Overview of drone operations in the specific category

Drone operations in the specific category require authorization from the Danish Civil Aviation and Railway Authority. Learn more about the specific category on this page.

When are you in the specific category?

Your drone operation falls under the specific category when you can no longer meet the criteria for operations in the open category under EU implementing regulation 2019/947.

Your operation will be in the specific category if, for example:

You plan to fly your drone above 120 meters.
You plan to fly a drone that weighs more than 25 kg.
You plan to fly your drone beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS).

If your operation includes one or more of the above mentioned conditions, it is automatically classified as part of the specific category. Note that this list is not exhaustive.

How can you get permission to operate in the specific category?

To operate in the specific category, you need approval based on one of the following risk assessments:

All applications for operations in the specific category require an operations manual and procedures covering everything from training to emergency procedures and response plans. Therefore, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the safety requirements relevant to the specific type of operation you plan to conduct, as your operations manual must be followed precisely.

We recommend that drone operators evaluate whether they have the necessary resources to prepare the application and handle the dialogue with us during the approval process before applying.

Applying for drone operations in the specific category

Here are the different possibilities for obtaining an authorization for operations in the specific category:

STS (Standard Scenario)

If you have a drone with a C5 or C6 label, you can operate using a standard scenario.

A standard scenario is a pre-defined operation where EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) has already conducted the risk assessment for you. Your responsibility is to:

Develop an operations manual.

Adhere to all requirements for the drone, training, and operational limitations.

Submit a declaration to the Danish Civil Aviation and Railway Authority confirming compliance with the requirements.

Checklist for an STS Application

Operations Manual.
A passed the theoretical STS exam.
A passed practical STS exam for STS-01 or STS-02.
Complete and submit a declaration to the Danish Civil Aviation and Railway Authority.

Standard Scenarios

STS-01: For operations in low-risk environments.
STS-02: For operations involving slightly higher risks.

PDRA-S01/PDRA-S02 (Pre-Defined Risk Assessments for Legacy Drones)

The two pre-defined risk assessments, PDRA-S01 and PDRA-S02, are almost identical to the standard scenarios STS-01 and STS-02. However, PDRAs do not require the drone to bear a C5 or C6 mark.

These pre-defined risk assessments are pre-determined operations for which EASA has already conducted the risk assessments. All you need to do is prepare an operations manual and a cross-reference list while adhering to all requirements for the drone, training, and operational limitations.

Checklist:

Operations Manual.
A passed theoretical STS exam.
A passed practical STS exam for STS-01/PDRA-S01 or STS-02/PDRA-S02.
Fill out and submit a declaration to the Danish Civil Aviation and Railway Authority.
Obtain authorization from the Danish Civil Aviation and Railway Authority.

PDRA-S Types:

PDRA-S01: VLOS operations over a controlled ground area, potentially in a densely populated area.
PDRA-S02: BVLOS operations over a controlled ground area in a sparsely populated area.

PDRA-G (General Pre-Defined Risk Assessments)

The general pre-defined risk assessments, PDRA-G, are pre-determined operations for which EASA has already conducted the risk assessments. All you need to do is prepare an operations manual and a cross-reference list while adhering to all requirements for the drone, training, and operational limitations.

Checklist:

Operations Manual.
Comply with the training requirements for the specific PDRA.
Complete the cross-reference list.
Submit the operations manual and the cross-reference list to the Danish Civil Aviation and Railway Authority.
Obtain approval from the Danish Civil Aviation and Railway Authority.

PDRA-G Types:

PDRA-G01: BVLOS operations in a sparsely populated area within uncontrolled airspace and up to 150 meters above ground level.
PDRA-G02: BVLOS operations over a sparsely populated area within a restricted or danger zone.
PDRA-G03: BVLOS operations with a maximum altitude of 30 meters or above obstacles in sparsely populated areas. This PDRA is intended for inspection tasks and follows pre-programmed routes.

SORA

SORA (Specific Operations Risk Assessment)

The specific operations risk assessment is commonly referred to as the SORA. In this category, there are more opportunities for special drone operations, but the application process is also more demanding. Here, you are responsible for preparing the risk assessment. The risk assessment must be prepared based on a ConOpS, an evaluation of the risk to people on the ground, an evaluation of the risk to other air traffic, a technical review of the drone, and documentation that you possess the theoretical and practical skills that match the type of operations you plan to carry out.

If we determine that the drone operations cannot be carried out at an acceptable safety level, the application may result in being dismissed.

Checklist:

Operations Manual.
Meet the training requirements for the specific category.
Comply with the 10 steps of the SORA risk assessment.
Obtain approval from the Danish Civil Aviation and Railway Authority.

LUC

LUC (Light UAS Operator Certificate)

When your company has demonstrated to us that you have obtained approval for one or more PDRAs and SORAs, you can apply for a Light UAS Operator Certificate (LUC).

With an LUC, you gain the authorization to approve your own operations. However, it requires that your company is capable of performing multiple functions and is able to develop and maintain a safety management system (SMS).

An LUC is issued has no end date and remains valid as long as the drone operator complies with the relevant requirements and legislation. An LUC can be used in all EU member states and cannot be transferred to other drone operators.

Checklist:

Evidence of approved SORAs and PDRAs.
LUC manual, including descriptions of the organization, relevant procedures, and completed activities.
Description of the management system and allocation of responsible management functions.
Description of the organizational structure.
Safety Management System (SMS).
Information about the drone operator’s personnel and the people responsible of various tasks within the organisation.
Review of training requirements and plans.
Signed declaration that the drone operator meets the applicable requirements.

Cross-border operations

Foreign drone operators holding an operational authorization for flights in the specific category issued by another EASA country must apply for approval to conduct cross-border operations in Denmark.

In addition to national rules, Denmark may have specific requirements regarding the planning of operations and operational areas. Therefore, we require you to provide us with procedures for flights in Denmark, when you apply for a cross-border operation in the specific category.