Roles and Responsibilities in Drone Operations
Drones are also known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). Drones have revolutionized various industries, and it is essential to understand the key roles and their responsibilities. In this guide, we will explain in detail the roles individuals play in the exciting field of drone operations.
Operator
The operator is responsible for safe operation of the UAS and hence the safety risk analysis. The operator must substantiate the safety of the operation by performing the specific operational and risk assessment. Supporting material for the assessment may be provided by third parties (e.g. the manufacturer of the UAS or equipment, UTM service providers, etc.). The operator obtains an operational authorization from the Competent Authority/ANSP.
Applicant
The applicant is the party seeking operational approval. The applicant becomes the operator once the operation has been approved.
UAS Manufacturer
UAS manufacturer is the party that designs and manufactures the UAS. The manufacturer/ designer has unique design evidence (e.g. system performance, system architecture, software/ hardware development documentation, test/analysis documentation, etc.) that they may choose to make available to one or many UAS operator(s) or the competent authority to help substantiate the operator’s safety case. Alternatively, a potential UAS manufacturer may utilize the SORA to target design objectives for specific or generalized operations. To obtain airworthiness approval(s), these design objectives could be complemented by use of JARUS Certification Specifications (CS) or industry consensus standards if they are found acceptable by the competent authority.
Component Manufacturer
The component manufacturer is the party that designs and manufactures components for use in UAS operations. The component manufacturer has unique design evidence (e.g. system performance, system architecture, software/hardware development documentation, test/analysis documentation, etc.) that they may choose to make available to one or many UAS operator(s) to substantiate a safety case.
Competent Authority
The competent authority is the recognized authority for approving the safety case of UAS operations. The competent authority may accept an applicant’s SORA submission in whole or in part. Through the SORA process, the applicant may need to consult with the competent authority to ensure consistent application or interpretation of individual steps. The competent authority may also have oversight of the UAS manufacturer and component manufacturer and may approve the design and/or the manufacture of each. The Competent Authority also provides the operational approval to the operator.
Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP)
The ANSP is the designated provider of air traffic service in a specific area of operation (airspace). The ANSP assesses whether the proposed operation can be safely conducted in the particular airspace that they cover, and if so authorizes the flight. Because the concurrency of multiple operations may require interaction of the airspace users, ANSPs must be consulted on any unique solutions produced by the SORA which do not conform to standard flight rules of the airspace. Please refer to Annex J for more information on ANSP roles, responsibilities, and interactions with applicants.
UTM/U-Space Service Provider
UTM/U-Space Service Providers are entities that provide services to support safe and efficient use of airspace. These services may support an operator’s compliance with their safety obligation.
Pilot in Command
The pilot is designated by the operator or, in case of general aviation, the aircraft owner, as being in command and charged with the safe conduct of the flight.
- Operating and controlling the drone safely and efficiently during flights.
- Adhering to flight regulations and ensuring compliance with airspace rules.
Maintenance Technician
- Conducting regular maintenance checks and repairs on drones to ensure they are in proper working condition.
- Troubleshooting technical issues and performing necessary fixes.
Regulatory Compliance Officer
- Ensuring compliance with local, national, and international regulations related to drone operations.
- Keeping up-to-date with changes in laws and regulations and updating operational procedures accordingly.