Pre-defined Risk Assessment (PDRA)

With a PDRA, the operator must confirm that he or she meets all of the specified conditions outlined in the PDRA. Unlike STSs, the drone is not required to have a class mark. Because PDRAs do not specify specific scenarios, applicants have more flexibility in conducting their proposed drone flight.

There are two different types of PDRA: PDRA-S and PDRA-G.

  • The PDRA-S mirror the European STS (but do not require a class label).
  • The PDRA-G are generic PDRAs, they include risk analyses of recurring drone applications (e.g., PDRA-G03 for inspection)

PDRA-S

  PDRA-S01 PDRA-S02
Designation

“Mirror” of EU STS-01

VLOS – over controlled
ground area – urban 

“Mirror” of EU STS-02

BVLOS – over controlled
ground area – rural

Use-cases / Examples Agricultural works, inspection  Surveillance, agriculture, inspection, short-range cargo ops
Drone characteristics CD* < 3m and MTOM* < 25kg  CD* < 3m and MTOM* < 25kg 
Class label Not required Not required
Sight VLOS  BVLOS (EVLOS)
Area overflown Over a controlled ground area located in a (densely) populated area* Over a controlled ground area located in a sparsely populated area*
Maximum distance Drone – Remote pilot  VLOS

Without airspace observer: 1km

With airspace observer: 2km

Airspace Controlled or uncontrolled Controlled or uncontrolled
Maximum height

150m above ground

(Above 120m additional training must be presented)

150m above ground

(Above 120m additional training must be presented)

Remote pilot Competence A1/A3 + STS-01** A1/A3 + STS-02**
* The abbreviations CD, MTOM used here, as well as the definitions (e.g., "sparsely" populated) are explained in the glossary or in FOCA-UAS-GM-Part 1 (see Links in bottom of the page)
**Pilot proficiency required during the transition period: Pilots must obtain a remote pilot certificate (sub-category A2) and also acquire the theoretical and practical knowledge relevant to their planned operation.

PDRA-G

  PDRA-G01 PDRA-G02 PDRA-G03
Designation EVLOS flights in rural area BVLOS flights in reserved/restricted airspace Aerial Work
Use-cases  Surveillance, medium range cargo ops Flight tests, major inspection/survey campaign Line inspections, agricultural works
Drone properties  CD* < 3m and Ekin*< 34kJ  CD* < 3m and Ekin*< 34kJ  CD* < 3m and Ekin*< 34kJ 
Class label Not required Not required Not required
Sight BVLOS BVLOS BVLOS
Area overflown “Sparsely” populated area* “Sparsely” populated area* “Sparsely” populated area*
Maximum distance Drone – Remote pilot 

Without airspace observer: 1km

With airspace observer: 1km to closest airspace observer

No requirements, but direct C2 link No requirements, but direct C2 link
Airspace Uncontrolled Reserved or segregated Reserved or segregated
Maximum height

150m above ground

(Above 120m additional training must be presented)

According to reserved/segregated airspace** 

According to reserved/segregated airspace**

Or 50m above ground

Remote pilot competence

Case-specific, depending on the intended operation.

Acquisition of knowledge relevant to the operation.

Case-specific, depending on the intended operation.

Acquisition of knowledge relevant to the operation.

Case-specific, depending on the intended operation.

Acquisition of knowledge relevant to the operation.

* The abbreviations CD, MTOM, and Ekin used here, as well as the definitions (e.g., "sparsely" populated) are explained in the glossary or in FOCA-UAS-GM-Part 1 (see Links in the bottom of the page)
** Reserved/segregated: Equivalent to air risk class “a” (ARC-a), e.g., a danger or restricted area

Further information

  1. The application for an Operational Authorization based on PDRA must include the following documents:
    • The «application form EU PDRA X-YZ" completed and signed (see section "Forms" below).
    • All required documents (e.g., Operation Manual) as per Compliance Matrix of “EU PDRA X-YZ“.
  2. Applications must be sent to rpas@bazl.admin.ch:
    • Deadline: Applications must be submitted at least 1 month before the intended operation.
    • Costs: Depending on time and effort, hourly rate according to FOCA fee ordinance.
  3. If all requirements are met, FOCA will issue an Operational Authorization to the applicant.

Further information


Last modification 20.03.2024

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