Completing the A2 additional theoretical knowledge examination is not yet possible

“As soon as taking the exam becomes possible, we will publish a notification on the droneinfo.fi site. We regret that the option to take the additional theoretical knowledge examination has been delayed. Flight operations in the A2 category without a completed examination will nevertheless be allowed until the end of this year. Our goal is to provide good geographical coverage for the examination sites, and trying to achieve this with the service provider model has been the main reason for the delay,” says Senior Adviser Patrik Söderström.

It should be noted that this exception only applies to drone flying in Finland. In order to operate in the open category A2, remote pilots are required to have a valid certificate of the completion of the A1/A3 online theoretical knowledge examination; they also need to have studied the additional material and completed the self-practical training. If desired, the A2 additional theoretical knowledge examination can be taken in any of the EASA member states.

Certificate of competency obtained from the A2 examination

After completion of the additional theoretical knowledge examination, the remote pilot will obtain a certificate of competency that allows them to operate an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) in the open category A2. This means that they are allowed to operate a max. 4 kg drone with a C2 class marking in a densely populated area at a safe distance from people.

During the transition period until 1 January 2023, remote pilots are allowed to operate a max. 2 kg drone in densely populated areas at a distance of 50 metres from other people after completion of the A2 additional theoretical knowledge examination, or until 31 December 2021 in Finland in accordance with the national exception. Starting from 1 January 2023 after the transition period, a drone weighing more than 250 g without a C1–C6 marking can be flown in accordance with the rules of category A3, however.

The certificate of competency obtained from the A2 examination is valid for five years.