Compare and highlight differences

Compare / EASA/ Incorporated Amendments/ Compare & Highlight Differences

GM1 AMC1 Article 11 Rules for conducting an operational risk assessment

Available versions for ERULES-1963177438-15553

ED Decision 2023/012/R found in: Unmanned Aircraft Systems (2019/947 and 2019/945) Part-UAS (Jul 2024)
ED Decision 2025/018/R found in: Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Jun 2026)

From

Show details Hide details

GM1 AMC1 Article 11 Rules for conducting an operational risk assessment

ED Decision 2023/012/R

GENERAL

The operational risk assessment required by [Article 11 of the UAS Regulation](#_DxCrossRefBm1106656763) may be conducted using the methodology described in [AMC1 Article 11](#_DxCrossRefBm1106656752). This methodology is basically the specific operations risk assessment (SORA) developed by JARUS. Other methodologies might be used by the UAS operator as alternative means of compliance.

Unmanned free balloons are unmanned aircraft and shall thus comply with Regulation (EU) 2019/947. For this type of aircraft, compliance with Appendix 2 to Regulation (EU) No 923/2012 is considered an acceptable means of compliance with [Article 11](#_DxCrossRefBm1106656763).

Aspects other than safety, such as security, privacy, environmental protection, the use of the radio frequency (RF) spectrum, etc., should be assessed in accordance with the applicable requirements established by the Member State in which the operation is intended to take place, or by other EU regulations.

For some UAS operations that are classified as being in the ‘specific’ category, alternatives to carrying out a full risk assessment are offered to UAS operators:

(a) for UAS operations with lower intrinsic risks, a declaration may be submitted when the operations comply with the standard scenarios (STSs) listed in [Appendix 1 to the UAS Regulation](#_DxCrossRefBm1106656735). Table 1 provides a summary of the STSs; and

(b) for other UAS operations, a request for authorisation may be submitted based on the mitigations and provisions described in the predefined risk assessment (PDRA) when the UAS operation meets the operational characterisation described in [AMC2 et seq. Article 11 to the UAS Regulation](#_DxCrossRefBm1106656774). Table 2 below provides a summary of the PDRAs that have been published so far.

While the STSs are described in a detailed way, the provisions and mitigations in the PDRAs are described in a rather generic way to provide flexibility to UAS operators and the competent authorities to establish more prescriptive limitations and provisions that are adapted to the particularities of the intended operations. Two types of PDRAs are provided:

— those derived from an STS, which allow the UAS operator to conduct similar operations, but using, for example, UAS without the class label that is mandated by the STS (e.g. privately built UAS); and

— more generic PDRAs.

The codification of a PDRA includes the letter ‘G’ or ‘S’ (e.g. PDRA-G01 or PDRA-S01):

— ‘G’ is used for generic PDRAs.

— ‘S’ is used for PDRAs that are derived from an STS whose level of prescriptiveness is the same as of the corresponding STS. Therefore, those PDRAs, although they address UAS operations that are subject to operational authorisations (to allow the use of UAS without a class label), are expected to provide an even more simplified authorisation process compared to other (non-STS-related) PDRAs. Ideally, for UAS operations that are performed based on those PDRAs, the competent authorities may implement expedited operational-authorisation processes. Those processes may be based on the review of the documentation that is submitted by the UAS operator to support the declaration of compliance with the PDRA provisions.

In accordance with [Article 11 of the UAS Regulation](#_DxCrossRefBm1106656763), the applicant must collect and provide the relevant technical, operational and system information needed to assess the risk associated with the intended operation of the UAS, and the SORA ([AMC1 Article 11 of the UAS Regulation](#_DxCrossRefBm1106656752)) provides a detailed framework for such data collection and presentation. The concept of operations (ConOps) description is the foundation for all other activities, and should be as accurate and detailed as possible. The ConOps should not only describe the operation, but also provide insight into the UAS operator’s operational safety culture. It should also include how and when to interact with the air navigation service provider (ANSP) when applicable.

PDRAs only address safety risks; consequently, additional limitations and provisions might need to be included after the consideration of other risks (e.g. security, privacy, etc.).

