored advice.

How do I get my EU drone license?

Your online training for the EU drone license looks like this:

• Order the training + exam for the desired certificate conveniently via our website.
• After you place an order, you will receive an email with course and exam registration details.
• Log in to our online learning environment. Using clear text and supporting images, we will explain all of the 2024 drone regulations to you.
• After studying the course material, you can take the exam, which takes place in the same online learning environment. The exam is available at any time and you can retake it for free.
• If you pass the exam, you can apply for your official certificate through us.

Immediately after your application you will receive the official EU drone certificate by email. You can print this certificate or take it digitally with you on your phone or tablet. This will ensure you comply with the 2024 European drone regulations.

I have a question about the 2024 drone rules

Do you have a question about the drone rules that apply from January 1, 2024? Would you like to know which subcategory you fall into from 2024 or which certificate you need to fly your drone? Get in touch with us. We will be happy to help you.