Specific category

As soon as one or more of the rules of the open category cannot be complied with or the take-off weight of the drone is higher than 25kg, authorisation is required to operate a drone. The drone then falls under the specific category.

Standard scenarios are intended for operators who wish to conduct drone operations with a moderate and well-defined level of risk, for which the operational conditions are already established. By meeting strict technical and operational requirements, operators can fly their drones more easily. Currently, two standard scenarios are available.

The spraying of liquids with an unmanned aircraft is subject to prior authorization by FOCA. The specific requirements for submitting an authorization request depend primarily on the type of substance being sprayed and the intended use-case.

In the case of a Pre-Defined Risk Assessment (PDRA), the operator must confirm that all predefined conditions are met, as indicated in the corresponding PDRA compliance matrix. Unlike STS, the drone is not required to bear a class identification label. Since PDRAs do not impose specific scenarios, applicants have greater flexibility in performing the drone operation they intend to conduct.

Please refer to the ‘Transition from SORA 2.0 to SORA 2.5’ section below for further information. The processing time of SORA 2.5 applications might be longer than usual due to induced changes in the review process.

When a UAS operator intends to carry out a Specific category operation, previously authorized (under PDRA or SORA) by another EASA Member State, that will take place partially or entirely in Switzerland or Liechtenstein, a cross-border application must be submitted to FOCA. If you hold an authorization issued by FOCA and wish to operate in another EASA Member state, please refer to the competent authority abroad.

A LUC (Light UAS Operator Certificate) is a certificate that grants professional drone operators and manufacturers special privileges for their drone operations. Holders of a LUC can independently perform well-defined processes for which the FOCA is normally responsible.

FOCA may obtain support from external organisations in relation to drones. The role played by these organisations and how they can take on this role is explained on this page.