<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="933"><thead><tr><td width="56">STS#</td><td width="85">Edition/date</td><td width="208">UAS characteristics</td><td width="85">BVLOS/VLOS</td><td width="104">Overflown area</td><td width="121">Maximum range from remote pilot</td><td width="77">Maximum height</td><td width="91">Airspace</td><td width="105">Notes</td></tr></thead><tr><td valign="top" width="56">STS-01</td><td valign="top" width="85">June 2020</td><td valign="top" width="208">Bearing a C5 class marking (maximum characteristic dimension of up to 3 m and MTOM of up to 25 kg)</td><td valign="top" width="85">VLOS</td><td valign="top" width="104">Controlled ground area that might be located in a populated area</td><td valign="top" width="121">VLOS</td><td valign="top" width="77">120 m</td><td valign="top" width="91">Controlled or uncontrolled, with low risk of encounter with manned aircraft</td><td valign="top" width="105"></td></tr><tr><td valign="top" width="56">STS-02</td><td valign="top" width="85">June 2020</td><td valign="top" width="208">Bearing a C6 class marking (maximum characteristic dimension of up to 3 m and MTOM of up to 25 kg)</td><td valign="top" width="85">BVLOS</td><td valign="top" width="104">Controlled ground area that is entirely located in a sparsely populated area</td><td valign="top" width="121">2 km with an AO 1 km, if no AO</td><td valign="top" width="77">120 m</td><td valign="top" width="91">Controlled or uncontrolled, with low risk of encounter with manned aircraft</td><td valign="top" width="105"></td></tr></table>

Table 1 — List of STSs published as ‘Appendix 1 for standard scenarios supporting a declaration’ to the Annex to the UAS Regulation

When UAS operators intend to conduct an operation covered by a PDRA, they should fill in the last two columns of the table related to the selected PDRA, named ‘integrity’ and ‘proof’. In the column ‘integrity’ they should explain how the level of integrity is met, and in the column ‘proof’ how the level of integrity is demonstrated. To support UAS operators, the two columns are already prefilled; however, the UAS operator may adapt the text to their needs.

If the UAS operation does not fit completely within the limits of the PDRA, the UAS operator is required to conduct a full risk assessment and submit it to the competent authority. Changes to the PDRA should not be done, unless the competent authority accepts that minor changes should be made.

<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="932"><thead><tr><td width="56">PDRA#</td><td width="86">Edition/date</td><td width="207">UAS characteristics</td><td width="93">BVLOS/VLOS</td><td width="104">Overflown area</td><td width="109">Maximum range from remote pilot</td><td width="81">Maximum height</td><td width="91">Airspace</td><td width="56">AMC# to Article 11</td><td width="48">Notes</td></tr></thead><tr><td valign="top" width="56">PDRA-S01</td><td valign="top" width="86">1.1 / January 2022</td><td valign="top" width="207">Maximum characteristic dimension of up to 3 m and take-off mass of up to 25 kg</td><td valign="top" width="93">VLOS</td><td valign="top" width="104">Controlled ground area that might be located in a populated area</td><td valign="top" width="109">VLOS</td><td valign="top" width="81">150 m</td><td valign="top" width="91">Controlled or uncontrolled, with low risk of encounter with manned aircraft</td><td valign="top" width="56">AMC4</td><td valign="top" width="48"></td></tr><tr><td valign="top" width="56">PDRA-S02</td><td valign="top" width="86">1.1 / January 2022</td><td valign="top" width="207">Maximum characteristic dimension of up to 3 m and take-off mass of up to 25 kg</td><td valign="top" width="93">BVLOS</td><td valign="top" width="104">Controlled ground area that is entirely located in a sparsely populated area</td><td valign="top" width="109">2 km with an AO or with AOs1 km, if no AO</td><td valign="top" width="81">150 m</td><td valign="top" width="91">Controlled or uncontrolled, with low risk of encounter with manned aircraft</td><td valign="top" width="56">AMC5</td><td valign="top" width="48"></td></tr><tr><td valign="top" width="56">PDRA-G01</td><td valign="top" width="86">1.2 / January 2022</td><td valign="top" width="207">Maximum characteristic dimension of up to 3 m and typical kinetic energy of up to 34 kJ</td><td valign="top" width="93">BVLOS</td><td valign="top" width="104">Sparsely populated area</td><td valign="top" width="109">If no AO, up to 1 km</td><td valign="top" width="81">150 m(operational volume)</td><td valign="top" width="91">Uncontrolled, with low risk of encounter with manned aircraft</td><td valign="top" width="56">AMC2</td><td valign="top" width="48"></td></tr><tr><td valign="top" width="56">PDRA-G02</td><td valign="top" width="86">1.1 / January 2022</td><td valign="top" width="207">Maximum characteristic dimension of up to 3 m and typical kinetic energy of up to 34 kJ</td><td valign="top" width="93">BVLOS</td><td valign="top" width="104">Sparsely populated area</td><td valign="top" width="109">n/a(direct C2 link)</td><td valign="top" width="81">As established for the reserved or segregated airspace</td><td valign="top" width="91">Reserved or segregated for the UAS operation</td><td valign="top" width="56">AMC3</td><td valign="top" width="48"></td></tr><tr><td valign="top" width="56">PDRA-G03</td><td valign="top" width="86">1.0 / January 2022</td><td valign="top" width="207">Maximum characteristic dimension of up to 3 m and typical kinetic energy of up to 34 kJ</td><td valign="top" width="93">BVLOS</td><td valign="top" width="104">Sparsely populated areas</td><td valign="top" width="109">n/a(direct C2 link)</td><td valign="top" width="81">50 m from ground unless in reserved or segregated airspace</td><td valign="top" width="91">Controlled or uncontrolled airspace if height is below 50 m, otherwise reserved or segregated airspace</td><td valign="top" width="56">AMC6</td><td valign="top" width="48"></td></tr></table>

