U-Space Service Provider, SORA, BVLOS, and the U-Space Real-World Laboratory in Northwest Germany

"HX" indicates airspace that is temporarily effective (not permanently active). Before entering, the status should be checked, e.g., via FIS/INFO/TWR/ATIS; without checking the status, the airspace should be treated as active, and standby listening is also required.

ICAO concept for the (near) real-time organization, coordination, and management of many UAS operations—especially in low airspace and also for BVLOS—through digital services and cooperation between authorities/ANSPs/industry.

Additional proof of competence for certain operations in Open A2 (e.g., closer to uninvolved persons). It builds on A1/A3 and typically includes additional theory and practical self-declaration.

Technical restriction that automatically prevents or restricts flying into defined airspaces/geo-zones (e.g., through software limits). Geofencing is one possible implementation of geo-awareness.

Observer who monitors the airspace to assist the remote pilot in avoiding conflicts. In STS-02, the use of AOs influences, among other things, the maximum permissible range.

Airspace Class A: Only IFR flights are permitted; all flights receive ATC service, are separated from each other, and require ATC clearance; continuous radio communication is required.

Predefined risk analysis (AMC to Art. 11 of Regulation 2019/947) for certain types of operations. The operator can apply for approval based on the PDRA without having to create a complete individual SORA from scratch—provided that all framework conditions are met.

Open subcategory for flights "away from people." Operation is only permitted in areas where no uninvolved persons are endangered and, as a rule, at a considerable distance from built-up/public areas.

Altitude relative to mean sea level. Often used in aviation for airspace and obstacle reference and can differ significantly from AGL.

Collective term for satellite-based navigation systems (e.g., GPS, Galileo) that provide position/time data. GNSS is the basis for many UAS navigation and monitoring functions.

Service for providing aeronautical information/data necessary for the safety, regularity, and efficiency of aviation (e.g., NOTAM, AIP).

An RMZ (Radio Mandatory Zone) is an airspace of defined size in which suitable radio equipment must be carried and continuous listening readiness or, if necessary, two-way radio communication on the specified frequency must be ensured (according to national regulations).

Data package for a U-space airspace, e.g., boundaries of the U-space airspace, requirements, relevant UAS geozones, and static/dynamic restrictions. It enables non-discriminatory access to U-space services.

Airspace Class C: IFR and VFR are permitted; ATC service for all. IFR is separated from IFR and VFR; VFR is separated from IFR and receives traffic information (and, upon request, avoidance advice); clearance and radio communication are required.

Registration requirement for UAS operators under EU/national law; in Germany, the LBA assigns a UAS operator number (eID) after registration, which is entered into remote ID systems, among other places.

A real-world testing ground ("living lab") for U-Space, where U-Space services, processes, and the interaction between drone traffic management (U-Space/USSP) and traditional air traffic control are tested and validated under realistic conditions (e.g., in port/industrial areas or via virtualization). Learn more about the Hatten UAS German Flight Center.

German platform for information on UAS operations, including the publication/display of geographical areas (geo-zones) and government services. It serves as a central source for official UAS airspace information in Germany.

Refers to a gathering where the density is so high that individuals cannot quickly remove themselves in case of danger. Overflights are prohibited in the Open category.

Function that transmits certain identification and position data by radio at regular intervals during flight (including operator registration number, position/speed/track of the drone). In the EU, requirements are defined in Delegated Regulation 2019/945.

In SORA, the area that must be technically "included" for safe operation. It consists of flight geography plus contingency volume.

U-Space service that provides UAS operators with up-to-date information on airspace restrictions and UAS geozones, published as part of the Common Information Services.

ADS-L (Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Light) refers to a family of light broadcast protocols for electronic conspicuity, in which GNSS-based position/identity data is transmitted over a short range. ADS-L is not identical to ADS-B and is not directly compatible with ADS-B (1090 MHz).

Predefined procedures for controlling deviations or malfunctions (e.g., return-to-home, manual takeover, landing at a defined location). In SORA, they are part of the safety argumentation.

U-space service that coordinates UAS flight authorizations in U-space and ensures that authorized UAS operations within the U-space area in question do not collide with each other in terms of space and time.

Optional operator certificate in the Specific Category. Depending on the privileges granted, a LUC may allow certain operations to be approved independently (e.g., without requiring an official operating permit each time).

