Free BVLOS guide
How to fly BVLOS beyond 2 km under SORA
STS-02 allows BVLOS up to 2 km from the pilot with airspace observers. Corridor inspections, long-range mapping and deliveries go further. For those you need a PDRA that fits or a SORA-based authorisation. This guide shows what the authority will look at. If your operation needs one, our team prepares the full SORA operational authorisation and deals with the authority for you.
BVLOS routes
Which approval covers your BVLOS flight
Start with the simplest route that covers the operation and move up only when you need to.
| Route | BVLOS range | Key conditions |
|---|---|---|
| STS-02 | Up to 1 km, or 2 km with airspace observers | C6 drone, controlled ground area, sparsely populated environment |
| PDRA-S02 | Up to 1 km, or 2 km with airspace observers | Similar to STS-02 for drones without a class label |
| PDRA-G01 to G03 | Depends on the PDRA | Sparsely populated areas, airspace observers, reserved airspace or low height |
| SORA | Defined by your risk assessment | Any operation outside the above |
Conditions summarised from Regulation (EU) 2019/947 and EASA AMC. Check the full conditions before applying.
Command and control link
Show the C2 link covers the full route with enough performance, and what the drone does on link loss.
Air risk
Define the airspace along the route and how you reduce the risk of meeting manned aircraft, from reserved airspace to detect and avoid.
Ground risk along the route
Population density changes along a corridor. Assess every segment, not just the take-off area.
Containment
Prove the drone stays inside the operational volume, and protect the adjacent area if it does not.
Crew and procedures
Remote crew training, handover procedures and emergency response must match the length and complexity of the flight.
The drone itself
Technical evidence for reliability, flight termination and navigation accuracy grows with the SAIL.
BVLOS is about airspace first
Most long-range BVLOS approvals depend on how you manage air risk. Talk to the air navigation service provider early.
What you’ll get
The free BVLOS SORA guide
- STS-02, PDRAs and SORA for BVLOS compared
- What changes beyond 2 km
- C2 link, air risk and containment evidence
- How corridor operations are assessed
- How to prepare the application
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From risk assessment to approval
EU Drone Port prepares SORA and PDRA applications and supports you with the authority until approval.
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SORA Operational Authorisation
For operations outside the standard scenarios and PDRAs, we prepare the SORA documentation, submit it and defend it with the authority.
- Documentation ready in 30 days
- 98% approval rate
- Approvals in 28 of 31 EASA countries
- Support until approval
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PDRA Authorisation
We prepare the full PDRA application, submit it with you and answer the inspector until the authorisation is granted.
- All PDRA types
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- Operations manual included
- Support until approval
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Flight Coordination
Send us date, time, coordinates, drone and pilot. We handle the airspace coordination until you have clearance, including in restricted zones.
- Per-flight coordination
- Authority and airspace notifications handled
- Restricted zones included
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More free guides
More free guides for SORA applicants
FAQ
Questions about BVLOS drone operations
Can I fly BVLOS in the open category?
No. The open category requires visual line of sight. BVLOS needs a standard scenario declaration, a PDRA or a SORA-based authorisation.
How far can I fly BVLOS under STS-02?
Up to 1 km from the remote pilot, or up to 2 km with airspace observers, with a C6 drone over a controlled ground area in a sparsely populated environment.
What do I need to fly BVLOS beyond 2 km?
An operational authorisation based on a PDRA that covers the operation or on a full SORA, including evidence for C2 link, air risk, ground risk and containment.
Do I need detect and avoid for BVLOS?
It depends on the air risk. In reserved or low-risk airspace other mitigations may be enough. Higher air risk requires stronger tactical mitigations.
How long does a BVLOS approval take?
Usually several months, depending on the authority and the complexity of the airspace. Early contact with the air navigation service provider helps.
Can EU Drone Port prepare my BVLOS SORA?
Yes. We prepare, submit and defend BVLOS SORA applications from €2,950 + VAT, with approvals in 28 of 31 EASA countries.
Last updated: October 2026. Source: Regulation (EU) 2019/947, EASA AMC and GM to the regulation, and JARUS SORA.
Fly beyond 2 km. Free BVLOS guide.
What the authority looks at and how to prepare.
98%
Approval rate
28 of 31
EASA countries with approvals
30 days
Documentation ready
€2,950 + VAT
SORA from