Specific Category

• How do I know if my operation falls under the SPECIFIC category?
  • If you cannot comply with one of the main requirements of the OPEN category and the requirements of the sub-categories, which are:
    • Operation always in Vision Line Of Sight (VLOS)
    • Operation using an UAS with a MTOM up to 25kg
    • Operation with a height below 120m AGL
    • The horizontal safety distances for the sub-categories A2 and A3

• The SPECIFIC category is based on a risk assessment of the intended operation; more precisely, on the SORA methodology.
• An operational authorization is mandatory for all operation in the SPECIFIC category excluding European Standard Scenario (STS).
• It is important to note that Luxembourg does not have national standard scenarios and that the national standard scenarios of other countries are not recognized in Luxembourg.
• Several possibilities exist:

• STS (Standard Scenario)
  • An STS is a defined type of UAS operation in the SPECIFIC category, for which precise mitigation measures have been determined after a risk assessment carried out by the EASA.
    Compliance with the conditions of a standard scenario must be declared to perform operations in the SPECIFIC category (no operational authorization).
  • To start its operations, the operator will have to obtain a confirmation of receipt and completeness from DAC after submitting an operational declaration of compliance with a STS.
  • The STSs will not be applicable before 1st of January 2024. 

 

• PDRA (Pre-Defined Risk Assessment)
  • A PDRA is a defined type of UAS operation in the SPECIFIC category, for which mitigation measures have been determined after a risk assessment performed by EASA.
    It is very similar to the STS but the differences with the latter are left to the discretion of the competent authority.
  • To start its operations, the operator shall obtain an operational authorization from DAC after submitting an application for an operational authorization.
  • The PDRAs are applicable since 31 December 2020.

 

• SORA (Specific Operation Risk Assessment)
  • The SORA methodology is a systematic procedure that serves to analyze a concept of operations (CONOPS), identify the associated risk level, mitigation measures as well as operational safety objectives (OSO) to enable safe operations.
  • The development modalities of the SORA are available at AMC1 in article 11 of Regulation (EU) 2019/947.
  • To start its operations, the operator has to obtain an operational authorization from DAC after submitting an application for an operational authorization.
  • The SORA is applicable since 31 December 2020.

 

• LUC (Light UAS operator Certificate)
  • The LUC is an organizational approval certificate issued by the DAC after assessing the UAS operator organization (Safety Management System).
  • The UAS operator will have to demonstrate that he/she is capable of assessing the risk of an operation himself.
  • The modalities of a LUC are available in Part C of Regulation (EU) 2019/947.
  • To start its operations, the operator has to obtain a LUC certificate from DAC.
  • The LUC is applicable since 31 December 2020.

 

• CBO (Cross-Border Operation)
  • When an UAS operator, registered in a Member State other than Luxembourg, intends to conduct an operation in the SPECIFIC category that will take place partially or entirely in Luxembourg airspace, the operation is considered a Cross border operation.
  • The modalities of a Cross-border operation are available in Article 13 of Regulation (EU) 2019/947.
  • To start its operations, the operator has to obtain a confirmation of receipt and completeness.
  • The CBO is applicable since 31 December 2020.