Easier Flying in the Specific Category! The LBA Facilitates Flights Outside the OPEN Category!

Operating Authorization (SPECIFIC) – When, Which, How?

In this article, you will learn:

1. When an individual operating authorization is required (not OPEN, not STS).
2. Which documents are required: Application, Risk Assessment (SORA), Operations Manual (OM).
3. Difference between General Authorization vs. Single Authorization and what that means operationally.
4. LBA OM template, update & link, and conditions for generic flight areas (SAIL II, M1/M2).
5. New Location Addendum: Sample table as an optional addition to SORA 1.2 for multiple locations.

When Do You Need an Authorization?

For all flights that do not fall into OPEN or an STS standard scenario, an individual operating authorization must be obtained from the aviation authority. Required for this: Application, SORA Risk Assessment, and an Operations Manual (OM), which describes the organization, procedures, operations, training, and UAS used. The LBA provides a template for this, which we use productively in projects.

Unsure if your flight requires authorization? Contact us – we will find the easiest solution.

LBA Facilitates Documentation

The LBA OM template is recognized throughout Europe and has recently been updated (better accessibility/overview; includes an example for a generic flight area). Download: LBA – Operating Authorization & Manuals.

Generic Flight Areas – Conditions (LBA)

Applying for a generic flight area is possible with:
– Max. operational risk class SAIL II.
– Operation over controlled ground, sparsely populated, or populated area.
– BVLOS or VLOS with M2 mitigation (generic possible).
– VLOS over populated area with M1 (low) possible.
– For the application: replace Chapter 3 "Flight Areas" (Part C) of the OM template with an example for one generic area.

Note: A BVLOS general authorization is still reviewed on a case-by-case basis. If there are too many variables, the air traffic control may prefer a specific location authorization. Recommendation: contact the authority in advance.

Precise Location – Optional Addendum to SORA 1.2

LBA provides a sample table to collect location data for several specifically named operational sites (e.g., different altitudes/flight speeds). Changes to these parameters affect Flight Geography and Ground Risk Buffer; the table visualizes this clearly and supplements Point 1.2 of the SORA form.

Service & Case Study

We support you with the Application, SORA, and OM, as well as with the complete UAS implementation. Learn more · Case study on the introduction of DJI Dock