New PDRA Risk Analysis Projects are Coming – Making it Easier for Companies

PDRA risk analysis projects are very important for operators who conduct drone operations outside the open category, especially for those who use drones professionally. As it turns out, more PDRAs could soon be added to the existing ones, as work is already well advanced.

Grzegorz Pacula

Author

News Regulations – special category (STS/S) Permits For professionals

11/01/2023

In this article, you will learn:

1. What PDRAs are and how they can replace the SORA.
2. Which existing PDRAs apply (S01, S02, G01, G02) and what they are intended for.
3. Which new drafts (PDRA-06, -08, -10) JARUS has released for consultation.
4. Which operation types the new drafts are intended for (prototype testing, swarming, VLOS >120/150 m).
5. Which limit values (altitude, distance, mass/energy) the individual PDRAs typically address.
6. How to apply PDRAs (adhere to conditions 1:1 → use template; otherwise SORA necessary).
7. Why PDRAs speed up the approval process and where their limits lie.

What is a PDRA?

Predefined Risk Assessment = a pre-prepared risk analysis that can replace the elaborate SORA (Specific Operations Risk Assessment) if the operation is suitable. You adapt your project to the PDRA conditions and submit this instead of your own SORA.

Currently Available PDRAs

S01: VLOS up to 120 m AGL in built-up areas; UAS <3 m, ≤25 kg; controlled/uncontrolled airspace; low encounter risk. Basis for STS-01.
S02: BVLOS in sparsely populated areas up to 120 m AGL; 2 km with observer or 1 km without; UAS <3 m, ≤25 kg; low encounter risk.
G01: BVLOS in sparsely populated areas up to 150 m AGL; 2 km with/1 km without observer; UAS <3 m; <34 kJ impact energy; uncontrolled airspace; low encounter risk.
G02: BVLOS in low-level terrain, UAS <3 m, <34 kJ impact; in segregated airspace.

New JARUS Drafts (for Consultation)

PDRA-06: Test operation of UAS prototypes up to 8 m in size.
PDRA-08: Swarming operation. SORA 2.0 does not yet have specific requirements for this; the PDRA bundles proven requirements.
PDRA-10: VLOS above 120/150 m, cases with expected ARC-c classification (if traffic reduction cannot be proven); covers flights up to 200 m AGL for a limited period and can be used for strategic mitigation to downgrade to ARC-b.

Practical Application

Use PDRA if all conditions are met – then it replaces the SORA. If your project deviates (e.g., higher mass, different environment, greater range), your own SORA remains mandatory. PDRA = faster, but less flexible.

Conclusion

With S01/S02/G01/G02, stable templates for VLOS/BVLOS operations are available; the new drafts PDRA-06/-08/-10 address prototypes, swarming, and VLOS >120/150 m. Those who meet the requirements 1:1 can prepare authorizations more efficiently – everyone else continues with SORA.

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