Free PDRA timeline
From quote to approval: the PDRA timeline
A PDRA authorisation is faster than a full SORA, but it is not instant. Most of the time sits in two places: preparing a complete file and the authority review. Here is each step and what makes it shorter or longer.
Step by step
The six steps to a PDRA authorisation
The authority review is outside your control. Everything before it is not.
| Step | What happens | What decides the time |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Match | Check the operation against the PDRA conditions | How clearly the operation is defined |
| 2. Prepare | Operations manual, procedures and compliance evidence | Availability of drone, crew and site data |
| 3. Train | Remote pilots meet the competency the PDRA requires | Existing certificates |
| 4. Submit | Application to the national authority | Portal, language and format of the country |
| 5. Review | The authority assesses and may ask questions | Workload of the authority and quality of the file |
| 6. Approve | Operational authorisation issued | Speed of answers to findings |
Authority review often takes 30 to 60 days for a complete application. It varies by country.
What speeds it up
A clearly defined operation, a drone with full technical data, pilots already certified and fast answers to the inspector.
What slows it down
Missing documents, a manual that does not match the PDRA, untrained crew and slow replies to findings.
Country differences
Each authority has its own portal, language and queue. Some review in weeks, others take months.
Plan around the season
Apply well before the period when you need to fly. Spring and summer queues are longer in many countries.
A returned file restarts the queue
Incomplete applications are the most common cause of delay. One missing document can add weeks.
What you’ll get
The free PDRA timeline
- The six steps from quote to approval
- What decides the time at each step
- How to avoid resubmissions
- Country differences in review times
- How to plan around your flying season
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Every step from quote to approval, and what can slow it down.
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From application to approval
EU Drone Port prepares PDRA and SORA applications and supports you with the authority until approval.
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We prepare the full PDRA application, submit it with you and answer the inspector until the authorisation is granted.
- All PDRA types
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- Operations manual included
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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
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STS Operations Manual
We write your complete STS operations manual for STS-01, STS-02 or both, tailored to your operation and country.
- All required sections
- STS-01 and/or STS-02 covered
- Country-specific authority format
- Delivered in 5 business days
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More free guides
More free guides for PDRA applicants
FAQ
Questions about PDRA timelines
How long does a PDRA approval take?
The authority review often takes 30 to 60 days for a complete application, plus preparation time. It varies by country and by the quality of the file.
What is the slowest part of a PDRA application?
Usually the authority review. Before that, preparing a complete operations manual and gathering drone and crew data takes most of the time.
Can I fly while my PDRA is under review?
Not under the PDRA. You can only fly the operation once the authorisation is issued.
What happens if the authority has questions?
They send findings. You answer and update the file. Fast, complete answers keep the timeline short.
Does the timeline differ between countries?
Yes. Each national authority has its own process, language and workload.
Can EU Drone Port shorten the timeline?
We prepare a complete application and handle the authority questions, which avoids most resubmissions. PDRA support starts from €1,950 + VAT.
Last updated: October 2026. Source: Regulation (EU) 2019/947 and EU Drone Port project data.
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From quote to approval, and what slows it down.
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