The Specific Category for Drones in the UK Explained

When Does the Specific Category Apply?

The Specific Category exists to bridge the gap between the relatively simple Open Category and the full certification requirements of the Certified Category. You need Specific Category authorisation when your operation:

• Takes place over or near congested areas beyond Open Category limits
• Requires beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) flying
• Involves drones heavier than 25 kg (but below Certified thresholds)
• Cannot meet the distance or altitude requirements of the Open Category
• Involves operations in controlled airspace
• Requires flying at night in ways not covered by Open Category provisions

The Operational Authorisation

An Operational Authorisation is the formal approval document issued by the CAA. It specifies exactly what you are permitted to do, where, and under what conditions. The OA process involves:

1. Risk assessment: Either a PDRA (for standard scenarios) or a full SORA (for bespoke operations)
2. Operations Manual: A documented set of procedures covering normal and emergency operations
3. Qualified personnel: Remote pilots typically need a GVC or equivalent qualification
4. Technical compliance: The drone must meet specified technical standards
5. Insurance: Appropriate third-party liability insurance must be in place

SORA Risk Assessment in Detail

The Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA) is a structured methodology for evaluating the risks of a proposed drone operation. The process involves:

• Defining the concept of operations (ConOps) — what, where, when, how
• Determining the intrinsic ground risk class based on the operational area and drone characteristics
• Determining the initial air risk class based on the airspace type
• Applying mitigations to reduce both ground and air risk
• Arriving at a Specific Assurance and Integrity Level (SAIL) from I to VI
• Identifying the Operational Safety Objectives (OSOs) required at each SAIL level

Pre-Defined Risk Assessments (PDRAs)

PDRAs simplify the application process for common operation types. Instead of conducting a full SORA from scratch, you can reference a PDRA that matches your intended operation. The CAA publishes a list of available PDRAs covering scenarios such as:

• VLOS operations in controlled ground areas
• BVLOS operations over sparsely populated areas
• Infrastructure inspection operations

Using a PDRA can significantly reduce the time and complexity of your application, provided your operation fits within the PDRA's parameters exactly.

The GVC Qualification

The General VLOS Certificate is the standard pilot qualification for Specific Category operations. It covers:

• Advanced aviation theory (meteorology, airspace, flight planning)
• Specific Category regulations and requirements
• Risk assessment principles
• Operations Manual development
• Practical flight assessment

The GVC is obtained through a CAA-approved Recognised Assessment Entity (RAE). Training typically takes several days and includes both theoretical and practical elements.

Maintaining Your OA

An Operational Authorisation is not a one-time achievement. To maintain it, you must:

• Keep your Operations Manual up to date
• Report any incidents or accidents to the CAA
• Ensure all remote pilots maintain current qualifications
• Renew the OA before it expires
• Comply with all conditions specified in the OA