Free growth roadmap
The growth roadmap for drone operators in Europe
Every new type of job you take on needs the right approval behind it. Operators who plan the path from open category to the specific category win bigger contracts sooner. This roadmap shows each stage, what it unlocks and what it takes. If your operation needs one, our team prepares the full SORA operational authorisation and deals with the authority for you.
The five stages
From open category to your own LUC
Each stage unlocks a new type of work. Move up when your clients ask for operations the current stage does not cover.
| Stage | What it unlocks | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| Open category | Low-risk VLOS flights within A1, A2 and A3 limits | Operator registration, A1/A3 or A2 certificate |
| Standard scenarios | STS-01 VLOS over controlled areas, STS-02 BVLOS up to 2 km | STS declaration, STS certificate, C5 or C6 drone |
| PDRA | Defined operations, including drones without class labels | Operational authorisation, operations manual |
| SORA | Custom operations beyond standard limits | Full risk assessment and operational authorisation |
| LUC | Authorise your own operations within your privileges | Light UAS operator Certificate, mature safety management |
Categories and approvals as defined in Regulation (EU) 2019/947.
Start with the right certificates
Open category work needs operator registration and pilots with A1/A3 or A2 certificates. Most operators start here.
Standard scenarios scale fastest
A declaration replaces an authorisation. With C5 or C6 drones and STS-trained pilots you can start soon after declaring.
PDRAs for defined jobs
When your drone has no class label or the job falls outside STS limits, a PDRA gives a faster route than a full SORA.
SORA for the contracts others cannot take
Long-range BVLOS, heavier drones and complex areas need a SORA. It takes longer but opens the highest-value work.
The LUC for frequent operators
A Light UAS operator Certificate lets you approve your own operations within the privileges granted, without applying each time.
Multi-country growth
An authorisation from your home country can be used in other EASA countries after notification or application to each one.
Do not skip the foundations
Each stage builds on the previous one. A SORA or LUC application is judged partly on how you already run your operations, training and records.
What you’ll get
The free operator growth roadmap
- The five stages and what each unlocks
- When to move up a stage
- The approvals and drones each stage needs
- How to grow into other countries
- How to prepare for a LUC
Get the Free Operator Growth Roadmap
Each step from open category to your own LUC, and when to take it.
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See the SORA service →EU Drone Port authorisation services
From risk assessment to approval
EU Drone Port prepares SORA and PDRA applications and supports you with the authority until approval.
Most requested
SORA Operational Authorisation
For operations outside the standard scenarios and PDRAs, we prepare the SORA documentation, submit it and defend it with the authority.
- Documentation ready in 30 days
- 98% approval rate
- Approvals in 28 of 31 EASA countries
- Support until approval
From €2,950 + VAT
PDRA Authorisation
We prepare the full PDRA application, submit it with you and answer the inspector until the authorisation is granted.
- All PDRA types
- 100+ PDRAs approved
- Operations manual included
- Support until approval
From €1,950 + VAT
Flight Coordination
Send us date, time, coordinates, drone and pilot. We handle the airspace coordination until you have clearance, including in restricted zones.
- Per-flight coordination
- Authority and airspace notifications handled
- Restricted zones included
- 31 countries
€95 per flight + VAT, billed monthly
More free guides
More free guides for SORA applicants
FAQ
Questions about growing a drone operation
What is the specific category?
The category for drone operations with more risk than the open category allows. It is accessed through a standard scenario declaration, a PDRA or a SORA-based authorisation.
When should I move from the open category?
When clients ask for flights the open category does not allow, such as closer to people in populated areas, BVLOS or with heavier drones.
What is a LUC?
A Light UAS operator Certificate. It allows an operator with an established safety management system to authorise its own operations within the privileges granted by the authority.
Do I need a SORA before a LUC?
There is no single required sequence, but authorities expect a LUC applicant to show experience and a mature organisation, usually built through earlier authorisations.
Can I operate in other countries?
Yes. A specific category authorisation or declaration from your home country can be used in other EASA countries after the required notification or application.
Can EU Drone Port help at every stage?
Yes. We provide pilot training, STS manuals, PDRA and SORA applications and flight coordination across 31 countries.
Last updated: October 2026. Source: Regulation (EU) 2019/947 and EASA AMC and GM to the regulation.
Plan your next stage. Free roadmap.
From open category to your own LUC, step by step.
98%
Approval rate
28 of 31
EASA countries with approvals
30 days
Documentation ready
€2,950 + VAT
SORA from