IRELAND · Operational Authorisation Application
How to Apply for an Operational Authorisation for Drone Operations in Ireland
As a UAS operator in Ireland wishing to conduct drone operations in the 'Specific' category, it is mandatory to obtain an operational authorisation from the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA). This article guides you step by step in determining the appropriate route, conducting risk assessments, drafting an operations manual, and submitting an application. We also provide insights into legal frameworks, processing times, and common mistakes.
Step 1: Determine the Appropriate Operational Route
European regulations under EASA distinguish three routes within the Specific category for drone operations outside the Open category: application of Standard Scenarios (STS), use of Pre-Defined Risk Assessments (PDRA), and a full Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA).
Note: The Standard Scenario (STS) route is an EU/EASA concept applicable in Ireland but not available as a declaration route in the United Kingdom. Irish operators can use STS declarations under the EASA framework, but UK operators must follow the UK CAA framework instead.
The three main types are:
- **Standard Scenarios (STS)**: For predefined, relatively simple operations requiring only an operational declaration. STS-01 and STS-02 are common examples applicable in Ireland. Operators must perform notification procedures with the IAA for these.
- **Pre-Defined Risk Assessments (PDRA)**: Fixed risk assessments for specific types of operations of moderate complexity, where a full SORA is not necessary. Ireland uses, for example, PDRA01.
- Check if your operation falls within a Standard Scenario (STS)
- Assess if your operation falls under a PDRA route
- Is your operation more complex? Then a full SORA is required
- Consult the IAA for the current status and available routes
Step 2: Decision Tree to Choose Your Application Route
Use the following decision tree to quickly identify the suitable application route for your drone operation in Ireland:
- Open category?
- • Yes → No operational authorisation needed; comply with Open category rules
- • No → Proceed to Specific category
- Specific category:
- • Does your operation comply with an STS? → Notify the IAA according to the relevant STS declaration process
- • If not, does it fit within a PDRA? → Prepare documentation as per PDRA guidance and submit an application
- • Otherwise → Conduct a full SORA assessment and prepare an application based on its outcomes
Step 3: Conduct a Risk Assessment and Draft Your Concept of Operations (ConOps)
If your operation cannot be covered by an STS declaration or PDRA, you must perform a full Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA) following EASA’s methodology. This evaluates the safety risks associated with your drone activity, including determining the Ground Risk Class (GRC) and Air Risk Class (ARC), and identifying adequate mitigation measures.
Alongside the risk assessment, prepare a detailed Concept of Operations (ConOps) that documents the operational purpose, flight environment and conditions, personnel involved, and critical operational procedures.
A clear, consistent, and comprehensive ConOps is essential, as it forms the basis of your application dossier submitted to the IAA.
- Perform a SORA if STS or PDRA is not applicable
- Determine GRC, ARC, and mitigation measures and document these
- Draft a detailed Concept of Operations (ConOps)
Step 4: Prepare the Operations Manual and Emergency Response Plan (ERP)
An operations manual is required for all Specific category operational authorisations in Ireland. This manual must cover all organisational, technical, and operational procedures, including safety protocols, crew training standards, communication procedures, and the mitigations defined in your risk assessment.
In addition, an Emergency Response Plan (ERP) is mandatory to ensure effective management of incidents or emergencies. The ERP should clearly explain processes for emergency reporting, management, and post-event evaluation.
To save time and improve compliance, operators can use tools like DroneManual to automatically generate compliant operations manuals, ERPs, and related documentation tailored to their operation.
- Develop an operations manual aligned with EASA and IAA requirements
- Create a comprehensive Emergency Response Plan (ERP)
- Utilise available tools such as DroneManual for document generation
Step 5: Submit Your Application to the IAA
Submit your operational authorisation application dossier to the Irish Aviation Authority including:
- The completed application form provided by the IAA
- The operations manual
- The Concept of Operations (ConOps) and SORA report or evidence supporting PDRA or STS use
- The Emergency Response Plan (ERP)
- Submit the complete application dossier to the IAA
- Prepare for supplementary questions or requests from the IAA
- Check current processing times and procedural updates on the IAA website
Common Mistakes in the Application
Many applications experience delays due to common pitfalls such as:
- A Concept of Operations (ConOps) that is incomplete or insufficiently justified
- An Emergency Response Plan (ERP) that lacks detail or is not fully developed
- Mitigations that are unclear or poorly explained
- Incorrectly determining the applicable operational category or route (STS, PDRA, or SORA)
- Thoroughly check your ConOps for completeness and coherence
- Develop a clear, practical ERP that covers all emergency scenarios
- Document and justify mitigations clearly
- Correctly select the appropriate operational route: STS, PDRA, or SORA
Practical Example: BVLOS Inspection of High-Voltage Lines
An inspection company plans to use a drone for Beyond Visual Line Of Sight (BVLOS) inspections of high-voltage power lines. This operation is complex and does not fit standard scenarios.
The company follows these steps:
1. Check if the operation fits within STS or PDRA categories. Due to the BVLOS nature and environment, these do not apply, so a full SORA is required.
2. Perform the SORA, determining Ground Risk Class (GRC) and Air Risk Class (ARC), and define mitigations such as deploying an additional observer and using geo-fencing technology.
3. Draft a Concept of Operations (ConOps) detailing the operation’s purpose, location, flight preparations, and emergency procedures.
- Assess operational category and select SORA route
- Conduct risk assessment and prepare mitigation plan
- Draft ConOps, operations manual, and ERP
- Submit application and respond to IAA queries
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between STS, PDRA, and SORA?
Standard Scenarios (STS) are predefined simple operations where an operational declaration suffices; Pre-Defined Risk Assessments (PDRA) are fixed risk assessment models for moderately complex operations; the Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA) is a full, customised risk assessment required for complex or unique drone operations.
Is an operational authorisation required for all drone operations?
No. Drone operations in the Open category do not require an operational authorisation. For operations in the Specific category, an operational authorisation from the IAA is mandatory, following the appropriate route: STS, PDRA, or SORA.
How long does the assessment of my application with the IAA take?
Processing time depends on the completeness and complexity of your application. It can range from several weeks to a few months. Check the IAA website for current processing times and ensure your dossier is complete to avoid delays.
Can DroneManual assist me with my operational authorisation application?
Yes. DroneManual provides tools to help automatically generate compliant operations manuals, Emergency Response Plans (ERPs), Concepts of Operations (ConOps), and registers necessary for the application.