Table 2 — List of PDRAs published as AMC to Article 11 of the UAS Regulation

For the purposes of the SORA, the following definitions should apply:

— ‘populated area’ should be understood as ‘congested area’, as defined in [Regulation (EU) No 965/2012](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32012R0965&qid=1652802846137) (the ‘Air Operations Regulation’): ‘in relation to a city, town or settlement, any area which is substantially used for residential, commercial or recreational purposes’; and

— ‘rural area’ is used in the context of the air risk and it means the volume outside a populated area and not within the aerodrome traffic zone (ATZ) of an aerodrome.

##### GM1 AMC1 Article 11 Rules for conducting an operational risk assessment

*ED Decision 2025/018/R*

**GENERAL**

The operational risk assessment required by [Article 11
of the UAS Regulation](#_DxCrossRefBm1295819051) may be conducted using the
methodology described in [AMC1 Article 11](#_DxCrossRefBm1295819040).
This methodology is basically the specific operations risk assessment
(SORA) developed by JARUS. Other methodologies might be used by the
UAS operator as alternative means of compliance.

Unmanned free balloons are unmanned aircraft and shall thus comply
with Regulation (EU) 2019/947. For this type of aircraft, compliance
with Appendix 2 to Regulation (EU) No 923/2012 is considered an
acceptable means of compliance with [Article
11](#_DxCrossRefBm1295819051).

Aspects other than safety, such as security, privacy, environmental
protection, the use of the radio frequency (RF) spectrum, etc.,
should be assessed in accordance with the applicable requirements
established by the Member State in which the operation is intended to
take place, or by other EU regulations.

For some UAS operations that are classified as being in the
‘specific’ category, alternatives to carrying out a full risk
assessment are offered to UAS operators:

(a) for UAS operations with lower intrinsic risks, a declaration may
be submitted when the operations comply with the standard scenarios
(STSs) listed in [Appendix
1 to the UAS Regulation](#_DxCrossRefBm1295819023). Table 1 provides a summary of
the STSs; and

(b) for other UAS operations, a request for authorisation may be
submitted based on the mitigations and provisions described in the
predefined risk assessment (PDRA) when the UAS operation meets the
operational characterisation described in [AMC2
et seq. Article 11 to the UAS Regulation](#_DxCrossRefBm1295819062). Table 2
below provides a summary of the PDRAs that have been published so
far.

While the STSs are described in a detailed way, the provisions and
mitigations in the PDRAs are described in a rather generic way to
provide flexibility to UAS operators and the competent authorities to
establish more prescriptive limitations and provisions that are
adapted to the particularities of the intended operations. Two types
of PDRAs are provided:

—
those derived from an STS, which allow the UAS operator to conduct
similar operations, but using, for example, UAS without the class
label that is mandated by the STS (e.g. privately built UAS); and

— more generic PDRAs.

The codification of a PDRA includes the letter ‘G’ or ‘S’
(e.g. PDRA-G01 or PDRA-S01):

— ‘G’ is used for generic PDRAs.

— ‘S’ is used for PDRAs that are derived
from an STS whose level of prescriptiveness is the same as of the
corresponding STS. Therefore, those PDRAs, although they address UAS
operations that are subject to operational authorisations (to allow
the use of UAS without a class label), are expected to provide an
even more simplified authorisation process compared to other
(non-STS-related) PDRAs. Ideally, for UAS operations that are
performed based on those PDRAs, the competent authorities may
implement expedited operational-authorisation processes. Those
processes may be based on the review of the documentation that is
submitted by the UAS operator to support the declaration of
compliance with the PDRA provisions.

