ENAC clarifies the drone rules: here is what changes for UAS pilots in Italy

EU Regulation 2019/947 and MTOM

The Italian National Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC) has recently issued a circular providing crucial clarifications on the maximum take-off mass (MTOM) for the use of specific Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) in the "open" category (Open). This document offers a detailed interpretation of Art. 20 of EU Implementing Regulation 2019/947, which governs the continued use of drones that do not carry a class marking, provided they were placed on the market before 1 January 2024 and comply with specific MTOM limits. In particular:

Subcategory A1: a drone can operate in this subcategory if it has an MTOM of less than 250 g, including any payloads. This allows the drone to fly over people, albeit with safety-related limitations.

Subcategory A3: a drone can operate in this subcategory if it has an MTOM of less than 25 kg, including fuel and payloads. This subcategory requires flights to be carried out away from people and urban areas. Responsibility for ensuring that the declared MTOM is accurate and compliant with the regulations lies with the manufacturers. They must provide this information clearly and accessibly, so that users can operate drones safely and in compliance with European law: several brands have already adapted to this regulation, including Autel and the world leader in drone manufacturing, DJI, which have declared the MTOM for many of their existing drone models.

Do you have an A3 category drone but want to fly in A1 or A2? Here is what you need to do to make the flight possible!

If you own a drone to which this regulation applies, whose MTOM allows it to be used in subcategory A3, but you intend to carry out operations that fall under subcategories A2 or A3 (e.g. flying near or over uninvolved people), it is possible to fly within those categories provided that a terminator and an electronic ID are installed and you hold an STS certificate: this is why it becomes important to attend a course in the "Specific" category.

Training is therefore essential: at Aerialclick we offer drone pilot courses both in the Open category, which covers subcategories A1, A2 and A3, and in the Specific category, which allows you to operate in more complex and urban contexts. These courses will give you the skills needed to fly safely and in compliance with the regulations.

Conclusion

ENAC's recent clarifications have specified the conditions for the continued use of drones without class marking, with an emphasis on the maximum take-off mass (MTOM). Leading brands such as DJI have reacted quickly, updating the MTOM declarations for many of their existing models.