In this article, you will learn:
1. What is allowed in the OPEN Category (≤ 120 m, VLOS, weight/C-classes).
2. In which cases OPEN is not permissible (BVLOS, >120 m, incorrect/missing C-class).
3. How to use the SPECIFIC Category: STS, Operating Authorization, LUC.
4. Which requirements STS-01/STS-02 demand (C5/C6, STS certificate, controlled ground area).
5. What SORA, PDRA, and the Operations Manual (OM) mean – incl. templates & notes.
OPEN Category Overview
Flights with very light drones under 250 g over people (e.g., Class C0), with heavier drones near people (e.g., C2), and flights with devices ** up to 25 kg** in areas without endangered uninvolved persons are permitted. All operations must take place below 120 m flight altitude and within VLOS (Visual Line of Sight) – exceptions are rare and clearly regulated.
If the flight parameters no longer fit OPEN, one moves to the SPECIFIC Category. More details on the OPEN Category can be found here.
When is OPEN Not Permissible?
– Flights BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight).
– Flights above 120 m AGL (only with special authorization, e.g., when overflying a known obstacle).
– Use of a drone without CE classification ("C-class") – exempting legacy devices placed on the market before 2024.
– Use with insufficient C-class, e.g., flights over people with a C2 drone (only allowed with C0).
Using SPECIFIC – Three Paths
1) Standard Scenarios (STS).
2) Individual Operating Authorization from the aviation authority.
3) LUC (Light UAS Operator Certificate).
STS – Simple, but Strict
Currently, there are STS-01 (VLOS) and STS-02 (BVLOS). The scenarios are predefined and not modifiable; conditions must be fully met.
– STS-01: Drone C5, STS certificate, controlled ground area (no uninvolved persons).
– STS-02: Drone C6, STS certificate, controlled ground area; BVLOS with distance limits: up to 1 km without, up to 2 km with an airspace observer.
Full requirements: Regulation (EU) 2019/947, Annex 1, Chapter 1 (STS-01) & 2 (STS-02). An Operations Manual (OM) is mandatory for STS (OPEN did not require an OM). See Appendix 5 "Operations Manual for Standard Scenarios".
Operating Authorization – The Core of SPECIFIC
If the planned operation does not fall under STS, an individual operating authorization must be applied for. Required are:
– SORA (Specific Operations Risk Assessment) or a suitable PDRA (Predefined Risk Assessment).
– An Operations Manual (OM) for the specific mission.
– A formal application to the competent authority.
SORA
SORA is a globally recognized, 10-step procedure (JARUS) for assessing ground/air risk and defining risk mitigation measures. The accepted final risk level is confirmed by the authority and documented in the OM. Guide: EASA "Easy Access Rules – SORA".
PDRA – The Apparent Shortcut
PDRA can be used if the operation exactly matches the conditions of the respective PDRA. In practice, a complete OM is usually still necessary; requirements are rigid – deviations are not permitted. Current list of PDRAs: here. EASA is working on more flexible PDRAs and prepared OMs.
Operations Manual (OM)
Creating the OM is complex. The LBA offers an OM template for VLOS operations up to SAIL II. For more ambitious projects (e.g., BVLOS), the template must be individually extended – technically and organizationally. LBA template: here. An example of a successful application: here.
LUC Certificate – Highest Form of Recognition
An LUC allows certain SPECIFIC operations to be carried out without single-case authorization – but only within the LUC conditions ("not a blank check").
Prerequisites at the organizational level:
– SMS (Safety Management System) for risk mitigation and control.
– Qualified personnel for planning, execution, maintenance, administration.
– Documentation system with verifiable data retention.
– LUC Safety Manual (roles, procedures, emergency plans, safety goals).
The issuance is an individual authority process and currently the highest recognition of a UAS operator.
Conclusion
OPEN covers low-risk standard missions under clear limits. As soon as range, altitude, environment, or technology exceed these limits, the path leads to SPECIFIC – via STS, Operating Authorization (with SORA/PDRA), or LUC. Clean evidence and a solid OM are crucial.
Contact: Need support with SORA/PDRA, OM creation, or STS implementation? Write to us – we will guide you until authorization.
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