Before applying for an operational authorization, you should first verify whether your UAS operation can be conducted within a Standard Scenario (STS). Operations within a Standard Scenario must be declared by the UAS operator and submitted to Austro Control before commencing the flight.

 

Please note that only UAS with a Class Identification Label 5 or 6 are permitted for operations under a Standard Scenario. Additionally, the remote pilot must hold an STS competency certificate to conduct the operation. A detailed description of Standard Scenarios can be found in Annex 1 of the EASA Easy Access Rules.

The "Operational Declaration" forms (STS 01 or STS o2) required for the declaration are also available in the Downloads section.
 
Please note that fees may apply in accordance with the Austrian Civil Aviation Charges Regulation (ACGV).
 
Checklist for a Successful Declaration:
 
  1. Signed "Operational Declaration" form (STS-01 or STS-02)
  2. Official photo ID
  3. STS competency certificate
     

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 an STS declaration has been submitted.
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.
 


EU Standard Szenario STS-01
Graphic of EU standard scenario STS-01 showing a maximum flight height of 120 m, safety zones (Ground Risk Buffer and Controlled Ground Area), and use of a C5 drone in urban areas.
EU Standard Szenario STS-02
Illustration of EU standard scenario STS-02 showing VLOS and BVLOS flight distances, requirements for airspace observers, and use of a C6 drone in sparsely populated areas.


Operational authorization through a risk assessment of the intended operation

If your UAS operation is not covered by a Standard Scenario (STS), you can apply for an operational authorization in the "Specific" category based on:
a pre-defined risk assessment (PDRA) published by EASA, or
your own risk assessment for the specific operation, for example, using the SORA (Specific Operation Risk Assessment) method.