UK CAA A2 CofC Cheat Sheet

Cheat sheet UK CAA A2 CofC Cheat Sheet Practice Questions Study Guide Print / Save PDF

Ground-Risk Mitigations Not published of exam A2 Distances People Classification Site Planning Abnormal Procedures

UAS Flight Performance Not published of exam Mass and Balance Battery Management Automation and Navigation Control Link

Meteorology Not published of exam Wind and Gusts Turbulence Air Density Visibility and Icing

Quick Facts Qualification A2 CofC Subcategory Near People (A2) Entry condition Valid Flyer ID Theory test At least 30 MCQs Pass mark At least 75% Exam timing 75 minutes Test condition Closed book Additional needs +15 minutes upon request Validity Five years Operation type VLOS only UK2 normal distance At least 30m UK2 low-speed distance At least 5m Legacy A2 distance At least 50m Open height ceiling 120m from closest surface

Five-Metre Evaluation GR Weather, Performance, Segregation Check all three Low-speed mode stays active

Flyer ID vs Operator ID GR

Flyer ID Shows pilot theory competence A2 entry condition

Operator ID Identifies responsible operator Displayed on aircraft Pilot and operator may differ

A2 Aircraft Picker GR UK2 mark displayed → Check MTOM below 4kg ( Include every payload ) Valid UK2 confirmed → Use 30m baseline ( Never overfly uninvolved people ) Low-speed mode active → Consider 5m baseline ( Evaluate all three conditions ) C2 mark displayed → Check transition date ( Ends 31 December 2027 ) No UK2 or C2 → Check market date ( Must predate 2026 ) Legacy aircraft confirmed → Check MTOM below 2kg ( Use 50m baseline ) Any A2 condition fails → Use suitable alternative ( Usually A3 or Specific ) Aircraft remains uncertain → Do not claim A2 ( Verify official documentation )

Qualification Pathway GR Provider CAA-approved RAE(PC) First credential Pass for Flyer ID Practical setting Far from People A3 Practical timing Complete before additional test Practical evidence Record flights in log Declaration Submit written confirmation Theory threshold At least 75% Certificate life Five years

Ground-Risk Scan GR People, Aircraft, Location Classify nearby people Match aircraft and site

UK2 vs Legacy Aircraft GR

UK2 Below 4kg MTOM 30m or eligible 5m

Legacy Below 2kg MTOM Always at least 50m Class and market date control

Separation Picker GR Person is uninvolved → Apply aircraft baseline ( Measure horizontally ) Person is involved → Maintain safe control ( Consent alone is insufficient ) People form crowd → Never overfly ( Open-wide prohibition ) UK2 normal mode → Keep at least 30m ( Increase when risk rises ) UK2 low-speed mode → Never closer than 5m ( Assess weather and segregation ) Legacy below 2kg → Keep at least 50m ( Low-speed reduction unavailable ) Flying above baseline → Increase horizontal distance ( CAA height-distance guidance ) Person breaches buffer → Move away or land ( Restore safe separation )

Official Test Scope GR Question floor Thirty multiple-choice questions Ground risk Technical and operational mitigations Flight performance Aircraft capability and limitations Meteorology Weather effects and decisions Exam delivery Electronic or paper-based Book condition Closed book Test duration Seventy-five minutes Additional needs Request fifteen extra minutes Failed resit Uses different questions Published weights No percentages published Minimum age None for A2 CofC Official provider Current RAE approval required

Abnormal Response GR Control, Look, Escape, Assess, Record Protect people first Review after landing

Normal vs Low-Speed Mode GR

Normal mode 30m UK2 baseline Higher kinetic energy

Low-speed mode Maximum 3m/s ground speed May permit 5m Five metres needs prior evaluation

Preflight Release GR Qualification is current → Check aircraft eligibility ( Match intended subcategory ) Aircraft is eligible → Check airspace ( Include local restrictions ) Airspace permits flight → Survey operating area ( Map people and obstacles ) Site is controllable → Check forecast ( Include gusts and visibility ) Weather stays suitable → Inspect aircraft ( Props, structure, attachments ) Aircraft passes inspection → Verify software systems ( RID, geo-awareness, failsafe ) Systems are correct → Brief assistants ( Signals and contingencies ) Every check passes → Launch with margins ( Reassess continuously )

A2 Distance Rules GR UK2 normal mode Keep at least 30m UK2 low-speed mode May reduce to 5m Legacy below 2kg Keep at least 50m Distance type Horizontal from uninvolved person A2 overflight Never overfly uninvolved people Five-metre evaluation Weather, performance, area segregation Height-distance guide Increase distance when higher Unsafe conditions Increase minimum separation

