A step-by-step guide to using the AlphaTango portal. Operator registration, drone registration, A1/A3 Open Category training... Don't let paperwork ground you!

AlphaTango: The Complete Guide to Creating Your Account and Registering Your Drone in 2026

Have you just acquired a drone and are eager to get it in the air? Wait! Before you take off, there is a mandatory step: AlphaTango.

Behind this slightly military-sounding code name lies the official portal of the DGAC (French Civil Aviation Authority). It is a mandatory requirement for every remote pilot in France, whether you are a weekend hobbyist or a future professional.

Many users find the site complex. The difference between "Operator" and "Remote Pilot," registering aircraft, online training... it is easy to get lost.

At Dronexperts, we assist our students daily with these procedures. Here is our step-by-step tutorial to getting compliant in less than 30 minutes.

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Is Registration on AlphaTango Mandatory?

The answer is YES in 99% of cases.

European regulations mandate registration on AlphaTango if your drone meets any of the following criteria:

1. It weighs more than 250g.
2. It weighs less than 250g but is equipped with a camera (which applies to almost all DJI Mini, Autel Nano, etc., unless they are strictly classified as "toys," which is rare).

In short: unless you are flying a plastic toy drone without a camera sold in the children's aisle, you must go through AlphaTango.

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Step 1: Create Your Account and Become a "UAS Operator"

This is where the confusion often begins. On AlphaTango, there are two distinct statuses:

• The UAS Operator: This is the owner of the drone (similar to the person listed on a car's registration). They are responsible for maintenance and flight oversight.
• The Remote Pilot: This is the person actually holding the remote controller.

If you are an individual flying your own drone, you are both the operator and the remote pilot.

The Procedure:

1. Go to alphatango.aviation-civile.gouv.fr.
2. Click on "Create an account" (Individual/Particulier).
3. Once the account is validated via email, go to the "My operator activity" tab.
4. Follow the steps to register yourself.

The Result: You will receive a UAS Operator Number starting with FRA followed by 13 characters (e.g.,

).

🔴 Dronexperts Tip: This operator number is crucial. You must print it on a label and affix it visibly to all your drones. In the event of a police check, this is the first thing they will verify.

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Step 2: Register Your Aircraft (Drones)

Now that you are registered as the "boss" (operator), you must declare your fleet.

1. Go to the "My aircraft" tab.
2. Click on "Register an aircraft."
3. Enter the manufacturer (e.g., DJI), the model (e.g., Mini 3 Pro), and the Serial Number.

• Tip: The serial number is often found inside the battery compartment or on the original box.

4. Validate.

Unlike some neighboring countries, drone registration is (for now) free in France. You will receive a registration certificate for each drone, which you should keep digitally on your phone.

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Step 3: Complete the "Initial" Training (Open Category A1/A3)

Registering the drone isn't enough; you must prove that you know the rules. This is your basic "license."

1. On AlphaTango, go to the "My remote pilot certificates" tab.
2. Click on "Access Open Category training."
3. This is a free module called "Fox AlphaTango."
4. You will watch videos and slides covering safety, privacy, flight altitudes, etc.
5. At the end, you must pass a 40-question multiple-choice exam (75% correct answers required).

Once successful, you will receive your Training Certificate (A1/A3). It is valid for 5 years.

⚠️ Warning: This A1/A3 training does NOT authorize you to fly near people with heavy drones (over 900g, Class C2), to fly Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS), or to fly in urban areas for professional purposes. It is a basic training for low-risk leisure flying.

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Common Issues on AlphaTango

Users of the platform frequently encounter these problems:

• "I can't find my certificate": All your proof (operator registration, training certificate) is available in the "My documents" tab on the home page.
• "My drone is not in the list": If your model is brand new, it might be missing. Select "Other" and enter the name manually.
• "I want to become a professional, is this enough?": No. For commercial activity, you must declare a specific activity in the "My operator activity" tab (declaration of activity) and usually hold additional practical certifications (STS).

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AlphaTango is Only the First Step

Congratulations, you are now administratively compliant! You have your FRA number stuck to your drone and your A1/A3 certificate in your pocket.

However, AlphaTango doesn't teach you how to fly. Knowing how to check boxes on a multiple-choice test is very different from managing a loss of GPS signal, a video feed cutout, or an emergency landing.

If you want to:

• Go beyond the Open Category.
• Learn real safety reflexes.
• Become a recognized professional remote pilot.

Paperwork is only the beginning. Practice is the key.

[👉 Discover our "Getting Started" and "Pro" training courses at Dronexperts]