In accordance with [Article 11
of the UAS Regulation](#_DxCrossRefBm1295819051), the applicant must collect and
provide the relevant technical, operational and system information
needed to assess the risk associated with the intended operation of
the UAS, and the SORA ([AMC1 Article 11
of the UAS Regulation](#_DxCrossRefBm1295819040)) provides a detailed framework
for such data collection and presentation. The concept of operations
(ConOps) description is the foundation for all other activities, and
should be as accurate and detailed as possible. The ConOps should not
only describe the operation, but also provide insight into the UAS
operator’s operational safety culture. It should also include how
and when to interact with the air navigation service provider (ANSP)
when applicable.

PDRAs only address safety risks; consequently, additional limitations
and provisions might need to be included after the consideration of
other risks (e.g. security, privacy, etc.).

<table bgcolor="#d9d9d9" cellpadding="7" cellspacing="0">
<col/>
<col/>
<col/>
<col/>
<col/>
<col/>
<col/>
<col/>
<col/>
<thead>
<tr>
<td bgcolor="#808080">
STS#
</td>
<td bgcolor="#808080">
Edition/date
</td>
<td bgcolor="#808080">
UAS
				characteristics
</td>
<td bgcolor="#808080">
BVLOS/VLOS
</td>
<td bgcolor="#808080">
Overflown
				area
</td>
<td bgcolor="#808080">
Maximum
				range from remote pilot
</td>
<td bgcolor="#808080">
Maximum
				height
</td>
<td bgcolor="#808080">
Airspace
</td>
<td bgcolor="#808080">
Notes
</td>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr valign="top">
<td bgcolor="#d9d9d9">
STS-01
</td>
<td bgcolor="#d9d9d9">
June
				2020
</td>
<td bgcolor="#d9d9d9">
Bearing
				a C5 class marking (maximum characteristic dimension of up to 3 m
				and MTOM of up to 25 kg)
</td>
<td bgcolor="#d9d9d9">
VLOS
</td>
<td bgcolor="#d9d9d9">
Controlled
				ground area that might be located in a populated area
</td>
<td bgcolor="#d9d9d9">
VLOS
</td>
<td bgcolor="#d9d9d9">
120
				m
</td>
<td bgcolor="#d9d9d9">
Controlled
				or uncontrolled, with low risk of encounter with manned aircraft
</td>
<td bgcolor="#d9d9d9">
 

</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td bgcolor="#d9d9d9">
STS-02
</td>
<td bgcolor="#d9d9d9">
June
				2020
</td>
<td bgcolor="#d9d9d9">
Bearing
				a C6 class marking (maximum characteristic dimension of up to 3 m
				and MTOM of up to 25 kg)
</td>
<td bgcolor="#d9d9d9">
BVLOS
</td>
<td bgcolor="#d9d9d9">
Controlled
				ground area that is entirely located in a sparsely populated area
</td>
<td bgcolor="#d9d9d9">
2
				km with an AO 1 km, if no AO
</td>
<td bgcolor="#d9d9d9">
120
				m
</td>
<td bgcolor="#d9d9d9">
Controlled
				or uncontrolled, with low risk of encounter with manned aircraft
</td>
<td bgcolor="#d9d9d9">
 

</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

***Table
1 — List of STSs published as ‘Appendix 1 for standard scenarios
supporting a declaration’ to the Annex to the UAS Regulation***

When UAS operators intend to conduct an operation covered by a PDRA,
they should fill in the last two columns of the table related to the
selected PDRA, named ‘integrity’ and ‘proof’. In the column
‘integrity’ they should explain how the level of integrity is
met, and in the column ‘proof’ how the level of integrity is
demonstrated. To support UAS operators, the two columns are already
prefilled; however, the UAS operator may adapt the text to their
needs.

If the UAS operation does not fit completely within the limits of the
PDRA, the UAS operator is required to conduct a full risk assessment
and submit it to the competent authority. Changes to the PDRA should
not be done, unless the competent authority accepts that minor
changes should be made.

<table bgcolor="#d9d9d9" cellpadding="7" cellspacing="0">
<col/>
<col/>
<col/>
<col/>
<col/>
<col/>
<col/>
<col/>
<col/>
<col/>
<thead>
<tr>
<td bgcolor="#808080">
PDRA#
</td>
<td bgcolor="#808080">
Edition/date
</td>
<td bgcolor="#808080">
UAS
				characteristics
</td>
<td bgcolor="#808080">
BVLOS/VLOS
</td>
<td bgcolor="#808080">
Overflown
				area
</td>
<td bgcolor="#808080">
Maximum
				range from remote pilot
</td>
<td bgcolor="#808080">
Maximum
				height
</td>
<td bgcolor="#808080">
Airspace
</td>
<td bgcolor="#808080">
AMC#
				to Article 11
</td>
<td bgcolor="#808080">
Notes
</td>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr valign="top">
<td bgcolor="#d9d9d9">
PDRA-S01
</td>
<td bgcolor="#d9d9d9">
1.1
				/ January 2022
</td>
<td bgcolor="#d9d9d9">
Maximum
				characteristic dimension of up to 3 m and take-off mass of up to
				25 kg
</td>
<td bgcolor="#d9d9d9">
VLOS
</td>
<td bgcolor="#d9d9d9">
Controlled
				ground area that might be located in a populated area
</td>
<td bgcolor="#d9d9d9">
VLOS
</td>
<td bgcolor="#d9d9d9">
150 m
</td>
<td bgcolor="#d9d9d9">
Controlled
				or uncontrolled, with low risk of encounter with manned aircraft
</td>
<td bgcolor="#d9d9d9">
AMC4
</td>
<td bgcolor="#d9d9d9">
 

