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What Is PDRA-06? EASA’s Specific Scenario for Medium-Risk Drone Operations
PDRA-06 enables VLOS flights over a controlled ground area, using drones up to 8 meters in size and below 120 meters AGL. It is required that the operator can detect at least 50% of nearby manned aircraft, making this scenario suitable for medium-risk long-range operations where airspace traffic is low but detectable.
Typical operations within this PDRA 06 are Testing of prototype UAS.
PDRA-06 Characteristics
- Operations within visual line of sight (VLOS)
- Using an unmanned aircraft (UAS) up to maximum 8 m dimension
- Over controlled ground area
- In airspaces where at least 50% of manned aircrafts can be detected
- Within a maximum height of flight geograpy 120 m AGL
- Within the range of the direct C2 link
Risk Level
Operational risk classification according to SORA methodology:
| GRC Final | 3 | Final ARC | ARC-b | SAIL | II |
|---|
Ground Requirements
The operator shall determine a flight geography that protects third parties outside the operational volume. Thus:
- Fixed wing: you should use the 1:1 rule to determine the minimum ground safety buffer distance.
- Rotating wing: in this case, the distance may be reduced by applying the ballistic calculation methodology.
Air Requirements
Flights can be performed:
- Below 120 m AGL in uncontrolled airspace (class F or G) over rural area, with coordination with local airfields if applicable.
- Below 120 m AGL in controlled airspace with coordination with the local ANSP.
- Below 120 m AGL in an airspace with a low encounter rate (ARC-b) which is defined by the competent authority.
All operations must take place in Visual Line of Sight of the pilot.
Pilot Training
In order to perform flights within the PDRA S-06 scenario, it is necessary for the operator to propose to the national aviation authority a training plan that is based on the “open” category, with the addition of the following elements:
- Air Safety
- Aviation Regulation for specific category, SORA and PDRA
- Navigation
- Human performance limitations
- Operational procedures
- Aircraft knownledge
- Meteorology
- Risk mitigation for air risk
In addition, a practical training plan based on the characteristics of the operation, which should cover:
- Preparation of operations
- Flight preparation
- Flight under normal conditions
- Flight under abnormal conditions
- Fligh under emergency conditions
Regulation
All these specifications are presented by EASA for working in complex scenarios. They are currently pending approval before they can be implemented.
Yes, PDRA-06 operations can take place in controlled airspace, but this requires coordination with the local Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP). It is also allowed in uncontrolled airspace (Class F or G), as long as the altitude is below 120 metres AGL and the area is rural or remote, with proper coordination with nearby airfields if necessary.
The 50% detection rule means that the operator of the UAS must be able to detect at least 50% of the nearby manned aircraft in the operational area. This ensures that the UAS can safely operate by avoiding potential collisions with manned aircraft. The detection requirement is crucial for ensuring safe separation in low-traffic airspace.
The SORA (Specific Operations Risk Assessment) methodology is used to assess the operational risk of drone flights under different scenarios. For PDRA-06, the SORA classification is SAIL II, which represents a medium-risk level for operations. This means that operations can proceed safely within the defined parameters, provided that the operator follows all necessary protocols and mitigates risks accordingly.
No, PDRA-06 is specifically designed for medium-risk, VLOS operations and is not suitable for high-risk operations, such as BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) or large-scale operations in congested airspace. It is most appropriate for testing prototype drones in controlled environments with low air traffic.
PDRA-06 provides a safe and regulated environment for testing new UAS prototypes. By setting clear operational boundaries and ensuring that risk factors are mitigated (such as detecting nearby manned aircraft), it allows developers to test new drone technologies with a lower level of risk, while still meeting European aviation standards.