New European rules apply to the operation of drones (also know as 'Unmanned Aircraft System' - UAS).

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.

Who is concerned

Unmanned aircraft system operators

Unmanned aircraft system operators ('Unmanned Aircraft System - UAS') registered in an EU Member State other than Luxembourg, who intend to conduct a cross-border operation in the 'SPECIFIC' category that will take place partially or entirely in the Luxembourg airspace.

Prerequisites

Unmanned aircraft system operators ('Unmanned Aircraft System - UAS') of an EU Member State other than Luxembourg, who intend to conduct a cross-border operation in the 'SPECIFIC' category must:

• be registered as an UAS operator in an 'EASA Member State;
• have an operational authorisation or a valid Light UAS operator Certificate (LUC) issued by the Member State of registration.

Preliminary steps

In a first step, operators must apply to the National Aviation Authority (NAA) of the Member State of registration in order to obtain:

• an operational authorisation; or
  
• a Light UAS operator Certificate (LUC)
  

depending on the planned operation.

In a second step, after evaluation and validation, the National Aviation Authority of the Member State of registration will issue an operational authorisation or a LUC certificate.

How to proceed

Filing an application

To apply for a cross-border operation in the 'SPECIFIC' category, the applicant must use the form associated with this procedure (see 'Forms / Online services' below):

• DAC-UAS408 Application for a cross-border UAS operation in the SPECIFIC category

Applicants can submit their application to the Directorate of Civil Aviation (DAC):

• by post; or
• by email to uas@av.etat.lu.

Supporting documents

In addition to the application form DAC-UAS408, the unmanned aircraft system (UAS) operator must complete the application by providing :

• a copy of the operational authorisation or the LUC certificate issued by the National Aviation Authority of the Member State of registration; and

• where applicable, additional information on the location(s) of the intended operation, including updated risk mitigation measures.

Duration of validity

The confirmation of acceptance of the intended operation indicates for which period it is valid.

Obligations

The Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) operator shall allow any person duly authorised by the competent authority to access any UAS, facility, document, record, data, procedure or other material related to their activity that is subject to a certification (LUC) or an operational authorisation.

In the event of any major changes in the operation of their UAS, or in the mitigation measures listed in an existing operational authorisation, the UAS operator shall submit an updated operational authorisation application.

Forms / Online services

Who to contact