DJI Mavic 3 becomes the world's first drone to receive C1 classification, reducing flight restrictions

DJI has received Class C1 certification for the Mavic 3, currently its flagship consumer drove. Issued by the European Union, Classic C1 certification falls under the union's drone regulations. Although all Mavic 3 drones have been granted the certification, each drone must be flashed with C1-compliant firmware. Once installed, the Mavic 3 will be capable of being flown under A1 rules, an open category where you do not need an A2 drone licence.

As it stands, the A2 drone licence is expensive and costly to undertake. Conversely, the A1 licence can be repeated as often as needed to pass and is much cheaper than A2. Once certified, it will be possible to fly the Mavic 3 over isolated people with an A1 licence, albeit not over crowds. Without C1 certification, drones flying in the A2 open category must keep at least 50 metres from people until December 31, 2023 and 150 metres away after January 1, 2024.

DJI explains that its C1-compliant firmware will reduce propeller volume to below 83 dB(A), as well as automatically toggling the Mavic 3's LEDs based on lighting conditions. Also, the drone's front LEDs will continuously flash, while ActiveTrack Intelligent Flight Mode will be restricted to within 50 metres of a person or an object. For reference, C1 certification applies across all the entire European Economic Area (EEA), including Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. DJI has confirmed that it will open an application process for obtaining the C1 class indentifier sometime in Q4 2022. Allegedly, the application process will be free and will only require that people submit their drone's serial number, along with a confirmation that they have updated it to C1-compliant firmware.

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