ProFlyCenter with General Authorization for the DJI FlyCart 30!

In this article, you will learn:

1. What the DJI FlyCart 30 is intended for and which authority is responsible (RP Stuttgart; initial authorization 07/2024).
2. Which SPEC documents are necessary: Operations Manual & Application incl. SORA (LBA template facilitates creation).
3. Responsibility & Processing Times: Submission according to company headquarters; differences between federal states; Example Stuttgart ~10 days; EU neighboring country → additional CAA.
4. Our Single Location authorization: Demo/training near Carlsbad; Decision in ~7 days after submission.
5. Our General Location Authorization: defined operation + equipment, usable DE-wide under conditions (example locations with their own SORA).
6. Pilot Qualification & Training: 70% general knowledge, 15% FlyCart operation, 15% OM application; STS Theory License replaces parts – less time/cost.
7. Advantages & Outlook: short-notice demonstrations, support with authorizations/docs/training; currently working on: general authorization for DJI Dock 2 (BVLOS).

Context & Responsibility

The FlyCart 30 is a transport drone for aids, logistics in difficult-to-access areas, and rescue. Official authorization per flight area is required for DE/EU deployment. Pro Fly Center is registered in Baden-Württemberg; the Regierungspräsidium Stuttgart (Aviation/Air Safety Authority) is responsible. Initial authorization: July 2024.

SPEC Documents & Effort

OM (Operations Manual) and Application for operating permit including SORA are required. The application describes, among other things, organization, procedures, checklists, training, types of deployment, locations, and equipment. The LBA template makes OM creation more practical; experience accelerates the drafting.

Responsibility & Processing Time

Submission is made to the State Aviation Authority of the company's headquarters – regardless of the deployment location. Some states work locally, others via the LBA Hannover; this influences processing times. Example: At the RP Stuttgart, the initial processing (1 location) took approx. 10 days. For flights in EU neighboring countries, the respective CAA there must also be involved (accelerated by the domestic confirmation).

Single Location Authorization

First submission: Demo/training flight near Carlsbad. Result: authorization under conditions within approx. 7 days after submitting the documents.

General Location Authorization

Second submission: General Location Authorization for defined operations with specific equipment. Procedure: several example locations each with their own SORA; usable DE-wide after review, as long as the conditions of the authorization are met (no additional advance notification to the RP is necessary).

Pilot Requirements & Training

Qualifications are defined in the OM. Program structure: 70% general knowledge, 15% FlyCart operation, 15% OM application. Parts are replaced by the STS Theory License – without internal certificates, EU-wide recognized, with significant time/cost savings. Info on STS Theory.

Advantages & Outlook

Flexibility: short-notice product demonstration at the desired location. Experience: support with authorizations, documentation, and training. Further: Specific Category. Currently working on: general authorization for DJI Dock 2 for BVLOS.