TAKING THE A2 CofC - What do you have to do/know? How long does it take?

[@jgphotography3365]

I just purchased my Operator ID and was looking into doing the A2 CofC course. This video has provided plenty of info for me to soon start the course. Thank you for the upload!

[@paul-thys]

I am glad it was useful! Thanks for taking the time to comment!

[@albertol1529]

Thank you Paul for making this video. It’s demystified the exam and the level of difficulty.

[@paul-thys]

Thanks Alberto. That was my aim 🙂

[@pril250]

Hi Paul and thanks for confirming everything that may be relevant to flying my drone. Now more than ever I know it isn't feasible for me to get involved in taking the A2 CofC as I live and use to fly in London. So out goes my 700g Zino pro to be replaced with a DJI Mini 2 which will suit for the amount and type of flying I like as a hobbyist

[@paul-thys]

Glad it was helpful! Sorry about the restrictions. It may be worth waiting a while to see if a C1 drone is released depending on how often you fly. A C1 drone can weigh up to 900g, but will have almost the same restrictions as the Mini 2. Although I don't know how long it will be before one is released...

[@geoffcampbell7846]

Cheers Paul, that's really useful thanks. Well done for taking up the baton on this as many folk will want to carry on flying within the rules and the relative freedom of the A2 category and with less of a sense of impending doom that some barrack room lawyer is going to start causing trouble. This qualification will go a long way to easing that issue and its good to broaden one's learning and have it confirmed by an instructor. Keep up the good work.

[@paul-thys]

Thanks Geoff, yeah it eases the worry. Could be worse, like the laws coming into place in the US!

[@KaiCreative]

Really concise Paul, Thanks for this!

[@paul-thys]

My pleasure! Thanks Kai!

[@benrec6]

Thanks Paul, looking forward to doing my A2CofC in the coming weeks.

[@paul-thys]

Nice one Ben, hope you enjoy it and good luck!

[@benrec6]

@@paul-thys cheers! I realise I met you a good few years back when you were at The Echo. Am in Wickford 👍

[@paul-thys]

@@benrec6 That's cool! Were you in the paper? A lot has changed since then! 😂

[@benrec6]

@@paul-thys no I’m also a photographer & I use to do all the event photography for Festival Park. I also use to have a studio in the local area too. Yeah things certainly have changed!

[@paul-thys]

@@benrec6 Great to hear from you! Hope you are well!

[@MrTottihunter]

Well done Paul. This vid is just what I needed, just about to sign up 👍

[@paul-thys]

Thanks, glad you found it useful!

[@steve-martin-42]

Congratulations Paul, going to book in the next few days, your description of the cource has answered a few questions, Happy New Year, keep safe😷 & safe flying

[@paul-thys]

Glad it was useful! Happy new year!

[@MarkStokesFlys]

Congratulations Paul . Thanks for sharing the information.

[@paul-thys]

Thank you kindly and thanks for watching!

[@jamesclark1152]

Thanks for sharing Paul, very useful to know. Congratulations on passing the exam.

[@paul-thys]

Thanks James!

[@kentprepper6392]

Great vid, exactly what i was looking for, thanks 👍

[@paul-thys]

Glad it helped

[@winstonward5772]

Very Helpful Paul. Thank you for sharing 🙏

[@paul-thys]

My pleasure!

[@paranormalinvestigationsin9370]

thank you ..

[@paul-thys]

Thanks man!

[@MrPhotoman1]

Well done on passing the course Paul and another useful Video on your experience of the test and course. I had a lot of thought about this and will probably take it but having passed the Caa 40 Questions flyer I. D which i got 1st time 39 out of the 40 have decided to see what bit of work i get from the Mini 2 as i don't really want to get a hugh drone And i can do comershel work with insurance roof and gutter etc without the A2 plus with this lockdown tier4 can't do alot at the moment anyway Phil Hope you had a good day yesterday

[@paul-thys]

It will be perfect for that! Yeah, everyone has different circumstances and if you don’t need it, why bother. I feel I should point out, if you are using it for commercial work the law would still require you to have insurance...

