Specific Drone Category of the EASA – Operation permit and proof of compliance
Specific Drone Category of the EASA – Operation permit and proof of compliance
Drones are opening up new horizons for industry, science, and everyday life. To use this technology safely and efficiently, clear regulatory frameworks are essential. With the introduction of the ‘specific’ category, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has taken a significant step toward enabling drone operations in a controlled and risk-adapted environment.
Regulations for Complex Drone Operations
The ‘Specific’ category targets drone operations that go beyond the operational risks of the ‘Open’ category (‘hobby drones’), but do not require certification as in the ‘Certified’ category. It allows for flexible operations based on specific use-case scenarios – for example, in infrastructure monitoring, agriculture, or logistics. A structured risk assessment in accordance with the Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA) is a prerequisite.
SORA – Standardized Risk Analysis for Drone Operations
The SORA process considers technical, operational, and geographic factors: from system reliability and proximity to uninvolved persons to the influence of airspace structures. The goal is an objective assessment and targeted mitigation of operational risks. Thus, the specific category provides a sound basis for tailored authorisations and new operational opportunities.
Regulatory Development with Scientific Support
The successful implementation of specific-category solutions requires close coordination between regulatory authorities, industry, and research. Key areas of focus include harmonisation, sharing best practices, and further developing SORA based on current scientific findings.
Contribution of the Institute of Flight Systems
The DLR Institute of Flight Systems is actively supporting this regulatory development – both in an advisory and research capacity. It contributes its expertise to committees, evaluates the applicability of new regulations using prototype systems, and thereby lays a robust foundation for practical and future-proof authorisation processes in Europe and beyond.
As operators of large, faster, or heavier unmanned aircraft – sometimes in offshore scenarios, at night, beyond visual line of sight, carrying external loads or using parachute rescue systems, and for testing purposes – we regularly encounter the current limits of regulation and certification. Through dialogue with national and federal aviation authorities (e.g., LBA), the Ministry of Transport, and EASA, we develop technical, organizational, and procedural solutions to enable complex drone operations.
Wings for Aid
Wings for Aid und DLR in letzten Flugvorbereitungen.
The gyrocopter, which has been converted into an uncrewed cargo drone, has already made several circuits of Cochstedt Airport in flight tests, flying at altitudes of up to 150 metres and at a speed of approximately 100 kilometres per hour, thereby proving its airworthiness. The 450-kilogram aircraft should be able to transport a payload of up to 200 kilograms.