Involved vs Uninvolved Person GR

Involved Understands operation risks Follows pilot instructions

Uninvolved Not participating Protected by A2 distances Presence alone gives no consent

Aircraft Eligibility GR UK2 mass Below 4kg including payload UK2 identification Class label displayed C2 transition Recognised through 31 December 2027 Legacy mass Below 2kg MTOM Legacy market date Before 1 January 2026 UK2 Remote ID Active and updated UK2 geo-awareness Active and updated Manufacturer instructions Know and follow them

Individuals vs Crowd GR

Individuals Can move away quickly Apply required separation

Crowd Movement is constrained Never overfly Open Mobility defines assembly risk

Open Category Essentials GR Height ceiling 120m from closest surface Visual condition Maintain unaided VLOS FPV flight Observer maintains direct sight Crowd overflight Never permitted Open Manned aircraft Give way immediately Flight restriction zone Get required permission Airspace restrictions Check current notices Operator label Display Operator ID

VLOS vs Camera View GR

VLOS Direct unaided aircraft view Shows surrounding airspace

Camera view Limited field of view Cannot replace VLOS FPV needs adjacent observer

People and Sites GR Uninvolved person Not participating or briefed Involved person Consents and follows instructions Assembly People cannot move away Pedestrian route Avoid predictable movement Take-off area Secure clear ground Contingency area Reserve escape space Emergency landing Choose clear area Local controls Check bylaws and permission

Technical vs Operational Mitigation GR

Technical Aircraft or system feature Reduces likelihood or harm

Operational Pilot planning or action Controls exposure and response Strong plans combine both

Preflight Ground Risk GR Site survey Find people and obstacles Weather check Compare forecast with limits Airframe Inspect damage and security Propellers Secure, correct, undamaged Software Use current manufacturer version Geo-awareness Update restriction data Battery Confirm sufficient safe charge Height limiter Set when required

A2 vs A3 GR

A2 Near People operations Requires A2 CofC

A3 Far from People Provides training setting Use A3 when A2 fails

Inflight Ground Risk GR Person incursion Move away or land Area exit Recover immediately Aircraft incursion Descend or land clear Other UAS Avoid and preserve separation Positioning loss Take manual control Link loss Follow tested failsafe Low battery Land with reserve Post-flight review Record defects and occurrences

Performance Margin FL Load, Interference, Forecast, Temperature Check mass and signals Check wind and density

GNSS vs Compass FL

GNSS Supports position hold Loss permits drifting

Compass Supports heading reference Metal can distort it Different sensors, different failures

Abnormal Flight Response FL GNSS position fails → Control drift manually ( Move clear of people ) Compass warning appears → Avoid aggressive commands ( Land safely if needed ) Control link fails → Monitor configured failsafe ( Keep escape area clear ) RTH path becomes unsafe → Resume manual control ( Only when link permits ) Battery warning appears → Return immediately ( Land with reserve ) Manned aircraft approaches → Descend or land ( Always give way ) Uninvolved person enters → Increase separation ( Land when necessary ) Control cannot recover → Choose safest termination ( Minimise ground harm )

Mass and Balance FL Extra mass Raises required thrust Extra payload Shortens flight endurance Higher speed Lengthens stopping distance Higher mass Raises impact energy Centre of gravity Keep within manufacturer limits Imbalanced payload Reduces control margin Payload compatibility Check mounting and power MTOM Includes battery and payload

RTH Setup FL Home, Obstacles, Margin, Escape Confirm current home point Keep route below ceiling

Battery and Power FL Cold battery Less usable capacity Voltage sag Power drops under load Battery reserve Protects landing margin Storage charge Follow manufacturer setting Swollen battery Isolate and retire Smoking battery Disconnect and clear area Battery warning Return and land early Payload power Include in endurance plan

Automation and Navigation FL Home point Confirm before take-off RTH height Clear obstacles within ceiling GNSS hold Counters positional drift GNSS loss Expect wind-driven drift Compass error Causes heading confusion Magnetic interference Move away before calibration Automatic modes Practise each fitted function Dangerous automation Resume manual control

Control and Failsafes FL Control link Pilot commands aircraft Link interference Can trigger failsafe Failsafe choice RTH, hover, or land Failsafe source Manufacturer instructions control RTH obstacle risk Route may cross hazards Manual proficiency Controls drift after automation Orientation loss Use practised recovery Flyaway prevention Check wind, link, navigation

