Parrot ANAFI Drones Navigate EU Regulatory Shift
As the European Union’s new drone regulations came into force in January 2021, Parrot moved to reassure operators of its ANAFI series that their aircraft would remain viable under the evolving framework. The company’s collaboration with European authorities aimed to secure operational continuity for existing users while aligning with future compliance requirements.
Manuel Le Bail, Parrot’s Head of Quality, outlined the regulatory timeline and implications. The rules, based on EU Regulation 2019/947 and EU Regulation 2019/945, introduced standardized categories and class identification labels for unmanned aircraft. For drones without such labels, transitional provisions were established.
During the two-year transitional period ending 31 December 2022, unmarked drones weighing less than 500 grams—including ANAFI, ANAFI FPV, ANAFI Thermal, and ANAFI USA—would be treated as if they carried a C1 classification. This allowed operation in the Open A1 category, enabling flights over people with certain limitations. From 1 January 2023 onward, those same drones, if still without a class identification label, would be considered equivalent to C3 classification, restricting them to the Open A3 category. Under A3, flights must be conducted far from people and at a safe distance from urban areas.
Le Bail emphasized that “all of our models are already CE marked, and we are currently working to have them benefit from Class C1 Identification label, which allows the most permissive operating scenario in the Open category: Scenario A1.” He noted that Parrot believes its ANAFI models meet the technical requirements for C1 under Regulation 2019/945, but the formal labeling process depends on European administrative progress in defining standards and certifying authorities.
The possibility of retroactively assigning a class identification label to existing drones remains under discussion. European regulators are considering both physical retrofits and remote firmware updates as pathways to compliance. Parrot is advocating for both methods, with the stipulation that they occur under strict manufacturer oversight. Such retroactive labeling could extend operational flexibility for current owners, preserving access to less restrictive flight categories.
The regulatory shift reflects the EU’s broader effort to harmonize drone operations across member states, balancing safety with technological innovation. The Open category framework—divided into A1, A2, and A3 scenarios—aligns permissible flight conditions with risk profiles based on drone weight, capabilities, and proximity to people. Class identification labels (C0 through C4) codify these distinctions, guiding both manufacturers and pilots.
For drones under 500 grams, the C1 designation offers notable advantages. It permits closer operations to people compared to heavier aircraft, reducing the need for large separation distances. In contrast, C3 classification applies to drones up to 25 kilograms, mandating operations in sparsely populated areas. The ANAFI series, with its lightweight airframes and advanced imaging payloads, sits at the threshold where regulatory classification can significantly influence mission flexibility.
The CE marking already present on ANAFI models indicates conformity with EU health, safety, and environmental protection standards. Achieving the C1 label would build on this foundation, integrating compliance with the specific operational rules of the drone regulation. For engineers and enthusiasts, the process underscores the intersection of technical design, regulatory negotiation, and user impact.
Parrot’s engagement with regulators illustrates how manufacturers can navigate transitional legal landscapes while maintaining product viability. By aligning technical specifications with anticipated standards, they position their platforms to benefit from the most permissive operational scenarios once formal certification is granted.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) provides detailed guidance on these categories and labels, offering clarity for operators seeking to understand their obligations and rights. For ANAFI pilots, the transitional provisions ensure continued usability, while the prospect of future labeling promises expanded operational scope.
