European Drone Operations Streamlined: Gaining Autonomy with the Light Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Operator Certificate (LUC) for Expanded Drone Operations Throughout Continent

Fly High with Freedom: Navigating the Light UAS Operator Certificate (LUC)

The world of commercial drone operations is taking off, and the need for freedom and flexibility in its management is more vital than ever. stepping into the scene is the Light UAS Operator Certificate (LUC): a game-changer for professional drone organisations navigating the EASA Regulation (EU) 2019/947*.

The LUC isn't a mandate, it's an opportunity. A symbol that your organisation has the internal systems, expertise, and controls to manage aviation risks with a high degree of maturity. It grants operational autonomy like no other approval, but that independence comes with accountability. Let's explore what the LUC is, what it takes to obtain one, and how our platform's software and consultancy can accelerate your LUC readiness and compliance journey.

UAS Operations Simplified: What's the LUC?

The Light UAS Operator Certificate (LUC) is an authorization granted by a national aviation authority (NAA) to organisations demonstrating maturity in managing aviation risks through robust internal processes. Unlike traditional authorizations (STS, PDRA or SORA) in the Specific Category, a LUC empowers operators to self-authorize certain operations - reducing regulatory friction and mobilizing operations more swiftly.

Privileges Galore: Key Advantages of the LUC

Depending on the scope granted by the NAA, LUC holders may be authorized to:

Approve SORA-based operations without repeatedly submitting each mission
Self-declare for Pre-Defined Risk Assessments (PDRAs) and Standard Scenarios (STSs)
Conduct cross-border operations with minimal administrative hassle
Reduce the frequency and intensity of oversight from the authority

This change in operational model evolves from reactive (apply, wait, get approval) to proactive (assess, document, execute). This transformation is particularly valuable for high-tempo organisations such as infrastructure operators, security providers, and public safety agencies.

Ready for Takeoff: What's Required for a LUC?

To qualify for a LUC, organisations must demonstrate:

A fully implemented and effective Safety Management System (SMS)
A clear organisational structure with assigned roles, responsibilities, and authority
Documented and auditable Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and emergency procedures
A comprehensive Operations Manual (OM), including version control and amendment logs
Training and competence management systems for all staff (remote pilots, observers, payload operators)
Maintenance procedures and technical oversight of the UAS and associated equipment
Processes for internal review and approval of operations, including risk assessment, containment, and safety documentation

Landing safely isn't just about soaring through the skies; it's proving that you consistently manage and document safety.

The LUC Ride: Embracing Ongoing Responsibilities

Gaining a LUC means that the NAA trusts you to take the reins in part of its oversight role. In return, you must:

Conduct regular internal audits and compliance reviews
Maintain up-to-date documentation and training records
Investigate incidents and implement corrective actions
Update your NAA with significant organisational or operational changes
Ensure all operations remain within the scope of your approved privileges

This calls for discipline, coordination, and a digital infrastructure that supports both operations and compliance.

Soaring Higher with our Platform

We've built a Drone Operations Platform that supports LUC-certified organisations, making daily operations compliant by design.

Move Up: Operations Manual, SOPs & Checklists

Upload, version-control, and distribute your OM and SOPs across your team. Integrate digital checklists tied to flight types, aircraft, and crew roles, ensuring compliance with internal and regulatory procedures on every mission.

SMS Lift-Off: Safety Management System

Log and track incidents, assign corrective actions, and document lessons learned - all in a structured, auditable workflow. Built-in reporting supports both internal reviews and NAA submissions.

Skill Skyward: Crew Competence & Training Management

Maintain detailed records of pilot certifications, training completion, and validity periods. Restrict roles or aircraft access if qualifications expire. Monitor crew experience (flight hours, recency) across all operations.

Tech Ascend: Fleet & Equipment Oversight

Track aircraft usage, maintenance events, and firmware updates. Automate reminders based on flight hours or calendar dates. Document battery cycles, payload usage, and system faults, all tied to specific missions and operators.

Flight Control Takeoff: Planning & Operational Control

Visualise Flight Geography, Contingency Volumes, and Ground Risk Buffers. Overlay airspace data (CTR, NOTAMs, geographical zones) and custom map layers. Export visuals and documentation for risk assessments and SORA compliance.

Elevate Data Storage & Audit Readiness

Automatically store logs, checklists, authorisations, and operational evidence. Organise documentation by mission, pilot, and aircraft. Filter, export, and retrieve records quickly when preparing for audits, inspections, or internal reviews. Our platform's structured archive ensures safety and compliance data is always readily available, when and where you need it.

A Tailored Journey: Our Consultancy Services

Achieving LUC status isn't just about filling out forms; it's about shifting operational thinking, and it needs to be done right.

That's why we offer end-to-end consultancy support, including:

Gap assessments for LUC readiness
Development and review of Operations Manuals, SOPs, and ERPs
Implementation of a customized Safety Management System
Training frameworks and internal authorization programs
Drafting or reviewing internal compliance checklists and change management procedures
Guidance on communicating with NAAs and preparing for inspections

Our consultants are ready to help you transition from the initial SORA application to a full-fledged LUC framework.

Choose us for a Stress-Free LUC Experience

Combining consultancy experience and purpose-built software, we offer LUC holders a:

Single platform for documentation, execution, and oversight
Scalable solution for multi-team, multi-aircraft environments
Digital backbone that enables operational efficiency and strategic autonomy

Whether you're preparing your first LUC application or managing hundreds of missions a month, we can help you remain compliant, responsive, and ready to scale.

Ready to Soar?

Get in touch for a walkthrough of how our platform and our consultancy can guide you in achieving LUC-level operations on your terms, with your team, in your airspace.

The Light UAS Operator Certificate (LUC) is a game-changer for professional drone organisations, as it authorizes self-authorization of certain operations and reduces regulatory friction.
To qualify for a LUC, organisations must demonstrate a Safety Management System (SMS), a clear organisational structure, documented standard operating procedures, an Operations Manual, a training and competence management system, maintenance procedures, and procedures for internal review and approval.
Gaining a LUC means that the NAA trusts the organisation to take part of its oversight role, and in return, the organisation must conduct regular internal audits, maintain up-to-date documentation and training records, and ensure all operations remain within the scope of its approved privileges.
We've built a Drone Operations Platform that supports LUC-certified organisations, offering features such as Operations Manual and SOP management, Safety Management System, crew competence and training management, fleet and equipment oversight, and flight control for planning and operational control.
Our platform also includes data storage and audit readiness features, such as automated log and checklist storage, easy organization and retrieval of documentation, and preparation for audits and inspections.
To help organisations achieve LUC status, we offer end-to-end consultancy support, including gap assessments, review and development of Operations Manuals, SOPs, and ERPs, implementation of a customized Safety Management System, training frameworks, internal authorization programs, and guidance on communicating with NAAs and preparing for inspections.
Combining consultancy experience and purpose-built software, we offer LUC holders a single platform for documentation, execution, and oversight, a scalable solution for multi-team, multi-aircraft environments, and a digital backbone that enables operational efficiency and strategic autonomy.

European Drone Operations Streamlined: Gaining Autonomy with the Light Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Operator Certificate (LUC) for Expanded Drone Operations Throughout Continent