Legal Disclaimer
The information provided in this guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or aviation advice. EASA regulations evolve, and specific member states may enforce additional local requirements regarding agricultural operations and chemical dispensing. Always consult your National Aviation Authority (NAA) and local agricultural bodies before operating. EuroDrones assumes no liability for operational decisions made based on this content.
EASA Drone Regulations for Agricultural Surveying & Mapping
The integration of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) into modern agriculture has moved far beyond simple crop scouting. Today, agricultural professionals rely on drones for centimeter-accurate multispectral mapping and automated crop spraying. However, as operations scale from visual line of sight to heavy-lift beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) missions, operators quickly outgrow the EASA “Open” category.
Why Agricultural Drones Outgrow the “Open” Category
The EASA Open category is designed for low-risk operations. While sufficient for basic visual crop scouting using lightweight, off-the-shelf drones, it places hard limits on true precision agriculture.
The Weight Limit
Maximum 25 kg MTOM
Industrial workhorses equipped with 30-liter to 50-liter spraying tanks routinely exceed this limit, pushing them directly into the Specific category regardless of where they fly.
The Distance Limit
Visual Line of Sight (VLOS)
Mapping extensive agricultural estates or forestry tracts efficiently requires flying Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS), which is strictly forbidden in the Open category.
The Payload Ban
Dropping any article—including water, seeds, or pesticides—is fundamentally banned in the Open category. Even if your seeding drone weighs under 25 kg, the act of dispensing material automatically necessitates a Specific category authorization.
BVLOS Operations & STS-02 for Large-Scale Mapping
Mapping extensive agricultural networks requires flying BVLOS. Under EASA rules, the most efficient regulatory pathway for this without undertaking a full SORA is the Standard Scenario 02 (STS-02).
| STS-02 Requirement | Agricultural Application |
|---|---|
| Drone Class | Must utilize a C6-class drone specifically designed and marked for BVLOS operations. |
| Airspace Observers | BVLOS is permitted provided trained Airspace Observers are positioned to monitor the airspace and maintain constant communication with the remote pilot. |
| Controlled Ground Area | Operations must occur in uncontrolled airspace over a controlled ground area where uninvolved persons are excluded. |
Navigating Heavy MTOM and Dropping Payloads
Because Standard Scenarios (like STS-01 and STS-02) do not cover the dropping of materials, agricultural spraying requires specialized authorization through one of two Specific category paths:
-
1
Pre-Defined Risk Assessment (PDRA): Operators can utilize relevant PDRAs tailored for agricultural operations over sparsely populated areas, streamlining the risk assessment for standard spraying missions.
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2
Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA): For complex operations not covered by a PDRA, operators must calculate the Ground Risk Class (GRC) and Air Risk Class (ARC) and apply mitigations to achieve a safe operational envelope.
A Note on Agrochemical Permitting
EASA regulates the aviation safety aspect of dropping payloads. However, the type of chemical dispensed (e.g., pesticides) is regulated by environmental directives (such as EU Directive 2009/128/EC) and national laws. You must hold both EASA operational authorization and local chemical dispensing permits to operate legally.
Master the Specific Category
Transitioning to heavy sprayers or conducting STS-02 mapping flights requires rigorous documentation and pilot competence. Train with EuroDrones LMS to master STS-02 theory and SORA methodology.