What is PDRA-S02? PDRA for up to 2km Distance Explained.

PDRA-S02 is a Pre-Defined Risk Assessment that allows drone operations at extended distances, up to 2 kilometres from the remote pilot. This standardised operational scenario falls within the 'specific' category and provides a framework for operations that may use airspace observers (AOs).

General Characteristics of this PDRA-S02:

• With UA with maximum characteristic dimensions (e.g. wingspan, rotor diameter/area or maximum distance between rotors in case of a multirotor) of up to 3 m and MTOM of up to 25 kg;
• At a distance of up to 2 km from the remote pilot if airspace observers (AOs) are employed; otherwise, at a distance of up to 1 km;
• Over a controlled ground area that is entirely located in a sparsely populated area;
• Below 150 m above ground level (AGL) (except when close to obstacles).
• In controlled or uncontrolled airspace, provided there is a low probability of encountering manned aircraft.

Operational Characteristics

Level of Human Intervention

• No autonomous operations: the remote pilot must always maintain control of the UA.
• Only one UA can be operated per remote pilot.
• Operations from moving vehicles are not allowed.
• Control handover to another command unit is not permitted.

UA Range Limitations

• The remote pilot must keep the UAS in VLOS during launch and recovery.
• Maximum distance of 1 km from the remote pilot. If airspace observers are part of the operations, the maximum distance can be extended to 2 km from the remote pilot.

Overflown Areas

• Operations should be conducted over controlled ground areas entirely in sparsely populated areas.

UA Limitations

• Maximum Take-Off Mass (MTOM) of less than 25 kg
• Maximum characteristic dimension (wingspan, rotor diameter, etc.) less than 3 meters.
• Maximum ground speed in level flight not more than 50 m/s

Height and Airspace Restrictions

• Maximum height is limited to 150 meters from the closest point of Earth's surface. Operations between 120-150 meters require an additional air risk buffer.
• When flying within 50 meters horizontal distance of an artificial obstacle taller than 105 meters, height may be increased up to 15 meters above the obstacle.

Operational Volume Planning

• UAS operators must define the operational volume considering the position-keeping capabilities in 4D space.
• Must account for navigation solution accuracy, flight technical errors, and flight path definition errors.
• Emergency procedures must be activated as soon as there is an indication that the UA may exceed operational volume limits.

Ground Risk Buffer

• Must establish a ground risk buffer to protect third parties outside the operational volume
• Buffer distance should be at least equal to the distance most likely travelled by the UA after flight termination activation.

UAS Operator Responsibilities

Documentation and Procedures

• Develop a comprehensive operations manual.
• Define operational volume and ground risk buffer.
• Implement security requirements and data protection measures.
• Develop guidelines to minimise nuisance and emissions-related disturbance.
• Validate contingency and emergency procedures through testing or simulation.
• Develop an Emergency Response Plan (ERP).
• Upload updated information into a geo-awareness function (if installed).

Maintenance Requirements

• Ensure maintenance staff follow the UAS maintenance instructions.
• Keep maintenance records for a minimum of 3 years.
• Maintain an up-to-date list of authorised maintenance staff.

Remote Pilot Qualifications and Training

• Hold a "Remote Pilot Certificate of Theoretical Knowledge for STSs" or equivalent. 
• Complete practical skills training and assessment.
• For operations between 120-150m, undergo additional theoretical knowledge training.

Airspace Observer Requirements

• AOs must be positioned to adequately cover the operational volume and surrounding airspace.
• Maximum distance between AO and the UA: 1 km.
• Maximum distance between any AO and remote pilot: 1 km.
• Robust and effective means of communication between remote pilot and AO(s) is required.

Technical Conditions

UAS Requirements

• UAS should be marked with a class C6 identification label.
• Alternative compliance options are available without a C6 label under specific conditions.
• For privately built UAS, the operator must ensure that MTOM does not exceed 25 kg.

Call to Action

Navigating the complexities of PDRA-S02 operations requires expert knowledge and proper training. Our company specialises in drone pilot training, operations manual development, and consultancy services tailored explicitly to extended distance operations under the PDRA-S02 scenario. Contact us today to learn how we can help you safely and legally operate your drone at distances up to 2 kilometres, complete with adequately trained airspace observers and all required documentation. Let us help you expand your operational capabilities while maintaining full regulatory compliance.

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