FAQ EASA UAS Regulations (Europe)

How can I operate a Wingtra drone in Europe?

Wingtra drones can be operated in the open or specific category:

• WingtraRAY and WingtraOne are C3-marked, enabling Open Category operations (VLOS, rural, below 120m)
• WingtraRAY is C6-marked when equipped with the parachute, opening the door to BVLOS mission with observers under STS-02
• WingtraRAY with the parachute add-on also enables general nation wide SORA approvals for higher-risk missions over densely populated areas. Together with the purchase of the parachute we provide you with a complete SORA application package with all necessary documents for this process:
  • SORA risk assessment
  • Operations manual template
  • Flight manual & maintenance manual
  • Means of Compliance declarations MOC2511 and MOC2512 for the parachute
  • Means of Compliance declarations  for OSOs # 08, 19 & 20

 

What is C3? How can I fly Wingtra drones in the Open category?

Drones with a C3 marking can be operated under the Open Category A3 in Europe without further permit as long as the drone operator conducted the official online training and complies with the respective rules. Learn more.

Wingtra drones are C3 class marked following the European Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945 on unmanned aircraft systems. Specifically, WingtraRAY and WingtraOne GEN II have undergone rigorous testing and conformity evaluation by the notified body, TÜV Rheinland LGA Products GmbH and DRONEPORT EUROPE S.L., respectively, to be designated as C3 aircrafts, ensuring compliance with the safety standards of the European Union.  

Wingtra drones feature Geo-awareness and Remote ID functions that enable compliance among our customers with EU regulations. You can find more information about these features in the following resources:

• Remote ID
• Operator Registration Number (OPRN) 
• Geo-Awareness
• WingtraRAY User Manual
• WingtraOne User Manual

 

How can I fly Wingtra drones in the Specific category?

• Get the operation authorisation from your country’s National Authority, by submitting a specific operational risk assessment (SORA) or;
• Submit self-declaration for compliance with a Standard Scenario. See "What are C6 and STS-02."

 

What are C6 and STS-02?

Drones with a C6 marking like WingtraRAY enable UAS operators to make a simple STS-02 Declaration to authorities without needing a permitting process. STS-02 (standard scenario 2) operations allow BVLOS flights up to 2km away from the pilot when aided by visual observers.  Learn more about STS-02 on EASAs website.

These operations require also additional training for the remote pilots and writing of a operations manual by the UAS operator. See the below checklists for UAS operators and remote pilots.

Wingtra has created guidance for our customers to get started with STS-02 operations specifically for France, Spain and Italy. Also the practical training syllabus is prepared for any WingtraRAY customers that want to train their remote pilots themselves for the practical training. Theoretical training and test must be completed at an authority recognized STS school.

 

How can I get a SORA permit for flights over populated areas? 

WingtraRAY with the parachute add-on also enables general nation wide SORA approvals for higher-risk missions over densely populated areas. Together with the purchase of the parachute we provide you with a complete SORA application package with all necessary documents for this process:

• • SORA risk assessment
  • Operations manual template
  • Flight manual & maintenance manual
  • Means of Compliance declarations MOC2511 and MOC2512 for the parachute
  • Means of Compliance declarations  for OSOs # 08, 19 & 20

Reach out to your local partner for further information.

Is there a difference between commercial and recreational drone flying?

• No, the requirements for either drone operations are governed by a so-called “risk based approach”: only the risk of a drone operation matters, not why the operation takes place.

 

Will I have to register myself as a UAS operator?

• Yes. The registration process is in the responsibility of the national aviation authority.
• Online operator training and tests are also provided by the national aviation authority.

 

Will I have to register my Wingtra drone?

• No, UAV registration is generally not required in the Open and the Specific category.

 

Who applies for an Operational Authorization (by a SORA)?

• The UAS operator has to get the approval for the operation, by getting a SORA permit from the national aviation authority. 

 

If one user applies for SORA is it valid across all countries for all users?

• No, the Operational Authorization of a SORA is not transferable and is linked to a single UAS operator. 
• SORA permits can be extended to other European countries with a cross-border operation (CBO) approval which essentially requires a much reduced scope authorization only updating the parts which are nation specific such as emergency contact details, flight information sources and anything else which would be nation specific in your approval.
  
  

Who creates the standard scenarios?

• EASA creates the standard scenarios. 

 

Is an ADS-B transponder mandatory to fly a Wingtra drone?

• No ADS-B transponder (neither a receiver nor a transmitter) is required.

 

Are positioning lights mandatory to fly Wingtra drones?

• No. Wingtra drones can be operated without positioning lights, but
  Wingtra drones must be flown during day in good lighting conditions.

 

Is demonstration of compliance (e.g. through flight logs) required?

• Demonstration of compliance is not required in the Open category.
• Flights in Specific category require the operator to keep a flight logbook and show it to the national aviation authority if requested.

 

Are users allowed to attach something (registration plate, tracker, lights) to Wingtra drones for complying with regulations?

• The operator registration number shall be attached outside the drone and readable. There is no further modification required by EASA. A sticker or label will be enough.
• Generally it is not allowed to modify the drone without Wingtra’s explicit consent. 

 

Is Wingtra planning to sign the Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) from the Swiss U-Space Concept of Operation (SUSCO)?

• Wingtra currently focuses on the first part of the regulatory change, which does not yet include the U-space. Wingtra will have the technical requirements in place to join U-space once it will become effective.