Specific category drone testing: certification and support for operational authorization

The use of UAS (or RPAS) is constantly growing, becoming increasingly integrated into various everyday activities. According to European legislation, the specific category covers drones capable of operating in urban environments and carrying out medium-risk missions. In some cases, these drones can fly beyond visual line of sight of the pilot (BVLOS), expanding their operational possibilities.

Standard scenarios STS-01 and STS-02 

As a Notified Body for the certification of UAS in accordance with EU regulation 2019/945, we are qualified to carry out the full assessment and certification of classes C5 and C6. These classes apply to the standard scenarios STS-01 (VLOS operations over populated areas) and STS-02 (operations beyond visual line of sight of the pilot, or BVLOS), respectively. Our comprehensive testing services follow what is detailed for the open category, adapting it to the requirements and needs of classes C5 and C6.

SORA and PDRA 

At Applus+ Laboratories, we offer full support and advice in obtaining any operational authorization.

A predefined risk assessment (PDRA) is an operational scenario for which the authority has already carried out a risk assessment and published it as an acceptable means of compliance (AMC) with Article 11 of Regulation (EU) 2019/947.

For operational scenarios not covered under a PDRA, a risk analysis must be carried out following the SORA (Specific Operations Risk Assessment) methodology. The SORA analysis classifies operations into different SAIL (Specific Assurance and Integrity Level) levels, which establish the requirements needed for each type of operation:

Applus+ Laboratories is qualified to offer support at all SAIL levels, ensuring full compliance with regulatory requirements. We have advanced design validation testing capabilities, both in the laboratory and in flight, according to the industry's most demanding standards (DO-160, DO-178, ASTM F3478-20, ASTM F3298-19, among others).

SAIL III and SAIL IV 

Applus+ Laboratories offers a comprehensive service for regulatory compliance of drones operated under SAIL III and SAIL IV, ensuring they meet all OSOs (Operational Safety Objectives) with the level of robustness required by EASA. Our capabilities allow us to carry out all the tests required for operational authorization, including environmental, operational and technical tests, as well as safety assessments. Through our network of laboratories and specialized equipment, rigorous verifications are carried out to ensure compliance with EASA requirements, enabling the aircraft to operate in accordance with SAIL III & IV standards.

Document review		Environmental and climatic testing		Vibration and acoustic testing
Flight testing		Materials testing		EMC, radio and electrical safety testing
	Failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA)		Cybersecurity assessments

Environmental testing

Applus+ Laboratories has a global network of environmental testing laboratories, equipped with different types of climatic chambers, allowing it to cover a wide range of testing requirements.

 

ED-280 safety assessment

Applus+ Laboratories offers safety assessment services in accordance with the ED-280 standard, including ConOps and system architecture analysis, failure classification and FMEA execution, ensuring safe and efficient systems.

Electrical and electronic testing

Applus+ Laboratories offers a comprehensive testing service for electrical and electronic components, designed to evaluate and ensure their reliability, safety and electromagnetic compatibility from the design and development stage onwards.

Light UAS operator certificate (LUC) 

A LUC (Light UAS Operator Certificate) is a certificate granted by the National Aviation Authority (NAA) that allows an operator to begin operations in the specific category without the need for an operational authorization. At Applus+ Laboratories, we offer full support and advice in obtaining this certificate.