What Is Drone Specific Category | Explained For Drone Pilots

If your planned drone operations present a higher risk, you can't fly in the Open category. Instead, you'll enter the Specific Category, a framework for more complex flights like those beyond your visual line of sight or over crowds.

While it grants you greater operational freedom, qualifying for it requires a formal application and authorization from the CAA, which has its own set of demanding steps.

What Is Drone Specific Category

The middle tier in the UK's three-level drone classification system, the Specific Category is the framework for operations that carry a greater risk than basic recreational flying. If you find the limitations of the Open Category too restrictive for your flight plans, you'll need to consider this category.

It's your pathway for conducting more complex or higher-risk flights, whether you're flying for commercial purposes or recreationally. What sets it apart is its focus on managing these elevated risks.

Essentially, you're stepping into a regulated space where your specific operation is individually assessed. This isn't about general, low-risk flying. Instead, you're seeking authorization for a mission that requires a more detailed safety case and operational plan. Operating in the Specific Category means you've demonstrated that you can handle the complexities and potential hazards of your non-standard drone flight safely and responsibly.

What Operations Are Covered In Specific Category

If your flight plan takes you beyond the limits of the Open Category, you'll be operating in the Specific Category. This category covers a wide range of higher-risk operations that standard rules don't permit.

For instance, you can fly your drone Beyond Visual Line of Sight BVLOS or operate it directly over crowds and assemblies of people. It also allows you to fly heavier drones—those over 25kg—closer to people than is otherwise possible.

You'll also find yourself in this category if you're flying a drone heavier than 4kg in residential or urban environments. Other covered operations include flying higher than the standard 120-meter ceiling above ground level.

It also encompasses specialized tasks like dropping articles, spraying crops, or flying any drone that doesn't have an official class identification label. These missions present a greater risk and fall outside standard flight scenarios.

Requirements to Fly In Specific Category

To fly in the Specific Category, you'll need an Operational Authorisation from the UK Civil Aviation Authority CAA. This approval is based on a safety risk assessment that sets out the exact conditions and limitations of your operation.

You'll typically apply for a PDRA01 for standard operations. For flights exceeding that scope, you'll use the UK SORA (Specific Operations Risk Assessment) process.

However, before applying for authorisation, you must first earn your General Visual Line of Sight Certificate GVC. This qualification involves several key steps. You'll undertake theory learning, then you must pass a 40-question exam to test your knowledge.

Next, you'll demonstrate your drone piloting competence in a practical flying test. Finally, you'll create a comprehensive Operations Manual, which is a critical document for your CAA application and future flights. It details all your procedures for safe flying.

Specific vs Open Category

Unlike the complex requirements of the Specific Category, the Open Category is designed for low-risk flying and doesn't require individual CAA authorisation. This category covers recreational and simple commercial flights with drones under 25kg.

You simply follow predefined rules, like staying within your visual line of sight (VLOS) and below a 120m altitude. Once you've completed basic online training for your Flyer ID, you're ready to fly.

Conversely, if your operation poses a higher risk, you'll enter the Specific Category. This is necessary when you plan to exceed the Open Category's limits—for instance, flying beyond your visual line of sight (BVLOS), operating over crowds, or going above 120m. You can't just fly; you must first earn your General Visual Line of Sight Certificate (GVC), create an Operations Manual, and secure an Operational Authorisation from the CAA for your specific mission.

Specific vs Certified Category

While the Specific Category handles many higher-risk scenarios, some operations pose the greatest risk and fall into the Certified Category. You'll find operations like transporting people, carrying dangerous goods, or flying over assemblies of people in this category. These are situations where you can't adequately mitigate risk using Specific Category methods.

Unlike the Specific Category where you use risk assessments like PDRA01 for an Operational Authorisation, the Certified Category is much stricter. Here, your drone must be type-certified, you'll need a formal drone pilot license, and your organization must hold an Air Operator Certificate.

The Certified Category's regulations mirror manned aviation, applying the most stringent oversight. In contrast, the Specific Category gives you flexibility for professional work like commercial surveys through proportionate safety measures, making it the practical choice for most advanced operations not involving these highest risks.

Frequently Asked Questions

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