BLOG POSTS
Flying non-certified drones
As you may well know, as of January 1, 2024, the use of certified drones is mandatory in the Open Category and in the European STS scenarios of the Specific Category. But what happens with those drones we already have that do not have a class label? Can they no longer be used? In this article, we will answer all the questions you may have so that you know how to use uncertified drones while complying with the regulations.
Use of uncertified drones in Open Category
As mentioned earlier, if we can no longer use drones in the Specific Category or the European STS, where can we fly them? Let’s analyse case by case.
Drones less than 250 grams
If our drone was introduced to the market before 2024 and weighs less than 250 grams, you’re in luck. You will be able to use your UAS under the operational conditions of the Open Category A1.
Drones more than 250 grams
If your drone exceeds the 250 gram barrier, weighs less than 25 kg, and was introduced to the market before 2024, you can continue to fly it but away from people, residential, commercial, recreational, or industrial areas, in other words, in the Open Category A3
If your intention is to use these drones in environments that are not of type A3, you will have some options to manage it:
Use of uncertified drones in Specific Category
National Standard Scenarios (STS)
Some EU countries still have national standard scenarios for a limited time. These scenarios are based on the European STS with the difference that the drones do not need to be certified. If the national STS scenarios suit your needs, opting for them is a good temporary solution to continue using your uncertified drones. However, it is essential that your drones meet the scenario requirements.
PDRA Scenarios
The PDRAs have been created to facilitate that uncertified drones can fly in certain operational scenarios. First, it is necessary to see which PDRA suits our needs and if we meet the requirements. If so, we must send the documentation to the authorities of the country where we have registered and wait for their approval.
At EU Drone Port we can help you with the management of the PDRA with your uncertified drones or the certified ones, which you want to use in other scenarios.
Operational Authorisation Scenarios
The last option is to use an Operational Authorisation. When there is no scenario that suits our requirements, we will have to request authorisation that must be customised for our use case.
If you need to carry out an Operational Authorisation, at EU Drone Port 
we have the experience you need to ensure success.
As you can see, there are many options that allow you to continue using your uncertified drones. It is very interesting not to miss some of the options such as the use of national standard scenarios, and analyse the options of PDRA or Operational Authorisations.
As you well know, we are at your disposal for any need you may have. Do not hesitate to ask us.