Open Category

Last update 20.12.2024

General Rules

An UAS operation in the OPEN category is exempt from authorization by the DAC. It is the operator's responsibility to comply with the rules laid down and the Grand Ducal Police will ensure compliance with the general provisions in force.
In order for an UAS to be considered able to operate in the OPEN category, all of the following conditions must be met:

In addition to the general rules of the OPEN category described in the table above, the OPEN category is subdivided into 3 Sub-Categories, the main purpose of which is the protection of people on the ground.

Which UAS can be used in the OPEN Subcategory A1?

What are the operational requirements in the OPEN Subcategory A1?

In addition to the general operational requirement of the OPEN category, the conditions are:

Operations close to persons not involved in the operations is possible (no formal horizontal safety distance);
The overflight of persons not involved in the operation is to be avoided as much as possible;
Flying over assembly of people is strictly prohibited;

What training is needed to operate in the OPEN Subcategory A1?

The OPEN A1/A3 online theoretical examination is needed for the Subcategory A1

What about the UAS without a class mark “C” in the OPEN Subcategory A1?

From 1st January 2024, all UAS without a class mark “C” and whose mass is greater than 250g will be automatically reclassified as OPEN Subcategory A3;

Which UASs can be used in the OPEN Subcategory A2?

Please note that an UAS that is in a lighter category (e.g. Subcategory A1) is always accepted in a higher category (here Subcategory A2).

What are the operational requirements in the OPEN Subcategory A2?

In addition to the general operational requirement of the OPEN category, the conditions are:

Operations are carried out with a horizontal safety distance ("x") of :
- Minimum 30 m from persons NOT involved (for flight up to maximum 30m height);
- This distance can be reduced from 30 m to 5 m if the UAS uses the low-speed mode with a UAS with a class mark C2;
In addition, a "1:1" rule applies:
- if the operator is flying 80 m above the ground, he must maintain 80 m of horizontal safety distance between the UAS and non-participating persons

What training is needed to operate in the OPEN Subcategory A2?

The OPEN A1/A3 online theoretical examination is needed for the Subcategory A2;
The declaration of practical-skills self-training (declared during the examination session);
The OPEN A2 theoretical examination

What about the UASs without class mark “C” in the OPEN Subcategory A2?

From 1st January 2024, all UAS without a class mark “C” and whose mass is greater than 250g will be automatically reclassified as OPEN Subcategory A3;

Which UASs can be used in the OPEN Subcategory A3?

Please note that an UAS that is in a lighter category (e.g. Subcategory A1 or A2) is always accepted in a higher category (here Subcategory A3).

What are the operational requirements in the OPEN Subcategory A3?

In addition to the general operational requirement of the OPEN category, the conditions are:

Operations without non-participating persons in the area of operations;
The horizontal safety distance must be 150m from residential, commercial, industrial or recreational areas;

What training is needed to operate in the OPEN Subcategory A3?

What about the UASs without class mark “C” in the OPEN Subcategory A3?

From 1st January 2024, all UAS without a class mark “C” and whose mass is greater than 250g will be automatically reclassified as OPEN Subcategory A3;