What is PDRA-G03? PDRA for Linear Inspections and Agricultural Works.

PDRA-G03 is a Pre-Defined Risk Assessment (PDRA) suitable for linear infrastructure inspections and agricultural drone operations. This standardised framework streamlines the approval process for specific drone operations in the 'specific' category. PDRA-G03 is a generic PDRA. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the key aspects of PDRA-G03, which are essential for drone pilots and operators to understand if this scenario suits their drone operations.

General Characteristics for PDRA-G03:

• Operating with UA with maximum characteristic dimensions of up to 3 m and typical kinetic energies of up to 34 kJ.
• BVLOS of the remote pilot.
• Operating over sparsely populated areas.
• Operating within the direct C2 link range in an operational volume under 30 m above the overflown area (or any other altitude reference defined by the Member State of operations).
• Following preprogrammed or preplanned flexible routes within the operational volume.
• In one of the following conditions:
  • reserved or segregated airspace for UAS operations;
  • operating at a maximum height not exceeding 30 m from the ground;
  • When operating at no more than 30 m horizontally from an obstacle, operating at a maximum height not exceeding 15 m from the obstacle; if the height of the obstacle does not exceed 20 m, then the height of the operation may be up to 30 m from the obstacle (meaning no more than a total of 50 m from the ground).

Operational Characteristics

Level of Human Intervention

• No autonomous operations are allowed.
• Remote pilots must maintain control of the UA at all times.
• Flight paths should be preprogrammed, or flexible routes should be preplanned to avoid obstacles.
• The pilot in Command should always be able to terminate the flight.
• Operations from moving vehicles are not allowed.
• Control handover to another command unit is not permitted.

UA Range Limitations

• Launch/recovery: at VLOS distance from the remote pilot if not operating from a safely prepared area.
• The operations range limit should be within the C2 link direct coverage to ensure safe flight conduct.

Overflown Areas and UA Limitations

• Operations should be conducted over sparsely populated areas.
• Operations must be over or up to 15m horizontal distance from a facility or infrastructure at the request of the entity responsible for that facility.
• Maximum characteristic dimension: 3 meters.
• Maximum kinetic energy: 34 kJ.

Flight Parameters

Height and Airspace Restrictions

• Maximum height should not exceed the size of reserved or segregated airspace (if applicable).
• Operations are allowed in 'atypical airspace', which is included in uncontrolled airspace.
• Operations are allowed in controlled airspace, which the competent authority has defined as meeting 'atypical airspace' requirements.

Prohibited Areas

• Operations must be away from any manned aircraft's permanent or temporary take-off and landing areas.
• Must avoid known military aircraft low-flying routes.
• Must avoid any other known low-level manned aircraft operations.
• Must avoid harbour/coastal areas where SAR operations may transit.
• Must avoid known areas where other unmanned aircraft operate.

Operational Risk Mitigations

Operational Volume and Containment

• Establish operational volume considering 4D space (latitude, longitude, height, and time).
• Consider the position-keeping capabilities of the UAS.

Air Risk Buffer

• An air risk buffer is required if adjacent airspace is classified as ARC-d or when competent authority deems it necessary.
• The buffer must be contained where the probability of encounter with manned aircraft is low.
• Assessment of proximity to manned aircraft activity required before flight

UAS Operator Responsibilities

Documentation and Planning

• Develop a comprehensive operations manual (OM).
• Implement security requirements and data protection measures.
• Develop guidelines to minimise nuisance and emissions-related disturbance.
• Develop and validate an Emergency Response Plan (ERP).
• Validate operational procedures to "medium" level of robustness.
• Ensure adequacy of contingency and emergency procedures.

Communication and Coordination

• Establish communication methods with airspace management for operations in reserved/segregated airspace.
• Designate personnel responsible for this communication.
• Ensure efficient use of radio spectrum to avoid harmful interference.

Record Keeping

• Keep records of UAS operations for a minimum of 3 years.
• Document any unusual technical or operational occurrences.

Maintenance Requirements

• Ensure maintenance staff follow the UAS maintenance instructions.
• Maintain an up-to-date list of authorised maintenance staff.

Personnel Requirements

Remote Pilot Qualifications and Training

• Hold a "Remote Pilot Certificate of Theoretical Knowledge for STSs" or equivalent level of training in the Specific Category. 
• Complete practical skills training and assessment.

Fitness and Training

• Personnel in charge of duties essential to the UAS operation must declare fitness to operate.
• Training records must be maintained for a minimum of 3 years.

Technical Conditions

UAS Requirements

• Monitoring capabilities for critical parameters (position, height, ground speed, energy status).
• Means to program flight path prior to take-off or avoid obstacles with flexible routes.
• Performance capability to keep position in 4D space.
• Human-machine interface that provides clear information about critical parameters.

Containment Requirements

• No probable failure should lead to operation outside the operational volume
• Enhanced containment is required if the adjacent area includes an assembly of people or airspace classified as ARC-c or ARC-d:
  • The probability of UA leaving operational volume should be less than 10^-4/FH
  • No single failure should lead to operation outside the ground risk buffer

Remote Identification and Lighting

• UAS must bear a unique serial number that is compliant with the relevant standards.
• A remote identification system is required according to regulations.
• A green flashing light is required for night operations.

Contact Us Today

Understanding and implementing PDRA-G03 requirements is essential for safe and compliant linear infrastructure inspections and agricultural operations. Our company provides specialised training for remote pilots, consultancy services for operational planning, and assistance with preparing operations manuals compliant with PDRA-G03. Contact us today to learn how we can help you leverage this framework to conduct your drone operations efficiently while ensuring full regulatory compliance.

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