Complex authorisations

Need an OM, STS, PDRA or SORA? Leave the legal part to us.

EU drone regulation gives you a framework. However, it does not tell you how to apply the rules to your specific operation, drone type or risk profile. Drone Architect translates the legalese into technologically feasible and operationally realistic drone products and operations.

For Drone Operators

We carry the regulatory load. You carry on flying.

From plan to permit

Our support typically follows a structured path, resulting in a clear and fast method to get you your required permit, aligned with how you run your operations.

01

Understanding your operation

We start by analysing your intended use cases, operational environment and growth ambitions. Not every drone solution can legally operate in every environment. If necessary, we help you find suitable drone solutions that meet the regulatory requirements.

02

STS, PDRA or SORA?

With your objectives in mind, we analyse relevant EU regulations to identify the most suitable permit. We clearly outline each option’s benefits and limitations so you can make an informed decision.

03

Operations Manual

Once you have selected your preferred path, we very quickly handle all the necessary paperwork for compliance, creating an Operations Manual, and either an STS, a PDRA or a SORA.

04

Light Unmanned Certificate (LUC)

We assist in obtaining all the required VLOS or BVLOS permits or certificates, including the Light Unmanned Certificate (LUC) from your national Civil Aviation Authority.

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After the permit

An authorisation is the start of a project. We stay with you for what comes after.

Follow-up of your documentation

  • You hear about regulatory changes before they affect your operation. SORA 2.5, new EASA guidance, national interpretations: we flag both opportunities and potential risks for you.
  • We review the documentation you are required to maintain or complete yourself (flight plans, logbooks, insurance validity and pilot licenses), in preparation for an audit by your CAA or before you share this information with a (prospective) client.
  • Your strategy is built with the regulator’s next move in mind, so your services and drones remain compliant and future-ready.

At the table with your suppliers

  • We assist in deep technical, operational, and regulatory discussions with your suppliers.
  • We work with you to define essential functionalities, requirements, and a corresponding roadmap.

Why choose Drone Architect?

Our extensive experience in BVLOS operations, paired with our knowledge of drone technology, regulations, and operational best practices, makes us the ideal partner for you to ensure safe, compliant, and effective flight operations.

For Manufacturers and Resellers

Let operators across Europe legally and effectively use your products and services.

Our approach

Tailored product- and permit analysis

  • Together we decide which permit suits your product(s) best.
  • For a SORA we determine the ground risk, air risk, SAIL-level (Specific Assurance and Integrity Level), and containment requirements you can claim for your product(s).
  • The permit requirements are translated into actionable design specifications and development roadmaps for your products.
  • If needed, we support your R&D team to ensure compliance and efficiency.

Declarations of conformity

  • Declarations of conformity with EASA’s MoC (Means of Compliance), e.g. MoC 2512 (Parachute) and MoC 2511 (Enhanced Flight Termination System).
  • Declarations of conformity according to Europe’s CE- and/or EASA’s Cx requirements.
  • Test reports supporting these declarations that can be easily understood by CAAs.

Design Verification Report (DVR)

  • Your product is aligned with the applicable standards through design and installation reviews.
  • Clear and acceptable documentation is prepared, e.g. a Failure Modes and Effects Analysis, cross-compliance tables, etc.
  • We join in-depth technical and regulatory discussions with the EASA review board.
  • We reduce the lead time and the number of design iterations needed to obtain the Design Verification Report (DVR).
  • Did you know that we guided our client Nokia to the very first EASA DVR for a drone in the EU for 'M2 high robustness' combined with 'Enhanced containment'?

Documentation for your clients

  • Flight manual
  • Maintenance manual
  • Procedures
  • Checklists
  • Permit documentation
  • Other crucial documents or advice, specific to your product(s) and services.

Pre-filled templates

  • Your clients get operational faster, because we develop the necessary authorisation documentation for them.
  • Pre-filled templates for an Operations Manual, Standard Scenario (STS), Predefined Risk Assessment (PDRA) and Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA). Your client completes these for their specific operations or use cases.
  • OR bespoke documentation, written by us. No additional work for your client.

EU regulatory developments

  • We continuously monitor EU regulatory developments to identify emerging opportunities and risks.
  • Necessary adjustments are then incorporated into your product roadmap to keep your solutions compliant, competitive, and future-proof.
need support?

Let's make your product compliant.

Contact Jon

Cleared for take-off

Drone Architect has provided legal compliance for …

Resellers

How we help resellers

Operational setup for your clients

  • We help your clients establish a well-organized drone team and support system.
  • This includes setting up the internal procedures, insurance, maintenance routines, and pilot training (through a third party).

Advice for complex operations

  • We offer specialized advice (with a focus on BVLOS operations) to help you and your clients navigate complex environments and their own customer’s requirements.

Tailored product- and permit analysis

  • Tailored product- and permit analysis. Together we determine which permit best suits your product(s) and client.
  • Either pre-filled templates for an Operations Manual, STS, PDRA and SORA, or bespoke documentation written by us.
Specialised advice for your clients?

We are happy to help.

Contact Jon
Case studies

Blog

Read more
Legal
Legal

Future Services: Scaling rope-access inspections with drones

Future Services, an expert in offshore rope-access inspections for wind turbines and high-voltage substations, recognised the need for innovation. With an eye on safety, cost reduction, and scalability, Future Services wanted to integrate drones into their inspection workflow – without replacing rope-access entirely. They turned to Drone Architect to design a practical, scalable and regulation-compliant solution that could quickly move from concept to operations. In this case study, we show how Drone Architect helped Future Services achieve scalable Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) drone inspections – both offshore and onshore.

Legal
Legal

Legal drone inspections in high-risk areas

Training
Training

Empowering BCAA: From standstill to pioneer

In late 2023, the Belgian Civil Aviation Authority (BCAA) was at a pivotal crossroads. While the drone department (UAS cell) had existed for some time, a full internal reshuffle meant that all existing staff were replaced. A completely new team was brought in, eager and motivated, but with no prior experience in drone legislation or operations. At that same moment, the department faced a growing backlog of operational authorisation applications, with some operators waiting up to a year for approval. Yet rather than maintain the status quo, the BCAA seized the moment to bring in a more progressive, pragmatic and transparent approach to the European drone regulation. That's where we came in.