Applying for operational authorisation in the SPECIFIC category
Last update
Summary:
European rules apply to the operation of UASs ('Unmanned Aircraft Systems', i.e. drones). This procedure is only for applications for operational authorisation in the 'SPECIFIC' category.
Persons concerned: UAS operators who wish to operate their device(s) in the 'SPECIFIC' category.
Costs:
- a EUR 12 fee for the issuance of an operational authorisation;
- a EUR 130 fee to file any application.
European rules apply to the operation of drones (also known as 'Unmanned Aerial Vehicles' – UAVs, or 'Unmanned Aircraft Systems' – UASs).
These rules provide for the following 3 categories, depending on the level of operational risk:
- 'OPEN', when the risk is low;
- 'SPECIFIC', when the risk is medium;
- 'CERTIFIED', when the risk is very high.
This procedure is only for applications for operational authorisation in the 'SPECIFIC' category.
Who is concerned
UAS operators who wish to operate their device(s) in the 'SPECIFIC' category.
Prerequisites
Operator registration
Natural or legal persons who wish to operate a UAS in the 'SPECIFIC' category must:
- first register as a UAS operator; and
- be able to provide a UAS operator registration number in compliance with European regulations.
UAS operators must register in the EU Member State where:
- they are resident, if the operator is a natural person; or
- they have their principal place of business, if the operator is a legal person.
Assessing the risks
The UAS operator must provide an operational risk assessment along with a list of risk mitigation measures. The risk assessment must comply with Article 11 of Regulation (EU) 2019/947.
To be deemed compliant, the risk assessment must be performed using one of the following 2 methodologies:
- the SORA (Specific Operations Risk Assessment) methodology, in compliance with AMC1 of Article 11. Risk assessments using this methodology require a wide range of documented information to be provided;
- the PDRA (Pre-Defined Risk Assessment) methodology, which is a simplified version of the SORA methodology for certain types of pre-defined operations. Full details of the PDRA methodology can be found on the EASA website.
Costs
Fees due
The fees vary:
- EUR 12: fee for the issuance of an operational authorisation;
- EUR 130: flat-rate amount to be paid before the application is filed – this fee is non-refundable and deducted from the total fee;
- a total fee, which is calculated based on the time required to process the application, and charged at a rate of EUR 130/hour, capped at 8 hours.
Payment
Payment may be made by bank transfer or direct deposit.
How to proceed
Filing the application
Applications for operational authorisation in the 'SPECIFIC' category must be filed using the forms for this procedure:
- DAC-UAS401 – 'Application for operational authorisation';
- DAC-UAS402 – 'Application for operational authorisation – Annex UAS';
- DAC-UAS403 – 'Description of the procedures established by the UAS operator to ensure that the UAS operation is in compliance with General Data Protection Regulation'.
Applications can be sent to the Directorate of Civil Aviation (Direction de l'Aviation Civile – DAC):
- by post; or
- by email to uas@av.etat.lu.
Validity
The validity of the operational authorisation is specified when it is issued.
Obligations
The UAS operator shall allow the competent authority access to all UASs, installations, documents, registers, data, procedures, and any other equipment that is used in connection with their activity as a UAS operator.
In the event of any major changes in the operation of their UAS, or in the risk mitigation measures listed in an existing operational authorisation, the UAS operator shall submit an updated operational authorisation application.
Online services and forms
Who to contact
Directorate of Civil Aviation (DAC)
- Address:
-
4, rue Lou Hemmer
L-1748
Senningerberg
Luxembourg
B.P. 283, L-2012 Luxembourg
- Phone:
- (+352) 247 74 900
- Email address:
- civilair@av.etat.lu
- Website:
- https://dac.gouvernement.lu/en.html
Open ⋅ Closes at 12.00
- Tuesday:
- 8.30 to 12.00 , 13.00 to 17.00
- Wednesday:
- 8.30 to 12.00 , 13.00 to 17.00
- Thursday:
- 8.30 to 12.00 , 13.00 to 17.00
- Friday:
- 8.30 to 12.00 , 13.00 to 17.00
- Saturday:
- Closed
- Sunday:
- Closed
- Monday:
- 8.30 to 12.00 , 13.00 to 17.00
Related procedures and links
Procedures
Links
Further information
-
Directorate of Civil Aviation (DAC)
Website
-
Easy access rules for aerodromes
on the website of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency
Legal references
on the rules and procedures for the operation of unmanned aircraft (Text with EEA relevance.)
