GVC PDRA and Standard Scenarios — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does PDRA stand for in UK drone regulations?
- Professional Drone Registration Authority
- Pre-Defined Risk Assessment (Correct answer)
- Pilot Drone Rating Assessment
- Public Drone Restricted Area
Correct answer: Pre-Defined Risk Assessment
PDRA stands for Pre-Defined Risk Assessment. PDRAs are standardised risk assessments published by the CAA that define a set of operational conditions. If an operator can meet all the conditions of a PDRA, they can declare their operations against it rather than conducting a full bespoke SORA.
Question 2: What are the key operational limitations of PDRA01 for VLOS operations in the UK?
- No limitations — any VLOS flight is permitted
- Maximum 120 m height, maximum 25 kg MTOM, VLOS only, not over assemblies of people, not in controlled airspace without permission (Correct answer)
- Maximum 500 m height, any weight, BVLOS permitted
- Only permitted within 50 m of the pilot
Correct answer: Maximum 120 m height, maximum 25 kg MTOM, VLOS only, not over assemblies of people, not in controlled airspace without permission
PDRA01 sets specific operational boundaries: maximum height of 120 m AGL, maximum UAS take-off mass of 25 kg, VLOS operations only, no flight over assemblies of people, and no operations in controlled airspace without appropriate permission. These limitations define the risk envelope that the pre-defined risk assessment covers.
Question 3: What is the difference between a PDRA declaration and an Operational Authorisation (OA)?
- There is no difference — they are the same process
- A PDRA declaration is a simplified self-declaration against pre-defined conditions; an OA is a bespoke authorisation requiring a full application and CAA review (Correct answer)
- A PDRA is more expensive than an OA
- An OA is only for recreational pilots
Correct answer: A PDRA declaration is a simplified self-declaration against pre-defined conditions; an OA is a bespoke authorisation requiring a full application and CAA review
A PDRA declaration is a streamlined process where the operator declares they will comply with all conditions of a published PDRA — the CAA does not individually assess each operation. An Operational Authorisation requires the operator to submit a full application with a bespoke risk assessment (SORA), operations manual, and supporting documentation, which the CAA then reviews and approves.
Question 4: Which of the following is a requirement for operating under PDRA01?
- The remote pilot must hold a GVC or equivalent competency certificate (Correct answer)
- The remote pilot only needs a Flyer ID
- No competency certificate is required
- The pilot must hold an ATPL (Airline Transport Pilot Licence)
Correct answer: The remote pilot must hold a GVC or equivalent competency certificate
PDRA01 requires the remote pilot to hold a GVC (General VLOS Certificate) or an equivalent competency certificate recognised by the CAA. This ensures the pilot has demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary for Specific category operations, including risk assessment, flight planning, and emergency procedures.
Question 5: Under PDRA01, what is required regarding flight over uninvolved persons?
- Flight over uninvolved persons is freely permitted
- The operator must minimise time over uninvolved persons and never fly over assemblies of people (Correct answer)
- Flight over uninvolved persons is only permitted above 100 metres
- Uninvolved persons must sign a waiver before the flight
Correct answer: The operator must minimise time over uninvolved persons and never fly over assemblies of people
PDRA01 requires operators to minimise the time spent overflying uninvolved persons and explicitly prohibits flight over assemblies of people. This is a key risk mitigation — reducing exposure of uninvolved persons to the potential consequences of a UAS malfunction.
Question 6: What documentation must an operator maintain when operating under a PDRA?
- No documentation is required for PDRA operations
- An operations manual, flight logs, maintenance records, and evidence of remote pilot competency (Correct answer)
- Only a copy of the PDRA declaration
- A social media account showing flight footage
Correct answer: An operations manual, flight logs, maintenance records, and evidence of remote pilot competency
Even under the simplified PDRA process, operators must maintain comprehensive documentation including an operations manual detailing their procedures, flight logs for all operations, maintenance records for their UAS, and evidence that remote pilots hold valid competency certificates. The CAA may audit operators at any time to verify compliance.
GVC PDRA and Standard Scenarios
What does PDRA stand for in UK drone regulations?