What is a LUC?
A light UAS operator certificate (LUC) is an organisational approval certificate. Drone operators may ask the National Aviation Authority of registration to have their organisation assessed to demonstrate that they are capable of assessing the risk of an operation themselves. The requirements to be demonstrated by drone operators are defined in Part C of Regulation (EU) 2019/947. When the National Aviation Authority is satisfied, they will issue a light UAS operator certificate (LUC) and they will assign privileges to the drone operators based on their level of maturity. The privileges may allow the organisation to self-authorise operations without applying for an authorisation.
The privileges may be one or more of the following:
- Conduct operations covered by standard scenarios without submitting the declaration;
- self-authorise operations conducted by the drone operator and covered by a PDRA without applying for an authorisation;
- self-authorise all operations conducted by the drone operator without applying for an authorisation.
Who can apply for a LUC?
You need to be an organisation to be eligible to apply for a LUC, however you can subcontract some of the activities.
Regulatory reference: UAS.LUC.010.
Do I need to obtain an authorisation before flying my drone? (LUC)
It depends on the privileges granted by the National Aviation Authority.
Regulatory reference: Article 5 of EU Regulation 2019/947.