Model aircraft and certified aircraft: what are the differences?

Five differences between ENAC-certified drones and hobby model aircraft.

To fly professionally (and carry out aerial work activities), every drone must comply with the rules introduced this year by ENAC.
However, not all drones are certified by the authority. But what are the differences, and what exactly can you do with a model aircraft versus an RPAS? Let's find out together, to understand whether our drone, or the one we would like to buy, needs certification from the Italian National Civil Aviation Authority or not.

Authorisation and insurance:

Anyone flying a certified aircraft for professional activity doesn't just have a "piece of paper", but also an official authorisation issued by the company that manufactured the aircraft.
Conversely, if the product does not obtain ENAC certification at the factory, both of the above elements are missing. In this case, the risk for those flying a model aircraft is incurring a penalty.

Training:

Although piloting a drone is very intuitive, it is important not to underestimate the importance of proper training both on correct and safe flying practices and on the regulations in force. A company that sells certified RPAS has the right and the duty to provide proper training to its customers, in person or through dedicated handouts.
Conversely, those who sell non-certified model aircraft are not required to do so.

Assembly:

Certified drones are delivered already built and ready to fly, since the manufacturer has been responsible for ensuring that the assembly of all parts has also followed specific and strict rules.
Model aircraft are often delivered as assembly kits to be put together. Great for hobbyists and model-making enthusiasts, and perfect if the spirit and purpose of the purchase is recreational and limited to a few activities.

Maintenance:

Maintenance is also linked to the previous point; when purchasing a certified drone, the manufacturer will agree with the customer on scheduled maintenance to ensure that all components remain safe and compliant over time. This is not essential for a company selling hobby model aircraft.

Use:

This last point ties in with all the previous ones and it is vitally important to always keep it in mind when choosing a drone. It is important to ask yourself: why do I need it? If the purpose is recreational, to build an aircraft and fly it in your own garden with a small camera and experience the feeling of flight, even a non-certified model aircraft may be fine, of course always using it without breaching the ENAC rules on remote flight.
But if you need the drone for professional purposes, such as video and aerial footage, technical mapping, landscape protection, etc., it is essential to rely on brands that can guarantee certification. Without it, in fact, you cannot even enter into agreements and contracts with private clients, let alone with public bodies.

Because safety and professionalism are not a sport or a hobby.