[@MrPhotoman1]

@@paul-thys O'yes definitely i got insurance for my photography business Public indemnity and Liability i am planning to call my insurance company and see if i can add the drone into the policy if not i will get separate insurance on all fronts of photography whether it be drone or not you'd be silly these days not to have it. I been a professional photographer for 40 odd years doing commercial work /wedding photography etc and always have had it, you be surprised these day's since digital came along the amount of wannabes who don't have it 😳 Happy Flying Regards Phil

[@paul-thys]

@@MrPhotoman1 haha, I have been a freelance photographer for 15 years and have seen wedding photographers turn up with one lens, no flash gun a still charge a bomb! People thinks it’s easy, but there’s a lot to get right...

[@Steve53]

Hi Paul just started the course work, through the first section, think I might need bigger brain power, fingers crossed 🤞

[@paul-thys]

You can do it! Hopefully you will enjoy it too!

[@uksewingmachineservice7030]

That's great news mate all the best don 🤠🇬🇧👍👍👍👍

[@paul-thys]

Thanks Don!

[@DarrenHale]

Very informative Paul, thanks for sharing! 👍

[@paul-thys]

Thanks for watching man. Not sure how useful it will be in Korea 😂

[@paulcomptonpdphotography]

Thank you. I am dyslexic and don't read to good will I struggle

[@paul-thys]

Hi Paul! There is a lot of reading. I would recommend talking to the course provider before booking and explaining your situation. I know that some providers, such as UAV Hub have help for people with dyslexia.

[@scoobythestandardwireddach9306]

Thanks Paul, helpful 👍

[@paul-thys]

Happy to help

[@lindsayheyes925]

Congratulations on getting the A2 Paul, it's really worth doing and you got a very good deal. It's a good lockdown course, and I'd recommend it to anyone. I did my A2 with UAVHUB, which included some extra-curricular material which was really useful. January 1st 2021 is A2 Freedoms Day! 😄 Enjoy! Happy New Year!

[@paul-thys]

Haha, they would have been my first choice, they look very professional, I got corrupted by the money though 😂 Yes! Weather permitted I may pop in to London and try my luck. Still undecided, but despite a lot of research can’t find a reason not to fly in certain areas should the be no footfall...

[@WatchHobbyist]

Very helpful, thanks

[@paul-thys]

Glad it was helpful!

[@garygroom7]

Congratulations Paul 👍

[@paul-thys]

Thanks Gary!

[@sookiaziz]

Hi Paul thanks for this really insightful vid. I currently have a mavic 2 zoom i havnt used it for a while even though i only did the flyer ID online test last year. It seems this has all got abit too much, one cost and complication after another. I would like ur advice, is it worth doing this CofC test given my drone will be classed as A3 in just over one years time regardless if i have a CofC. 100 pounds is allot concidering i can sell up and downgrade to buy a mavic mini and be able to have 'time limitted freedom' they give us annually. Whats ur thoughts its such a shame the mavic 2 pro/zoom owners are being cracked down on in the UK forcing honest proffessional pilots to go rogue or sell up.

[@paul-thys]

Only you can make that decision. I don't know your financial situation and how much enjoyment you get from your zoom ect. If you think a Mini 2 would be enough for you, I think down grading the to one would be the best option. (I use my Mini 2 way more that my MA2 due to convenience, but would miss the slow motion it provides if I couldn't use it). I would not get an A2 CofC solely to fly a zoom with less restrictions for 17 months. If you were getting a similar C1 or C2 drone (if one ever comes out) in a few years I feel the A2 CofC would be a good idea. Another more expensive option (around £400) would be to get a GVC qualification to obtain a PDRA-01 from the CAA. This effectively will allow you to fly with a 50 meter bubble around the zoom (in the specific category so the freedom will last as long as the qualification) allowing you to fly over uninvolved people if you do so safely, 50 meters above them. This option would actually allow profession pilots more freesom than they would have previously had with the PfCO.

[@sookiaziz]

Hi paul Thank you so much for the wise advise and taking the time to help me decide, I didnt think of the more expensive option. The worry is it doesnt seem like it will end there given how much the rules keep changing and inconciderate of actual flying practical skill just a focus on providing expensive courses and gimmy qualifications for a period of time. Imagine having to redo ur driving test every year or so and then being limmited to only driving on a damn farm thats if u get permission. I love my zoom, i bought it in Dubai and the laws there made so much more sense at the time a practical qualification test, a licence card and device label no other money scheme BS that was 4yrs ago though. I wouldnt want to get rid of it if i could but i only ever use it for family travel memories but as per ur advice it makes sense to just sell up before the price drops dramitacally in a years time.

