EASA, the European Aviation Safety Agency, has published decision ED 2023/12/R amending the acceptable means of compliance (AMC) and guidance material (GM) of Regulation (EU) 2019/947.
The objective of the publication is to clarify the following points:
- The method to evaluate the design of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) operated in the specific category
- Expand the applicability of PDRA S-01 to agricultural operations
- Address the authorization process for free flight in balloons
Special attention must be paid to the section that modifies the application of PDRA S-01 to aerial operations using drones in the agricultural field. Let us remember that the PDRA is a predefined risk analysis (Predefined Risk Assessment) to which UAS operators in the specific category can apply in order to request the necessary operational authorization from AESA. The weight limitation in this PDRA has been removed, going from a 25kg MTOW limitation to no limitation.
The note has been included by which the operator must comply with applicable national or international regulations on the use of phytosanitary products, chemicals, dangerous substances and preparations as appropriate, including Directive 2009/128/EC that establishes a framework for community action. to achieve sustainable use of pesticides.
In addition, a new flight height is included for tasks involving the application of phytosanitary products, with the relevant horizontal safety distances (buffer) for weights of up to 10kg and greater.
The objective of this document is to maintain a high level of security for the operation of unmanned aircraft systems or UAS, in the open and specific categories, allowing a sustainable development of operations using drones.
