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DRONE CERTIFICATION PLAYBOOK
Why do we need UAS Class Identification Label?
The implementation of the EU Class Identification Label serves a crucial purpose in the regulation and operation of drones. The label is a verification mechanism designed to confirm that drones within a specific class meet the rigorous standards set by the European Union for design and manufacturing. These standards are necessary to ensure the safety and reliability of drones in various industries and applications.
By providing this assurance to customers, the EU Class Identification Label helps to increase confidence in drone technology and encourages wider adoption across industries. This, in turn, contributes to the growth and development of the drone industry and supports the integration of drones into society.
Moreover, the label is essential in ensuring the safe and responsible use of drones. It provides a clear indication of the capabilities and limitations of drones, enabling customers to make informed decisions when choosing a drone for their specific needs. The label also ensures that drones are not operated beyond their intended use, minimising the potential risk to public safety and property.
In conclusion, the EU Class Identification Label is a crucial aspect of the drone industry, playing a vital role in ensuring the safety, reliability, and responsible use of drones in various industries and applications. It is an essential tool for promoting confidence in the technology and encouraging its wider adoption.
In which cases do we need Class Identification Label Certification?
Certification is not a universal requirement for all unmanned aerial systems (UAS). The following are three scenarios outlining the options available and the consequences of each choice:
1) For UAS that have been commercially available prior to January 1st, 2024:
a) Certification: Obtaining a Class Identification Label prior to the deadline will allow for operation within any scenario permitted by the designated Drone Class.
b) Non-Certification: the lack of certification prior to the deadline will restrict operation to the A1 category (for UAS weighing less than 250 g) or the A3 category (for UAS weighing more than 250 g) or operations under Operational Authorisation.
2) For UAS that have not been commercially available prior to January 1st, 2024:
a) Certification: In this scenario, certification is mandatory in order to commercialise the UAS within the European Union.
3) For privately built UAS:
a) Certification: Obtaining a Class Identification Label prior to the deadline will allow for operation within any scenario permitted by the designated Drone Class.
b) Non-Certification: The lack certification prior to the deadline will restrict operation to the A1 category (for UAS weighing less than 250 g) or the A3 category (for UAS weighing more than 250 g) or operations under Operational Authorisation.”
Class Identification Label Certification Roadmap
The following are the standard procedures for obtaining EU-Type examination certification, starting from the initiation of an agreement with a Notified Body:
- DAY 1: Submit Essential UAS Data for Pre-analysis: This includes the User’s Manual, Datasheet, and Maintenance Manual.
- DAY 5: Notified Body Evaluation of Documents: The Notified Body will review the submitted materials and determine the certification viability. If approved, a testing plan will be developed.
- DAY 50: Testing Completion and Certification Decision: Upon completion of the tests, a certification decision will be made.
- DAY 55: Issuance of EU-Type Examination Certification: In case of conformity of all the tests, the final step will be the official issuance of the EU-Type examination certification.
Type of tests included in the Class Identification Label Certification:
Each class certification requires different tests. However, these are some of the ones most representatives among the different classes:
- MTOM
- Maximum Speed
- Maximum attainable Height
- Safely controllable
- Minimise injury to people
- Power
- Follow-me mode
- User’s manual
- Information notice
- Loss of data link
- Sound power
- Unique physical serial number
- Direct Remote Identification
- Geo awareness
- Airspace limitation function
- C2 link protection
If you need help introducing your UAS in the EU market, do not hesitate to check our services.
2 Responses
Hello EU Drone Port,
Regarding UAS type certification, I am planning to obtain a C2 class label for a drone system developed in the company.
I have a question about the pre-analysis phase. By looking at the EU easy access documents I can figure out what will be required for the user´s manual, datasheet and maintenance manual. However, it will be faster to use examples or templates. Is it possible to provide such a template or example?
With regards,
Joël Meijering
Celemation B.V.
http://www.celemation.com
+31623239242
Dear Joël,
Thank you for your message.
I have forwarded your question to one of our experts. He will be in touch shortly!
Best regards,
Niels