At ALTER Technology, we are leaders in testing, certification, and conformity assessment of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), also known as drones, in line with the most recent European regulations and standards.
One of the most relevant issues in the sector today is that of legacy drones—units marketed before 1 January 2024 that do not bear a class identification label (C0–C6), as defined in Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945.
What are legacy drones?
According to Article 20 of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947, legacy drones are UAS that:
- Were placed on the market before 1 January 2024.
- Are not privately built.
- Do not have a class identification label (C0, C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, or C6).
It is important to note that the mere existence of a model before 2024 does not make all its units legacy drones. Only drones actually placed on the market before 1 January 2024 fall into this category. Any unit sold after that date must comply with class marking and direct remote identification (DRI) requirements.
Limitations of legacy drones in the EU
Since January 2024, legacy drones face specific operational restrictions that set them apart from class-marked drones:
- No additional units without class marking can be placed on the market.
- Within the open category, they may only operate in A1 Limited or A3, but not in A2, which prevents flights close to uninvolved persons.
- In the specific category, they require operational authorization from the competent authority.
- Their use is restricted in populated or higher-risk areas, limiting their commercial viability.
How ALTER Technology supports manufacturers and operators
At ALTER Technology, we provide comprehensive services in testing, certification, and regulatory consulting to help manufacturers and operators maintain the viability of their legacy drones and ensure compliance with European legislation.
Our testing services include:
Regulatory framework for legacy drones
The European legal framework combines two key texts:
- Regulation (EU) 2019/947 → Operational Requirements for Drones.
- Regulation (EU) 2019/945 → product and design requirements.
For legacy drones, this means:
- Adapting to operational limits due to the absence of class identification.
- Facing restrictions on where and how they can fly.
- Requiring additional authorizations outside the open category.
- Undergoing testing and certification processes, crucial for staying competitive in the European market.
Expert support for legacy drones
At ALTER Technology, we guide manufacturers and operators throughout the entire process of regulatory adaptation for legacy drones. Our comprehensive service includes:
- Gap analysis and compliance requirements.
- Conformity and prequalification testing in accordance with Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945 and prEN 4709 standards.
- Preparation of technical documentation required by the competent authorities.
This approach allows us to help extend the operational life of legacy drones, ensure their safety, and maintain their commercial viability in the European market. Whether you need to validate your current fleet or certify new models, we are your strategic partner to ensure compliance and avoid operational disruptions.
Contact us today to ensure your legacy drones continue operating without interruptions within the EU legal framework.
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