Flying your ANAFI drones as usual under the new European Drone regulations

FRENCH VERSION AVAILABLE HERE.

Looking ahead to the new European drone regulations, taking effect in January 2021 and to ensure a smooth transition for existing ANAFI users and those considering ANAFI, Parrot has been working closely with the European authorities and regulators.

Find here below an informative Q&A with Parrot’s Head of Quality, Manuel Le Bail:

1. What is the timeline for the implementation of the new European drone Regulation?

The new European drone regulation will be applicable starting in January 2021: 

2. Can I still use my Parrot ANAFI, ANAFI FPV, ANAFI Thermal, ANAFI USA without class Identification label after 01/01/2021?

Yes, with no time limit!

Parrot drone models ANAFI, ANAFI FPV, ANAFI Thermal, ANAFI USA without class Identification label will be allowed to be operated in different Open category scenarios depending on the period:

• During the transitional period of 2 years - until 31/12/2022:

Drones without class Identification label (C0, C1, C2, C3 or C4) and weighing less than 500g, as ANAFI, ANAFI FPV, ANAFI Thermal, and ANAFI USA benefit from the same rights in terms of operation as if they were marked C1 : flight in Open A1 category :

• After the transitional period - from 01/01/2023:

Drones without class Identification label (C0, C1, C2, C3 or C4) and weighing less than 25kg, as ANAFI, ANAFI FPV, ANAFI Thermal, and ANAFI USA, benefit from the same rights in terms of operation as if they were marked C3: flight in Open A3 category:

Sources:

Regulatory reference: Article 20, Article 22 and Annex part A of EU regulation 2019/947 and EU regulation 2019/945

https://www.easa.europa.eu/faq/116508

3. Will Parrot ANAFI, ANAFI FPV, ANAFI Thermal and ANAFI USA drone models eventually benefit from a class Identification label?

Technically, we are convinced that all our ANAFI drone models meet the requirements of Class C1 of the European regulation 2019/945.

All of our models are already CE marked, and we are currently working to have them benefit from Class C1 Identification label, which allows the most permissive operating scenario in the Open category: Scenario A1.

As of today, we are not in the capacity to confirm the exact date of the C1 label obtention, because several topics are managed and still under review by European administrations (standards, notifying authorities...).

4. If I already have a Parrot ANAFI, ANAFI FPV, ANAFI Thermal, ANAFI USA drone in my possession, will it be possible to obtain an Identification class label retrospectively?

This eventuality is currently being studied by the European authorities. Either through physical retrofit or through remotely firmware update, Parrot drones could be made compliant with the C1 technical requirements, and thus get the C1 Identification label. Parrot is advocating for both solutions to be allowed, under the strict control and responsibility of the manufacturer.

For more information on the European drone Regulation, please visit: https://www.easa.europa.eu/the-agency/faqs/drones-uas