Drone Categories C0 to C6: Complete Guide & Training 2026 | Dronexperts

Lost between classes C0, C1, and C2? Discover our drone comparison table, overflight rules, and mandatory training to fly legally in 2026.

Drone Categories C0 to C6: Which Drone to Fly and Which Training to Choose in 2026?

Since the harmonization of European drone regulations, it has become easy to feel lost. Between flight categories (Open, Specific) and drone classes (C0, C1, C2...), many remote pilots—from beginners to experts—no longer know which rules apply to their equipment.

Have you just bought a DJI Mini 4 Pro or a Mavic 3? Do you want to know if you need a license to pilot a drone weighing less than 250g?

At Dronexperts, we train professionals and enthusiasts daily. Here is our ultimate guide to decoding classes C0 to C6 and choosing the right training without the stress.

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Understanding the "Open Category": The Starting Point

The majority of leisure flights and some simple professional missions take place in the Open Category. The principle is straightforward: the risk is considered low.

To fly in this category, three golden rules apply, regardless of your drone:

• Visual Line of Sight (VLOS): You must always be able to see your drone.
• Max Height: No higher than 120 meters (approx. 400ft).
• Geographical Zones: Respect prohibited or restricted zones (verifiable on official aeronautical maps).

However, depending on the weight and class of your drone (C0 to C4), you are restricted in terms of where you can fly. This is where sub-categories come into play.

Sub-category A1 (Overflying people possible)

This is the most permissive category. It concerns very light drones (Class C0 and Class C1). You are allowed to fly near people and even overfly them (if unintentional and brief), but never over an assembly of people.

Sub-category A3 (Far from people)

This category is for heavier drones (Class C3, C4). Here, the rule is strict: you must fly at least 150 meters away from any residential, commercial, or industrial areas and far from people.

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Comparison Table: Which Class for Which Use?

To know exactly what you are allowed to do, refer to the CE class identification label on your drone's box.

Dronexperts Tip: Be careful; the simple online exam on AlphaTango (A1/A3) is often insufficient for mastering aerial safety. It is a basic multiple-choice test that does not teach you how to fly.

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My drone has no class marking, what should I do?

Do you own a "legacy" drone (DJI Phantom 4, Mavic 2 Pro, Autel Evo II) purchased before the full application of European law? Don't panic; you can still fly, but you fall into the "legacy drone" category.

• If your drone weighs less than 250g: It follows the rules of class C0 (A1).
• If your drone weighs between 250g and 25kg: It is automatically relegated to sub-category A3. This means you must fly far from buildings and people (150m distance).

This is a major constraint for those who want to film in peri-urban areas. To regain that freedom, you will need to invest in a drone with C1 or C2 class marking.

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Why get trained even for a C0 or C1 drone?

This is a question we are often asked: "If the law doesn't force me to pass an exam for my DJI Mini (C0), why pay for training?"

The answer lies in one word: Responsibility.

Buying a drone is easy. Flying it without crashing, without losing GPS signal, or without infringing on a neighbor's privacy is much more complex. Here are 3 reasons to follow an introductory training course at Dronexperts, even for a small drone:

• Avoid the Crash: A C0 drone is an investment. Knowing how to react when the wind picks up or when the screen cuts out cannot be improvised.
• Understand Airspace: Learn to read an aeronautical chart to avoid flying near an airport or a nuclear power plant (fines are very heavy).
• Image Quality: Piloting is one thing; framing is another. Our instructors teach you smooth movements for cinematic videos.

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What if I want to become a professional? (Classes C5 and C6)

If your goal is to perform complex commercial services (urban flights, beyond visual line of sight for inspections), the Open category will not be enough.

You will need to aim for the Specific Category and use Class C5 or Class C6 drones. These classes are dedicated to European Standard Scenarios (STS-01 and STS-02). This requires more advanced theoretical training (CATS) and practical training validated by an approved center like ours.

Ready to Take Off Safely?

Whether for leisure or to launch your business, don't let regulations spoil your flight pleasure.

• Need help with the paperwork? Check our free guide to creating your AlphaTango account
• Want to master your drone? Discover our "Hands-on Introduction" modules and our certification courses.

👉 Access our free guide to creating your AlphaTango account