Operating drones legally in Europe means translating EU regulations into technologically feasible, operationally realistic, defensible and auditable drone products and operations.
Drone Architect supports drone operators, manufacturers and resellers with end-to-end regulatory guidance across the European drone framework, including SORA, PDRA, STS, BVLOS operations and LUC preparation.
For Drone Operators
We guide drone operators through the regulatory process so they can focus on flying safely, scaling responsibly and operating with confidence.
From operational intent to authorisation
Our support typically follows a clear, structured path, resulting in a clear, proportionate and fast method to get you your required permit, aligned with how your operations are actually conducted:
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 will help you find suitable drone solutions that can achieve the regulatory requirements.
Defining your regulatory pathway
With your objectives in mind, we analyse relevant EU regulations to identify the most suitable permit, whether through STS, PDRA or SORA. We clearly outline each option’s benefits and limitations so you can make an informed decision.
Preparing compliance documentation
Once you have selected your preferred path, we very quickly handle all the necessary paperwork for compliance, creating an Operations Manual, and either a:
- Standard Scenario (STS)
- Predefined Risk Assessment (PDRA)
- Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA)
Securing permit and certification
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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DRONE OPERATORS
Ongoing support and expertise
Compliance does not end with authorisation. We continue to support you through:
Future-proofing your operations
- We monitor regulatory trends to identify emerging opportunities and potential risks.
- We incorporate necessary actions into your strategic roadmap, ensuring your services and drones remain compliant and future-ready.
Supplier collaboration
- 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 us?
Our extensive experience in Beyond Visual Line of Sight (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
We support manufacturers and resellers who need to ensure that their products and services can be used legally and effectively by operators across Europe.
Manufacturers
Our approach
Tailored risk and requirement assessment
- We help define the corresponding desired PDRA (Predefined Risk Assessment) or SORA (Specific Operations Risk Assessment) ground risk, air risk, SAIL (Specific Assurance and Integrity Level), and containment requirements.
- We translate these SORA guidelines into actionable design specifications and development roadmaps for your products.
- If needed, we support your R&D team to ensure compliance and efficiency.
Comprehensive technical documentation
We assist in creating detailed technical documentation, including:
- Declarations of conformity with EASA’s MOC (Means of Compliance)
- Test reports supporting these declarations that can be easily understood by CAAs.
EASA Design Verification Review
We support you, in collaboration with your R&D team, along the certification process with:Â
- Aligning your product to the applicable standards through design and installation appraisals
- Creating clear and acceptable compliance documentation, including a Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), cross-compliance tables, …
- Assisting in deep technological and regulatory discussions with EASA’s review board
- Reducing the time and design iterations required to achieve the Design Verification Report (DVR).
Did you know we supported our client Nokia in achieving the EU’s first ever DVR EASA certification of a drone for ‘M2 high robustness’ (= highest level of parachute safety) in combination with ‘Enhanced containment’ (= an ultra-reliable Flight Termination System)?
Documentation for your clients
We support you in preparing essential documentation for your clients, such as:
- Concept of Operations (ConOps)
- Flight manuals
- Checklists
- Crucial documents, specific to your product(s) and services, to enable your clients to secure operational authorization as fast as possible from their Civil Aviation Authority.
Support for your clients
- We assist your clients in writing their Operations Manual, Standard Scenarios (STS), Predefined Risk Assessment (PDRA), and Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA) for specific use cases.
- This comprehensive support enables them to become operational faster.
Future-proofing through regulatory monitoring
- 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.
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Cleared for take-off
Drone Architect has provided legal compliance for …
RESELLERS
What can we do for resellers?
Operational setup for your clients
- We help your clients establish a well-organized drone team and support system to ensure safe, efficient flight operations that maximize value.
- This includes setting up the internal procedures, insurance, maintenance routines, and pilot training.
Regulatory guidance for advanced operations
- We offer specialized regulatory advice tailored to your needs, with a focus on Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations to help you and your clients navigate complex environments and their own customer’s requirements.
Permit documentation support
- We prepare the essential documentation needed for your clients to obtain necessary operational permits, ensuring a smooth and compliant application process.
I need your help
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