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Maintenance Requirements for the UAS per Category
Table of Contents
In accordance with Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947, it is the responsibility of the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) operator to ensure the UAS remains in a condition suitable for safe operations, ensuring its capability to perform intended flights safely.
Maintenance Procedures Based on Operation Category
The specific maintenance procedures for your drone depend on the category of operation.
In the ‘open’ category, maintenance procedures are the responsibility of the operator and are based on the manufacturer’s manual(s).
In the ‘specific’ category, UAS maintenance is overseen by the operator, involving adequately trained and qualified maintenance personnel. To adhere to these guidelines, the following steps must be taken:
In the ‘open’ category, maintenance procedures are the responsibility of the operator and are based on the manufacturer’s manual(s).
In the ‘specific’ category, UAS maintenance is overseen by the operator, involving adequately trained and qualified maintenance personnel. To adhere to these guidelines, the following steps must be taken:
- Develop maintenance instructions to ensure the UAS’s safe operational condition, including adherence to manufacturer-specified instructions and maintenance requirements.
- Document the minimum qualifications and training completed by maintenance personnel, along with their roles and responsibilities, in the operations manual.
- Maintain records of qualifications, training, and maintenance activities for a minimum of three years, even after personnel have left the organisation or changed positions.
- Maintain an up-to-date list of maintenance personnel employed by the operator to perform maintenance activities.
Enhanced Maintenance Requirements Based on Risk Assessment
Depending on the risks identified in your operational risk assessment, there might be additional maintenance requirements. These could involve developing a maintenance program and an organisation-specific maintenance manual in addition to your existing maintenance instructions.
Qualified maintenance personnel may need authorisation from the UAS operator for specific tasks and must undergo recurrent maintenance training validated by a third party. When utilising a standard scenario (STS), the UAS operator is obligated to incorporate additional requirements outlined in those scenarios.
Qualified maintenance personnel may need authorisation from the UAS operator for specific tasks and must undergo recurrent maintenance training validated by a third party. When utilising a standard scenario (STS), the UAS operator is obligated to incorporate additional requirements outlined in those scenarios.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the maintenance of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) is a critical aspect of ensuring safe and reliable drone operations. Whether operating in the ‘open’ or ‘specific’ category, UAS operators must adhere to the specified maintenance procedures and guidelines outlined in Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947.