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PDRA – Predefined Risk Assessment
The Predefined Risk Assessment or PDRA is the intermediate step between a standard scenario (e.g. STS-01 or STS-02) and an Operational Authorisation.
In the case of PDRAs, EASA publishes a risk assessment to be completed by the UAS operator as if it were a guide or checklist. Once completed, it must draft the Operations Manual justifying the evidence of compliance with the PDRA scenario and request the Operational Authorisation from the corresponding aeronautical authority.
This way of working facilitates both the task for the UAS operator and the national authorities in reviewing the documentation.
Steps to fly in PDRA scenario
- Search for the PDRA that fits our operational needs.
- Complete the PDRA, ensuring compliance with each of the points.
- Preparation of the corresponding Operations Manual
- Application to the national authorities by means of an Operational Authorisation
PDRA G and PDRA S
There are two types of classification for the published PDRAs, type S and type G:
PDRA G
These are known as generic PDRAs. They are not based on a standard published scenario.
PDRA S
These are those based on a published STS scenario, but which cannot be 100% complied with.
For example, if we must fly in a standard STS-01 or STS-02 scenario, but do not have a drone with the corresponding class label, we must apply for the corresponding PDRA S-01 or S-02 and opt for the Operational Authorisation.
PDRA published by EASA
The PDRAs published by EASA are:
PDRA S-01:
Agricultural work, short-distance cargo operations.
PDRA S-02:
Surveillance, agricultural work, short-haul cargo operations
PDRA G-01:
Surveillance, cargo operations. Learn more.
PDRA G-02:
Operations for all ranges of distances. Learn more.
PDRA G-03:
Linear inspections, agricultural projects. Learn more.
PDRA 05:
Operations for all ranges of distances, where a minimum of 50% of the manned aviation can be detected. Learn more.
Future PDRA publications
On the other hand, EASA is working on publishing new PDRAs to create new scenarios and facilitate the growth of the drone industry. The following PDRAs are currently under development:
PDR-06:
Testing operations for up to 8 meter drones, in areas where at least 50% of manned aviation can be detected.
PDR-07:
Operations in the airport area in order to carry out inspections.
PDR-08:
Drone swarm operations.
PDRAs are much more flexible than standard scenarios, as they allow us to justify how we meet the scenario requirements. In addition, the list of scenarios is much longer, allowing the development of new activities in the sector that are highly specialized and easily adaptable to new aircraft and other technologies.
Don’t hesitate to start your journey to fly into these scenarios!