A1/A3 drone exam questions

1. Question 1

   Above what height do you need an authorisation in the Specific category?

   • A20 metres.
   • B220 metres.
   • C120 metres.
   • D320 metres.
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   Correct answer: C. 120 metres.

   The maximum permitted height in the Open category is 120 metres above the ground. To fly higher than that, you need an operational authorisation in the Specific category.

2. Question 2

   In which subcategory does a drone with a maximum take-off mass (MTOM) of less than 250 g operate?

   • AA1 without payload
   • BA1 with payload
   • CA1 if its speed is below 19 m/s and/or it is privately built
   • DAlways and only in A1, regardless of speed or whether it is privately built
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   Correct answer: D. Always and only in A1, regardless of speed or whether it is privately built

   Drones with an MTOM below 250 g are placed in subcategory A1, the least restrictive subcategory, because of the low risk they pose.

3. Question 3

   Harald has just bought a new gimbal with a camera for his drone. The drone weighs 249 grams. Once fitted, the drone weighs 274 grams in total. May he fly it without a course and proof of competence?

   • ANo, you need separate training to fly with a camera.
   • BNo, all payload counts towards the drone’s total mass (MTOM).
   • CYes, drones under 350 grams do not require any training.
   • DYes, the gimbal does not count towards the drone’s total mass (MTOM).
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   Correct answer: B. No, all payload counts towards the drone’s total mass (MTOM).

   The drone’s take-off mass (MTOM) includes all payload. Since the new weight is over 249 grams, the pilot must register and complete the online course and exam for A1/A3.

4. Question 4

   Is it permitted to fly over crowds in the 'open category'?

   • AYes, as long as you have special permission from Luftfartstilsynet.
   • BYes, but only if the drone used is C-marked.
   • CNo, flying over crowds is prohibited in the open category.
   • DYes, if you fly higher than 120 metres.
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   Correct answer: C. No, flying over crowds is prohibited in the open category.

   Flying over crowds is considered a high-risk operation and is strictly prohibited in the open category, regardless of the drone’s weight or C class marking.

5. Question 5

   When must you obtain permission from the local air traffic services unit to fly?

   • AWhen I fly closer than 6 km to an airport
   • BWhen I fly closer than 10 km to an airport
   • CWhen I fly closer than 7 km to an airport
   • DWhen I fly closer than 5 km to an airport.
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   Correct answer: D. When I fly closer than 5 km to an airport.

   The main rule is that any flight within 5 km of an airport requires permission from the relevant air traffic service (usually the tower), so that you do not come into conflict with manned aviation.

6. Question 6

   What must you remember when planning the route for your flight?

   • ALook up information about the airspace you will fly in, including NOTAMs.
   • BIgnore other air traffic, since you will be flying low.
   • CCall the tower.
   • DApply to Luftfartstilsynet for permission for the job.
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   Correct answer: A. Look up information about the airspace you will fly in, including NOTAMs.

   Before every flight, it is the pilot’s responsibility to gather all relevant information about the airspace, including temporary hazards and restrictions published as NOTAMs (Notice to Airmen).

7. Question 7

   Which statement about NOTAMs is correct?

   • AA NOTAM is a drone map with airspace information.
   • BNOTAMs are only for pilots of manned aircraft.
   • CNOTAM is an international term for the AIP.
   • DA NOTAM is meant to give the pilot information that may affect the flight.
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   Correct answer: D. A NOTAM is meant to give the pilot information that may affect the flight.

   A NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) is a notice containing important, time-critical information about hazards, changes or restrictions relevant to a planned flight.

8. Question 8

   Which drones must have built-in geo-awareness?

   • ANo drones are required to have this function.
   • BAll privately built drones.
   • CAll C class drones except C0 and C4.
   • DAll drones.
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   Correct answer: C. All C class drones except C0 and C4.

   The geo-awareness requirement applies to drones in classes C1, C2 and C3. The lightest drones (C0) and those without automated functions (C4) are exempt.

9. Question 9

   Are batteries affected by sub-zero temperatures?

   • ANo, only if it is colder than -40 °C.
   • BYes, they conduct electricity better.
   • CNo, they are not affected.
   • DYes, their capacity is reduced.
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   Correct answer: D. Yes, their capacity is reduced.

   Cold slows the chemical reaction in LiPo batteries, which lowers the voltage and the usable capacity. This shortens the flight time and, at worst, can cause the drone to lose power.

10. Question 10

    Which document sets out the limitations for using the UAS?

    • AThe user manual
    • BThe EU declaration of conformity
    • CProof of operator registration
    • DThe pilot’s certificate of competency
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    Correct answer: A. The user manual

    The user manual, supplied by the manufacturer, is the main document describing the drone’s technical and operational limitations, such as maximum wind speed, operating temperature and other performance limits.

11. Question 11

    Do all EU/EEA countries have the same insurance requirements for drone flying?

    • AOnly Norway, Sweden and Denmark.
    • BYes, the same rules apply everywhere.
    • COnly Norway and Sweden.
    • DNo, each country has its own rules.
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    Correct answer: D. No, each country has its own rules.

    Although the flying rules are largely harmonised, insurance requirements can vary from country to country. It is the operator’s responsibility to check the national requirements of the country they fly in.

12. Question 12

    Which of these may be sensitive personal data that needs a special legal basis to process?

    • ANational identity number.
    • BPolitical opinions.
    • CVoice.
    • DA description of appearance and characteristics.
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    Correct answer: B. Political opinions.

    Under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), political opinions are a special category of personal data (sensitive data) with stronger protection.

These are practice questions written to the syllabus, not copies of the official exam. Read more about taking the exam in the guide to the drone exam, or see the sample A2 exam questions.