DJI receives world's first C1 drone certificate

DJI Mavic 3 series gets C1 certificate
(Image credit: DJI)

DJI, best know for being one of the giants in the tech industry for consumer, prosumer and professional drones, has been granted the world’s first C1 EU-type examination certificate for drones under the new European Drone Regulation.

The C1 certificate for the DJI Mavic 3 series – which requires users to update to C1-compliant firmware, brings a number of advantages. Ultimately, this new C1 means that users can fly in the new A1 Open Category and will no longer have to pass the complex and costly A2 “Remote Piloting License” exam, but it is still mandatory to register your drone and complete the basic "Proof of Competence" certificate.

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The main differences between flying the Mavic 3 series with or without C1 certificate are:
Operating AreaOperating AreaPilot Competence
With C1 certificate and C1-compliant firmware (flying in the A1 Open Category from now on and after 31 December 2023)No flying over uninvolved people (if it happens, should be minimized) - No flying over assemblies of people- Read user manual - Obtain A1/A3 “Proof of Competence” basic drone certificate by taking an officially-recognized theoretical online exam with no limitations on attempts before passing
Without C1 certificate and without C1-compliant firmware (flying in the A2 Open Category until 31 December 2023; or in the A3 Open Category after 1 January 2024)- No flying over uninvolved people - Keeping a minimum 50 m horizontal distance from people until 31 December 2023 - After 1 January 2024, flying in areas free from people and 150 metres horizonal distance or more away from properties- Read user manual - Obtain A2 “Remote Piloting License” by taking an officially- recognized theoretical online exam, and declaring self-practical training. When failing, the customer has to reapply for the exam with possible additional costs involved

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Sebastian Oakley
Ecommerce Editor

For nearly two decades Sebastian's work has been published internationally. Originally specializing in Equestrianism, his visuals have been used by the leading names in the equestrian industry such as The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), The Jockey Club, Horse & Hound, and many more for various advertising campaigns, books, and pre/post-event highlights.


He is a Fellow of The Royal Society of Arts, holds a Foundation Degree in Equitation Science, and is a Master of Arts in Publishing.  He is a member of Nikon NPS and has been a Nikon user since the film days using a Nikon F5 and saw the digital transition with Nikon's D series cameras and is still to this day the youngest member to be elected into BEWA, The British Equestrian Writers' Association. 


He is familiar with and shows great interest in street, medium, and large format photography with products by Leica, Phase One, Hasselblad, Alpa, and Sinar. Sebastian has also used many cinema cameras from the likes of Sony, RED, ARRI, and everything in between. He now spends his spare time using his trusted Leica M-E or Leica M2 shooting Street photography or general life as he sees it, usually in Black and White.