Understanding the Certified Category: Type-Certified UAS

Introduction to the Certified Category for advanced UAS operations:

What is Certified Category? The certified category applies to UAS operations with the highest risk levels, requiring:

• Type-certified unmanned aircraft
• Certified UAS operators
• Licensed remote pilots
• Similar requirements to manned aviation

When is it Required?

• Operations over assemblies of people
• Transport of people
• Transport of dangerous goods (certain scenarios)
• High-risk operations that cannot be mitigated under specific category

Certification Requirements:

1. Aircraft: Type certificate from EASA
2. Operator: Air Operator Certificate (AOC)
3. Pilot: Remote pilot license (similar to PPL/CPL)
4. Maintenance: Approved maintenance organization
5. Operations Manual: Detailed procedures and limitations

Current State:

• Regulatory framework established (EU Reg 2019/945, 2019/947)
• Limited certified UAS available commercially
• Primarily for cargo delivery, passenger transport trials
• Future growth expected in urban air mobility (UAM)

Examples of Potential Certified Category Operations:

• Package delivery over urban areas (Amazon Prime Air, Wing)
• Air taxi services (Volocopter, EHang)
• Medical supply delivery (Zipline)
• Large-scale agricultural operations

Resources:

• EASA Certification Specifications (CS-UAS)
• ICAO Annex 6 Part IV (UAS operations)
• EASA Type Certificates database

Share your questions about certified operations! ??