C2 Certification DJI M3T and M30T
New rules for operating drones will apply from 1 January 2024. The transitional rules for existing drones will expire, and existing drones may only be operated at a considerable distance (150 m) from uninvolved persons, settlements and industrial facilities.
All drones sold from 1 January onwards are certified. This determines the open category in which they can be operated. In the case of thermal imaging drones for fawn rescue, this is usually class C2, which allows them to be flown in open category A2 (more on this below).
Drones of the DJI Mavic Enterprise 3T and DJI Matrice M30T models that have already been purchased can be certified retrospectively. This is done via a firmware update on the remote control. In addition, stickers must be applied to the drone and the propellers must be replaced.
This raises the question of whether certification is worthwhile and what the advantages and disadvantages are.
What are the advantages of certification?
Certification allows flying in the open category A2. This means that flights can be carried out with a minimum distance of 30 m instead of 150 m from uninvolved persons. However, this requires the pilot to hold an A2 remote pilot licence. Without the A2 remote pilot licence, even certified devices may only be flown at a distance of 150 m from uninvolved persons.
What Happens if I do not Certify?
All existing devices without certification may continue to be flown in subcategory A3, i.e. at a minimum distance of 150 metres from uninvolved persons. For fawn rescuers who only fly on agricultural land and at a considerable distance from uninvolved persons anyway and/or do not have an A2 remote pilot licence, certification does not offer any advantages.
The situation becomes critical when agricultural land is located in or near settlements or frequented paths. In such cases, the drone must be certified and an A2 remote pilot licence obtained in order to operate legally.
What is Changing With the Drone?
As part of the recertification process, the drone’s firmware will be updated to enable various functions. This cannot be reversed.
Key Software Adjustments
Permanent activation of remote identification. This allows the drone to transmit information about its location, flight path and the location of the person controlling it via Wi-Fi. This information can be read using any smartphone.
New geo-sensitivity features that highlight geo-zones such as airports and nature reserves.
Adjustment of flight behaviour to reduce noise levels.
Hardware Adjustments
The drone will receive a sticker with the C2 logo and new propellers that reduce the drone’s noise level.
The necessary propellers are available in our online shop.