European regulations: Understanding UAS classes in the OPEN category

From January 1ᵉʳ 2024, European drone regulations (EASA harmonized framework) require that drones marketed to fly in the open category be marked with a CE class ranging from C0 to C4. This classification is based primarily on maximum take-off weight, but also on the presence of safety functions such as Remote ID, speed limitation and geo-monitoring modes. Drones without CE marking but placed on the market before the end of 2023 can still fly, but under stricter rules based on their weight and without benefiting from certain flexibilities.

General principle of drone classes and practical impact

The logic behind the European classification is simple: the lighter a drone is, and the more safety devices it is fitted with, the less risk it presents when flying close to people or in a variety of environments. Consequently, drone classes directly influence the sub-categories of operations (A1, A2, A3) in which the drone can operate, and the obligations of the remote pilot. Get to grips with these concepts, and you'll be able to choose the drone best suited to your needs, while complying with the relevant regulations.

C0 class: ultra-light for maximum freedom

Class C0 drones have a maximum take-off weight of less than 250 g and minimum safety requirements. They are authorized in sub-category A1, which means you can fly over isolated people without specific authorization, but not over crowds.

DJI models in this class include :

These drones are popular for leisure, travel or occasional shooting, thanks to their light weight and ability to fly almost anywhere with reduced constraints.

C1 class: compact UAVs for broader use

Class C1 drones have a maximum mass of less than 900 g, and must be equipped with a Remote ID system and certain safety functions. They are also authorized in A1 subcategory, but in practice require the pilot to be registered and trained (A1/A3 certificate).

DJI examples in C1 today:

These models offer a balance between performance and manoeuvrability, making them ideal for aerial photography, creative videos and technical flights in non-urban or semi-urban environments.

Class C2: intermediate UAVs for controlled proximity

Class C2 drones weigh less than 4 kg. They are equipped not only with Remote ID, but also with a low-speed mode or other functions to increase safety when flying close to people. These drones can operate in the A2 sub-category, which imposes minimum horizontal distances from uninvolved persons if they get too close.

DJI models typically marked C2 :

DJI Mavic 4 Pro
DJI Matrice 30 / M30T
DJI Mavic 3 Pro

These drones are designed for advanced users, light professional applications and demanding filming with tighter regulatory constraints.

Class C3: heavy UAVs for open areas

Class C3 UAVs weigh less than 25 kg and have to meet stringent technical requirements, including Remote ID, altitude limitation, geovigilance and other safety features. They are generally used in sub-category A3, which requires significant distances from populated areas or people, and A1/A3 training..

A concrete example from DJI:

DJI Matrice 350 RTK

This type of drone is used in industrial and technical operations, or in environments where human proximity is limited, such as infrastructure inspection, mapping or surveillance.

Class C4: drones without certain automatic aids

Class C4 includes UAVs which do not meet all the requirements of the preceding classes (notably without certain geo-monitoring or integrated identification systems), but whose mass remains below 25 kg. These drones also typically fly in the A3 subclass, with the same constraints on distance from people and populated areas, and require A1/A3 qualification.

At DJI, some older or more specialized models may fall into this category if their equipment does not meet all the requirements of a higher class; however, the C4 standard is less prevalent among recent consumer drones.

Sub-categories of operations and their influence

Visit open category is divided into three sub-categories:

A1 C0 and C1 light UAVs: flights close to people or over isolated persons.
A2 C2 drones: flights close to people, subject to minimum horizontal distances.
A3 C2, C3, C4 UAVs or UAVs without CE marking, with strict constraints on the flight environment.

In practice, these sub-categories are the heart of the regulatory application: they determine the minimum distances to be respected and the level of training required for a compliant flight.

Summary table of drone classes with DJI examples

Class	Max. mass	Main requirements	Typical subcategory	DJI examples
C0	< 250 g	CE marking, base	A1	Mini 2 SE, Mini 3, Mini 4 Pro
C1	< 900 g	Remote ID & security	A1	Air 3, Mavic 3 / Classic / Cine
C2	< 4 kg	Remote ID + slow mode	A2	Mavic 3 Enterprise, M30 / M30T
C3	< 25 kg	Remote ID + geovigilance	A3	350 RTK matrix
C4	< 25 kg	Fewer automatic aids	A3	Some older or specialized models

Current European drone regulations categorize aircraft according to their technical characteristics and the level of risk associated with their use. These CE classes, which are now essential for flying in the open category, enable flight conditions to be better adapted to the real capabilities of drones. For DJI users, there is today a range of CE-marked models that clearly fit into this framework, offering a combination of performance and regulatory compliance. Mastering these classifications is essential for flying legally and choosing your device according to your projects, whether recreational or more advanced.