[@dronelegacy403]

Hi could you help me pls., I need to provide logs, showing 4hrs of flight time (at least 2hrs since enrolment, and 2hrs can be from the previous 90 days). The logs need to show the flight duration, along with takeoff and landing time. Do you know where I can get this? I thought It was on Dji App. Thanks in advance

[@paul-thys]

Yes, start up your DJI Fly app. Go to profile, them click more. This will be you flight log.

[@colinthecameraguy]

Thank you!

[@paul-thys]

Thanks Colin, Glad it was useful!

[@stuartgreen5217]

I’m in the middle of my a2 course with flyby it’s all online (zoom) tutor led by an ex raf pilot which is awesome. 3 evenings for two hours then the exam. I feel like I’m getting a lot of bang for the £99

[@paul-thys]

That sounds great Stuart, think I would have preferred it over zoom. Glad you are enjoying it and good luck!

[@alanfordyce]

Hi Paul, good info out of the 30 questions how many did you need for a pass...?

[@paul-thys]

Thanks Alan! I got them all right. I should point out that having the channel helped as I have to make sure I answer people questions correctly so did a lot of research before hand. Having said that you are told all the answers in the course and you can take the test as many times as you like. It has changed now so you don’t need someone watching you just some anti cheat software, so you can take it without appointment whenever you like.

[@ahmedswaiseh2911]

Hi Paul, I am wondering where we submit our flight logs? So the practicals are to be done to submit them to IRED? Thanks

[@piefingers1369]

just wondering - if you think the GVC is worth doing - or just stick with the A2 cofC DJI Inspire 1. flyer ID and OPs License, but cant quite decided if the GVC or the A2 is the better option. might end up being a case of just do them both to be covered

[@paul-thys]

I have done them both now. The biggest difference for me is the GVC will allow you to get your PDRA 01, which will allows you to over fly uninvolved people when above 50 meters with your Inspire. It depends what you want it to do with your drone...

[@Grahamwarrellow1]

Thanks Paul, really helpful guidance - much appreciated! Do you know if the A2 CofC allows you to fly a drone under similar circumstances in other European countries such as France and Spain?

[@paul-thys]

You need to get in contact with their equivalent of the CAA and ask them. They may have slightly different laws.

[@Portsmouth2023]

Hi great video thanks. Just a quick question. I have my operator's I.d Flyers I.d and checked with the caa who confirmed I can use my sub drone 249g mini 3 Pro For commercial purposes. I am wishing to do a side line with my full time job. Just for friends weddings and roof inspections for a small fee. If I do this course how would it help me. As the caa did recommend maybe doing it aswell but not needed. I understand at the moment I can only fly under the 50 meter by eople who ARE involved. Does this mean say a wedding party would they be classed as involved etc. I will definitely we doing this course just would like to know what I would get out of it . Does it offer me more freedom than the flyers I.d. or just more information to help me. I am only intending to use a 249g drone. Thanks Kevin Great video

[@paul-thys]

Hi Kevin. As the CAA have said you do not need it. You can fly you drone with no minimum distance from people. - involved or not, it doesn't matter. Just make sure it safe. The qualification will bring no physical advantages for a sub 250 gram drone. I use my drone as an add on for my video work and I use the Mini 3 Pro over the heavier drones as there is less paper work needed. (none in fact). It is quick an easy to get in the air, it is quite and draws less attention. I did however find both the A2 CofC and the GVC useful in terms of the law. When uninvolved people come up to you to tell you you are breaking law (incorrectly) you can baffle them with legal jargon and reference the legislation and they simply cannot argue with you. They gave me confidence and knowledge that I am glad to have. I would highly recommend the A2 CofC and if you start getting a lot of work at £400 a day from you drone, I would look into the GVC. The things I would mention is regardless of qualification, you will need to buy commercial insurance when flying commercially (having a contract written or verbal before flight). You will also need to obey privacy and GDPR rules which the GVC covers. Luckily for you I have this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/joC4aICOj66brbc Happy flying!

