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Heavy Lifter Drones - How to obtain flight permits through SORA
Heavy lifter drones are transforming industries such as logistics, construction, and agriculture by offering efficient solutions for transporting materials in hard-to-reach areas. However, operating these drones requires compliance with strict regulations to ensure safety and legal adherence. This article will guide you through the necessary steps to obtain the appropriate permits to operate cargo drones, addressing key aspects like the specific category of operation, risk analysis under the SORA methodology, the implementation of systems like the Flight Termination System (FTS), and ground risk mitigation. We’ll also discuss the requirements of remote identification (DRI) and how to manage flight geography.
What is the Specific Category?
To operate heavy lifter drones, you need to obtain an Operational Authorization in the Specific Category. This category is designed for operations that present a higher level of risk than the Open Category, which is for low-risk flights. The Specific Category covers more complex operations, such as flights in populated areas or transporting heavy loads, where ensuring the safety of aerial operations is essential.
Obtaining authorization in this category involves conducting a detailed analysis of the risks presented by the operation. Operators must provide civil aviation authorities with a clear assessment of the environment, the drone’s characteristics, and the safety measures implemented. For more information on how to classify your operation in the Specific Category, you can read more here.
The SORA Methodology and Its Importance in Heavy Lifter Drone Operations
Once it’s established that your drone operation falls under the Specific Category, the next step is to apply the SORA (Specific Operations Risk Assessment) methodology. This operational risk assessment is crucial for obtaining the necessary permits and ensuring safety during operations.
SORA provides a step-by-step framework to identify risks both in the air and on the ground. It helps operators determine what mitigations are necessary to reduce the hazards that operating a heavy lifter drone might present. The methodology focuses on two types of risk:
- Ground Risk: Analyzes the possible impact of the drone on people and property in case of failure or loss of control.
- Air Risk: Evaluates the likelihood of the drone interfering with manned aircraft in the airspace.
For those who wish to delve deeper into how the SORA methodology works, you can read more about it here.
Flight Geography: Key Elements in Heavy Lifter Drone Operations
When planning operations with cargo drones, one of the most critical aspects is understanding and managing flight geography. Under the SORA methodology, this concept encompasses several essential components that help define the necessary safety measures and the design of the operation. These include the operational volume, the contingency volume, the ground risk buffer, and the management of the adjacent area. Below, we’ll delve into each of these key concepts.
Operational Volume
Correctly defining the operational volume involves considering the drone’s technical limitations, such as its range and autonomy, and the restrictions imposed by aviation authorities. You must also take into account the environment in which the flight will take place, whether it’s an urban area, rural area, or near critical infrastructure.
Flight Geography
It’s essential to consider the proximity to populated areas since the risk increases when flying near people or infrastructure. Correct evaluation of flight geography is fundamental to determining the limits of the operational volume and establishing exclusion zones if necessary.
Contingency Volume
This volume must be designed considering factors like the drone’s autonomy, possible adverse weather conditions, and established emergency procedures. The contingency volume is crucial to ensure that, even in unforeseen situations, the drone can land safely or return to its point of origin without endangering third parties.
Ground Risk Buffer
This buffer is calculated based on the population density of the operation area, flight altitude, and the drone’s characteristics. In urban environments, the ground risk buffer will be wider due to the higher risk posed by flying over concentrations of people.
Adjacent Area
The concept of the adjacent area refers to the zones surrounding the operational and contingency volumes. Although these areas aren’t directly included in the drone’s operation, it’s essential to consider them during planning since any uncontrolled flight deviation could affect these zones.
Analyzing the adjacent area allows you to identify possible risks that could extend beyond the controlled volume, such as proximity to roads, industrial facilities, or protected areas. If the adjacent area presents significant risks, additional measures may be required, like geofencing systems or specific emergency plans.
For more details on flight geography and its impact on heavy lifter drone operations, you can consult the full article here.
Flight Termination System (FTS)
The Flight Termination System (FTS) is a crucial component in planning operations with heavy lifter drones. This system allows the operator to immediately terminate the drone’s flight in case of loss of control or emergency. The FTS is a key tool within SORA’s emergency procedures and helps minimize risk on the ground and in the air.
If the drone doesn’t have an FTS, authorities may require a much larger safety zone around the flight area, which could hinder the operation. With an effective termination system, the operator can demonstrate that the risks are controlled and that any incident can be resolved quickly without endangering nearby people or property.
You can read more details about the FTS here.
DRI: Remote Identification Systems
It’s essential to address Remote Identification (DRI) systems, which are a requirement for heavy lifter drone operations in many countries. The DRI provides authorities with the ability to monitor and control drones in flight, ensuring they operate within established regulations. These systems allow identifying the drone and its operator in real-time, facilitating operation control and helping authorities manage the airspace effectively.
Implementing a DRI not only ensures legal compliance but also reinforces the safety of the operation. Remote identification systems are especially important in operations involving large drones with significant payload capacity, as any incident can have substantial consequences.
For more details on remote identification systems, you can read more here.
Conclusion
Operating cargo drones requires more than advanced technology; it involves complying with strict regulations to ensure safety. From obtaining the necessary permits in the Specific Category to implementing systems like the FTS and the DRI, each aspect must be carefully planned. The SORA methodology provides a solid foundation to manage risks, both in the air and on the ground, ensuring the operation is carried out safely and efficiently.
If you’re planning to operate heavy lifter drones and need help managing the SORA permit process, at EU Drone Port we are experts in operational authorizations. Our team will guide you step by step through the process, ensuring you comply with all regulations and that your operation is approved without complications.
Don’t let bureaucratic procedures hold you back. Contact us today and obtain the necessary permit for your heavy lifter drone operations to take off with total safety and success. Discover more about how we can help you here and start working with the best professionals in the drone sector.