The Operational Authorisation – which has replaced the term PfCO – is based upon a risk assessment that is completed by the UAS operator, or through a series of Pre-Defined Risk Assessments (PDRA). This means that individuals or organisations that wish to operate a drone within the Specific Category must either provide a risk assessment to the CAA (by following the OSC – Operating Safety Case – process), or adhere to the requirements of the PDRA. Please note, a £500 fee to the CAA applies when applying for a UK PDRA-01 Operational Authorisation.

UPDATE - APRIL 2025: Please note that the Operating Safety Case methodology has now been replaced by UK SORA. To find out more, click here.