[@petewakelamsloan750]

Happy Christmas! Really useful video, thanks Paul. I’ve signed up for the A2 CofC, so it’s really helpful to know what I’ve let myself in for! I have a question about the Mini 2. I’ve bought a strobe for it which takes it over the 250g limit (it’s still

[@paul-thys]

Hi Pete, assuming it is still under 500g weight it can be flown in the A1 transitional category (if you have the A2 CofC) you will also need a fliers ID. This will mean you will be able to pretty much fly it the same but you cannot intentionally fly over uninvolved people.

[@petewakelamsloan750]

@@paul-thys Thanks Paul, that’s really helpful. I was keen to learn the Drone Code etc..., so although I didn’t need to register, I’ve already got my Operator’s & Flier’s ID. Just need to find the time to knock out the A2 CofC now and I’m good to go 👍🏼 It only takes the Mini 2 up to 252.9g with the strobe, and it goes back to sub 250g when removed. I presume due to it being in the transitional category that I won’t be able to use it with the strobe post 31/12/22?

[@beautytalk5019]

Paul, would I be ok displaying some off your images in my group and make others aware of the law etc

[@paul-thys]

Go ahead. A credit would be awesome! Thanks for asking. I would love to see the website 😊

[@sheapyfpv8224]

Great video very helpful. Will I still need to do A2cofc for fpv drone. Drones I fly typically between 500g to 800grasms?

[@paul-thys]

It will give you slightly more freedom. I would watch this video, it will break down some more options. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZpPVnoekr9uafsk You may be better joining a flight club.

[@mikesography7395]

Hi thanks for your video. Just for a dummy like me… is this what I need to do to fly my Mavic mini 2 in Spain as a tourist? I don’t live in Europe.. Am I in the right place pls

[@paul-thys]

Hi Mike. No you shouldn’t need anything like this if you are flying your mini 2 in Europe as long as you don’t make your drone heavier. You would need to check on the Spanish aviation authority equivalent website and see what tourist need to keep in mind with drones. Although Europe has EASA rules l, each country will still slightly differ when it comes to laws.

[@denaco]

really up for doing this. does it allow commercial paid work? like wedding events?

[@paul-thys]

You don't even need one for commercial work. It just gives you more freedom of where you can fly. For weddings I would recommend a small drone like the mini 3. Just need commercial insurance.

[@markframpton7137]

I am currently doing the ired course which refers to both Legacy drones as well as Transitional drones. I thought they were the same thing. What is the difference?

[@paul-thys]

The transitional drones are legacy drones that will fit into the A1 or A2 transitional subcategory. If the are legacy, but weigh more than 2kg, I believe they are not transitional.

[@krayox7814]

Hi Paul - great video! Just a quick question, I am planning on getting a drone between the 250-500g category. Does it have to be a certain drone (e.g. dji mavic) or can it be any drone that applies to that weight category in order for the A2 CofC test to apply to it? Thanks :)

[@paul-thys]

Any drone that weighs between 250-500g when it takes off can make use of the A1 transitional period until 1 Jan 2023. the parrot anafi is quite a popular one...

[@krayox7814]

@@paul-thys thanks a lot!

[@jeg569]

Thank you for the very informative video, if the test was a fail would I have to pay the fee again? I see the Ired website is down and the search engine says it is unsafe!

[@paul-thys]

I believe you can take it as many times as you like, but would double check before booking it! I know, I am sure it is safe, I have been trying to contact them to find out what is going on 🤨

[@stuart4176]

I have booked mine but feeling very nervous about taking it, i’m 64 a hobby flyer with no interest in selling pictures but doing it to be safe. If you have a imac desk top how can you show the room, its fixed to the desk.

[@paul-thys]

I don't how that would work. I would recommend talking to your course instructor. They are there to help a guide you through. Good luck with the course!

[@reggiereg92]

When you do the online chat bit is it a one to one thing or like a classroom thing with others on the screen?

[@paul-thys]

You Leave a question and they get back to you when they can. It's usually quite quick within a few hours or so (not so much on the weekends). It's one to one and is done through the software.

[@fastcarzrc4349]

Well done what is the minimum percentage to pass ?