Consolidated "Easy Access" version of the relevant EU rules (including 2019/947, 2019/945) including AMC/GM, which serves as a practical reference for operators and authorities.

Additional load on the UAS (e.g., camera, sensors, delivery goods) that affects mass, aerodynamics, and energy values and can therefore influence safety and approval requirements.

Provider (possibly designated as a "single CISP") that provides common information services—i.e., static and dynamic data required by USSPs and other actors for the provision of U-space services.

Deception of navigation/position signals (e.g., GNSS), causing the system to process incorrect position data. Relevant security/safety risk, especially in BVLOS/high automation.

Abbreviation for critical infrastructure: organizations/facilities whose failure or impairment could cause significant supply bottlenecks, security problems, or other serious consequences for the state and society.

Operation with extended line of sight, in which, for example, observers ensure direct visibility of the UAS and pass on information to the remote pilot. EVLOS is regulated differently depending on national implementation.

EU operating category for low-risk UAS operations. It is generally possible without prior operating approval, provided that, among other things, the operating limits (e.g., visual flight, altitude limit, distances) and class specifications are complied with.

Predefined operating scenario described throughout the EU in the Specific Category. If an operator fulfills all conditions, they can submit a declaration instead of applying for an individual operating permit.

European GNSS, operated under an EU program. For UAS, Galileo—like other GNSS systems—can provide positioning and timing data for navigation and tracking, among other things.

Open subcategory for very low-risk flights "close to people." Flying over uninvolved persons may be permitted depending on the UAS class; flying over crowds of people is prohibited.

Airspace Class F (Advisory Airspace): IFR and VFR are permitted; participating IFR flights receive an Air Traffic Advisory Service, all flights can receive Flight Information Service (FIS); ATC clearance is not required (radio communication mandatory for participating IFR).

For SORA/AMC, "populated area" is understood in context as "congested area": an area in a city/town/settlement that is primarily used for residential, commercial, or recreational purposes.

Research/funding project ("Scalable drone communication systems for U-Space areas") with the aim of defining robust 4G/5G-based communication requirements for drone operation and testing them in practice in U-Space real-world laboratories (including comparison with commercial systems and integration of a USSP). Learn more

The unmanned aerial vehicle itself—i.e., the flying part of the UAS. Colloquially, UAV is often used synonymously with "drone," but technically it refers only to the platform without the ground/control segment. Learn more about UAVs at b.r.m.

An NDB (Non-Directional Beacon) is a radio transmitter in the LF/MF range that emits a signal of equal strength in all directions; with ADF receivers on board, the direction (bearing) to the NDB can be determined.

Airspace that is reserved for specific purposes, thereby restricting its use by other traffic. In SORA/PDRA, reserved/segregated airspace can be part of air risk mitigation.

EU class rating for UAS intended for operation under STS-01 (Specific Category) and meeting additional technical requirements for this purpose.

Refers to the entire system consisting of an unmanned aircraft (UA), control segment (e.g., ground station), and the components necessary for operation (e.g., data link). In EU regulations, "UAS" is the central collective term for drone operation. Learn more about UAS at b.r.m.

A TMZ (Transponder Mandatory Zone) is an airspace of defined extent in which the carriage and operation of SSR transponders (Mode A/C or Mode S) is mandatory, unless alternative requirements apply.

Function that informs the remote pilot/operator about airspace restrictions or UAS geozones and typically warns them before the drone flies into a restricted area.

Marking indicating that a product meets EU conformity requirements. For UAS classes C0–C6, conformity assessment in accordance with 2019/945 is part of the process of placing the product on the market.

Natural or legal person who conducts or commissions UAS operations and is responsible for organizing the operation (e.g., procedures, personnel, maintenance).

Risk assessment methodology for operations in the Specific Category. It structures the assessment of ground and air risks and derives the necessary mitigation measures and safety objectives from this.

Airspace class G: Uncontrolled airspace according to SERA; IFR and VFR are generally permitted, there is no ATC control service and no separation; flights receive flight information service (FIS) where possible or on request. For IFR outside controlled airspace, the requirements of SERA.5025 apply (e.g., radio communication is only mandatory in areas/routes specified by the authorities). In...

EU-Klassenkennzeichnung für größere UAS (u. a. bis 25 kg MTOM, max. charakteristische Abmessung < 3 m), typischerweise für Open A3 und bestimmte Specific-Szenarien.