Mean Wind vs Gust ME

Mean wind Average over reporting period Sets sustained workload

Gust Brief peak speed Can exceed control margin Plan against the stronger value

Weather Go-No-Go ME Forecast unavailable → Delay the flight ( Unknown risk remains ) Gusts exceed rating → Do not launch ( Low-speed mode cannot fix ) Wind approaches rating → Add return margin ( Plan upwind recovery ) Obstacles stand upwind → Avoid lee wake ( Expect rotor turbulence ) Visibility limits VLOS → Do not launch ( Camera view cannot substitute ) Rain threatens electronics → Follow manufacturer limits ( Land before exposure ) Hot and heavily loaded → Reduce payload or postpone ( Protect thrust margin ) Conditions deteriorate → Return and land ( Preserve battery reserve )

Wind and Turbulence ME Mean wind Average reported speed Gust Short stronger wind Wind gradient Wind often strengthens aloft Upwind return Needs speed and battery Mechanical turbulence Obstacles break smooth airflow Lee side Expect turbulent wake Wind limit Use manufacturer maximum Gust exceeds limit Do not launch

Density and Temperature ME Warm air Lower density Humid air Slightly lower density High terrain Lower air density Low density Reduces available thrust Hot heavy launch Needs extra performance margin Cold conditions Reduce battery output Sun heating Can create thermals Thermal turbulence Creates vertical motion

Visibility and Moisture ME Fog Can prevent VLOS Low cloud Reduces visual margin Rain Harms sight and electronics Freezing moisture Can ice propellers Wet airframe Adds mass and risk Sun glare Can obscure aircraft Deteriorating weather Land before VLOS fails Weather sources Compare forecast and observations

Common Traps

Thirty Is Minimum Providers may set more questions ≠ Seventy-five percent still governs

Five Metres Is Conditional Requires UK2 or transitional C2 ≠ Low-speed mode must be active

Legacy Gets No Reduction Below 2kg is required ≠ Fifty metres still applies

Guidance Does Not Replace Baseline Distance minima remain mandatory ≠ Height may demand more distance

No Uninvolved Overflight A2 permits near, not over ≠ Altitude cannot cure overflight

Class Mark Matters Weight alone cannot create UK2 ≠ C2 transition ends in 2027

Automation Is Not Assurance GNSS loss permits drift ≠ RTH may cross obstacles

Operator Is Not Flyer Flyer ID proves competence ≠ Operator ID identifies responsibility

Last Minute 1 . Carry current Flyer ID 2 . Carry current A2 CofC 3 . Verify aircraft class and MTOM 4 . Display correct Operator ID 5 . Check airspace and restrictions 6 . Survey people and escape areas 7 . Compare gusts with aircraft limits 8 . Inspect props and attachments 9 . Confirm battery and reserve 10 . Update Remote ID and geo-awareness 11 . Confirm home point and failsafe 12 . Set safe RTH height 13 . Brief observer and assistants 14 . Apply correct horizontal baseline 15 . Never overfly uninvolved people 16 . Land before margins disappear

UK CAA A2 Certificate of Competency (A2 CofC) Practice Questions 120 questions Study Guide 32 topics Cheat Sheet 124 facts Flashcards 50 cards

Third-party resources · We may earn a commission from purchases.

Mastering UK Drone Flight: The Ultimate Quiz Book for Pilots, Hobbyists & Professionals (Cool Quiz Books) By Watkins, Huw $9.99 · Buy on Amazon

Same family resources Explore More International Drone Pilot Certifications Continue into nearby exams from the same family. Each card keeps practice questions, study guides, flashcards, videos, and articles in one place.

EASA Open Category A1/A3 Drone Certificate Cheat Sheet 134 facts Practice Questions 169 questions Study Guide 33 topics Flashcards 50 cards

Transport Canada RPAS Advanced Operations Practice Questions 145 questions Study Guide 49 topics

CASA Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) — Australia Practice Questions 120 questions Study Guide 63 topics

Transport Canada RPAS Basic Operations Practice Questions 118 questions Study Guide 31 topics

EASA A2 Certificate of Competency (Drone) Practice Questions 100 questions Study Guide 18 topics

CASA RPA Operator Accreditation — Australia Practice Questions 100 questions

Independent exam preparation notice OpenExamPrep is an independent education provider, not affiliated with or endorsed by the exam sponsors named on this site. Exam and certification names identify what our resources help you study for; they do not imply sponsorship, approval, or review of our materials. Unless a resource expressly identifies authorized public material, our practice questions are independently developed simulations, not actual, recalled, or sponsor-provided exam items. We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor. Updated 2026-08-10 . Official exam sources checked CAA rules effective 1 January 2026 . This is a study aid only and is not for use during the exam. CAA A2 Certificate of Competency CAA Near People A2 Regulation CAA Additional A2 Theory Test CAA A2 Practical Self-Training CAA A2 Flight-Log Declaration CAA UK2 Class Requirements CAA Drone Code Legal Requirements CAA Drone Code Flight Limits