[@paul-thys]

Thank you. 75% I believe.

[@VideoEngineering]

Hi Paul. Good video. Thanks. I've got my NQE pilot licence done few years ago. Do I need to do the A2 CofC to be able to fly commercially for my own business? Thanks

[@paul-thys]

Hi Comancho, There is no longer a commercial license. So you can do commercial work without any qualifications. What you will need is to do register yourself as a drone user on the CAA website and have commercial drone insurance. An A2 CofC may help reduce your insurance and if you have a drone between 500g - 2kg it will allow you to fly your drone with less restrictions.

[@VideoEngineering]

@@paul-thys thanks. I've never pursued the commercial licence. I've only done personal pilot licence. Now I might be able to use it for our work record but do I need to do the A2 CofC ? Is my old licence useless now?

[@AdamJonesPhoto]

Hi thanks for making this. Does this now allow you to fly commercially as in for reward?

[@paul-thys]

You no longer need any certificates to fly commercially. All you need is to register yourself to get an operator ID. Get a fliers ID (if your drone is 250g or above) and commercial insurance. The course allows you to fly some drones with less restriction and may slightly reduce insurance costs.

[@stevenhale2935]

@@paul-thys i was under the impression that the a2 cofc was required to get any insurance at all, is that not correct?

[@paul-thys]

@@stevenhale2935 No. You can get insured without. If you go on to a site like flock cover (for commercial insurance) you will see there is little difference. You can check before buying any insurance. For recreational insurancers I am not even sure if it is taken into account...

[@Gordonafloat]

I am wondering whether it will be permissible to fly drones such as the Mavic 2 Pro and Evo II Pro " not for profit" from January 2021 without doing a A2 C of C? I don't want to invest a lot of money in a expensive drone only to discover I cannot fly it if I was to fail the course. Talking of possibly failing - How many re-sits are allowed and how much would that cost? As a qualified and experienced Gold "C" glider pilot and instructor, I am not predicting or expecting to fail, but I think these are questions many will like to know the answers to.

[@paul-thys]

The laws no longer take into account whether you are flying for profit or not. They only take into account the type of drone you fly and the experience of the pilot. Any drone on the market at the moment of 250g can only be flown in the A3 subcategory of the the open category with out any certificates. So the 2 pro and evo 2 pro will need to be flown 150m From recreational, industrial, commercial and residential areas and 50m away from uninvolved people. I believe the exam can be sit as many times as needed. When I did mine I saw there were three final exams available. 2 of which were resits.

[@Gordonafloat]

@@paul-thys Thanks for the prompt reply. I decided to have a go with the basic test online and passed with no problems so now have a flyer ID. It is good news to know I can fly the 2 pro or evo 2 pro within the restriction of 150m from recreational, industrial, commercial and residential areas and 50m away from uninvolved people. I was worried about spending £1500 plus on something I might not be able to use if I failed to pass an A2 C of C. I now have to consider whether it is worth passing the qualification to fly less restricted.

[@elemar5]

FEWER restrictions, not less. :)

[@paul-thys]

😂 I'm an Essex boi!

[@davesfilmingservices4377]

I have a PfCO license do I need to take this too ??

[@paul-thys]

No, it's more a hobbyist certificate and as long as you renew your PfCO it will still be valid for a few years.

[@davesfilmingservices4377]

@@paul-thys thanks for your reply

[@macduff1964a]

q - is the exam 'open book' or merely a test of memory?

[@paul-thys]

It's a test of memory.

[@phantomvideo1279]

Wish I'd waited. Cost me £250 quid.

[@paul-thys]

Sorry man, yeah I guess there would be a lot of people who would just fly illegally rather than pay the £250. Still my fear would have been as it becomes the law it may have gone up in price, so when you took it could have gone either way...

[@richardlawrencesmith]

CAA - Campaign Against Aviation or Cash Again & Again.

[@paul-thys]

😂

[@MrChippiechappie]

Fuck the A2 c of c just fly your drone and be sensible where you fly it.

[@fredbloggs7345]

Seems like aload of bollocks and I ain't doing it

[@paul-thys]

Hope you still enjoy flying

[@g3orgeK.]

Pay to fly my drone. No thank you. What kind of bullshit is this