Some drones have a low-speed mode. When this mode is activated, the drone system may act in a number of different ways, depending on drone model and manufacturer. In some drones, more sensors are activated, and in other drones movement is softened for a finer and more controlled flight. In some cases the only difference is the lower speed.
If you are going to fly drones in subcategory A2, it is important that you learn how to handle the low-speed mode of your drone properly and that you understand that the low-speed mode works differently in different drones. Since you are allowed to fly as close to people as five meters with this mode activated, you pose a great risk, which must be compensated for by good skills. You set the low-speed mode’s maximum speed via the radio transmitter. Any speed below 11 kph (3 m/s) is allowed.
But remember: even though you get to fly close to people, you are never allowed to fly over the crowds!
Before posing a risk to people, animals or objects on the ground by flying close to them, you must have a good understanding of how your drone is acting in the air.
One of the things you need to do is check the maneuverability of the drone. This includes finding out how fast the drone brakes and the braking distance it requires. Even if you brake abruptly, you must keep in mind that the drone will continue to move in flying direction. How far it will continue depends on its size, mass and air resistance.
When you let your drone hover in the air, it is important that you pay attention to the activities on the ground. People in the area who are not involved in your flight never carry any responsibility and should never have to adapt to you and your drone – not even if the drone just hovers in the air. For this reason, it is important to take action immediately if you notice people moving towards the drone – to prevent anyone from getting hurt.
When the drone is operating in close proximity to people, the remote pilot should keep the drone at a lateral distance from any uninvolved person that is not shorter than the altitude. I.E. if the drone is flying at a height of 5 m, the distance from any uninvolved person should be at least 5 m.