</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td bgcolor="#d9d9d9">
PDRA-S02
</td>
<td bgcolor="#d9d9d9">
1.1
				/ January 2022
</td>
<td bgcolor="#d9d9d9">
Maximum
				characteristic dimension of up to 3 m and take-off mass of
				up to 25 kg
</td>
<td bgcolor="#d9d9d9">
BVLOS
</td>
<td bgcolor="#d9d9d9">
Controlled
				ground area that is entirely located in a sparsely populated area
</td>
<td bgcolor="#d9d9d9">
2 km
				with an AO or with AOs

1 km,
				if no AO
</td>
<td bgcolor="#d9d9d9">
150 m
</td>
<td bgcolor="#d9d9d9">
Controlled
				or uncontrolled, with low risk of encounter with manned aircraft
</td>
<td bgcolor="#d9d9d9">
AMC5
</td>
<td bgcolor="#d9d9d9">
 

</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td bgcolor="#d9d9d9">
PDRA-G01
</td>
<td bgcolor="#d9d9d9">
1.2
				/ January 2022
</td>
<td bgcolor="#d9d9d9">
Maximum
				characteristic dimension of up to 3 m and typical kinetic
				energy of up to 34 kJ
</td>
<td bgcolor="#d9d9d9">
BVLOS
</td>
<td bgcolor="#d9d9d9">
Sparsely
				populated area
</td>
<td bgcolor="#d9d9d9">
If
				no AO, up to 1 km
</td>
<td bgcolor="#d9d9d9">
150 m
(operational
				volume)
</td>
<td bgcolor="#d9d9d9">
Uncontrolled,
				with low risk of encounter with manned aircraft
</td>
<td bgcolor="#d9d9d9">
AMC2
</td>
<td bgcolor="#d9d9d9">
 

</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td bgcolor="#d9d9d9">
PDRA-G02
</td>
<td bgcolor="#d9d9d9">
1.1
				/ January 2022
</td>
<td bgcolor="#d9d9d9">
Maximum
				characteristic dimension of up to 3 m and typical kinetic
				energy of up to 34 kJ
</td>
<td bgcolor="#d9d9d9">
BVLOS
</td>
<td bgcolor="#d9d9d9">
Sparsely
				populated area
</td>
<td bgcolor="#d9d9d9">
n/a

(direct
				C2 link)
</td>
<td bgcolor="#d9d9d9">
As
				established for the reserved or segregated airspace
</td>
<td bgcolor="#d9d9d9">
Reserved
				or segregated for the UAS operation
</td>
<td bgcolor="#d9d9d9">
AMC3
</td>
<td bgcolor="#d9d9d9">
 

</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td bgcolor="#d9d9d9">
PDRA-G03
</td>
<td bgcolor="#d9d9d9">
1.0
				/ January 2022
</td>
<td bgcolor="#d9d9d9">
Maximum
				characteristic dimension of up to 3 m and typical kinetic
				energy of up to 34 kJ
</td>
<td bgcolor="#d9d9d9">
BVLOS
</td>
<td bgcolor="#d9d9d9">
Sparsely
				populated areas
</td>
<td bgcolor="#d9d9d9">
n/a
(direct
				C2 link)
</td>
<td bgcolor="#d9d9d9">
50 m
				from ground unless in reserved or segregated airspace
</td>
<td bgcolor="#d9d9d9">
Controlled
				or uncontrolled airspace if height is below 50 m, otherwise
				reserved or segregated airspace
</td>
<td bgcolor="#d9d9d9">
AMC6
</td>
<td bgcolor="#d9d9d9">
 

</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

***Table
2 — List of PDRAs published as AMC to Article 11 of the UAS
Regulation***

Compare / EASA/ Incorporated Amendments/ Compare & Highlight Differences

GM1 AMC1 Article 11 Rules for conducting an operational risk assessment

View