For frequently occurring UAS operations in Europe, the EASA publishes Pre-Defined Risk Assessments (PDRAs). While an authorization request to Austro Control is still required, UAS operators benefit from a more efficient approval process.
 
PDRAs are published by EASA as Acceptable Means of Compliance (AMC) under Article 11 of Regulation (EU) 2019/947 and are continuously updated.
 
Before applying, the operator is responsible for meeting all technical and operational requirements as well as ensuring the required competencies. Additionally, each application must include an Operations Manual. A free template is available in the Downloads section.
 
Please note that fees may apply in accordance with the Austrian Civil Aviation Charges Regulation (ACGV).

Checklist for PDRA Application:
 

  1. Completed application form

  2. PDRA Checklist

  3. Operations Manual

  4. Additional supporting documents (if required)

 
If none of the published PDRAs are suitable for your planned operation, you may submit an individual risk assessment instead. A commonly used method is SORA (Specific operations risk assessment), which is outlined in AMC1 to Article 11 of Regulation (EU) 2019/947. The SORA framework helps determine the risk level of a UAS operation and identifies the necessary risk mitigations and Operational Safety Objectives (OSOs) required to ensure safe operation.
 
A detailed description of the SORA process can be found here. 
 

Important notice

In certain areas (e.g., zones around airports and airfields, flight restriction zones, etc.), flights may only be conducted with prior approval from Austro Control or other relevant authorities, even after a "Specific" category operational authorization has been granted.
 
Please note that fees may apply in accordance with the Austrian Civil Aviation Charges Regulation (ACGV).
An overview of these restricted areas and further details can be found here and in the Austro Control Dronespace System.