Glossary

Altitude hold is a feature that enables a drone to maintain a specific altitude automatically, without the need for constant manual control. This is particularly useful for capturing stable aerial footage and simplifying the flying…

Acceptable Means of Compliance A non-binding method published by EASA that describes an accepted way of complying with a legal requirement. An operator may use another method, but must then demonstrate to the competent authority…

Autonomous flight refers to a drone's ability to operate independently with minimal human intervention. Drones can be programmed to follow predefined flight paths, complete tasks, and return safely to base without constant operator control.

Brushless motors are electric motors commonly used in drones due to their efficiency and reliability. Unlike brushed motors, they lack physical brushes, which reduces wear and tear, extends their lifespan, and provides more precise control…

Beyond Visual Line of Sight BVLOS refers to drone operations conducted at distances where the operator cannot directly see the aircraft. It's crucial for applications such as long-distance surveying, infrastructure inspection, and delivery services, often…

Drone as a Service is a business model where companies or individuals can access drone capabilities and expertise on a subscription or pay-per-use basis. DaaS providers offer various drone-related services, such as aerial photography, mapping,…

A drone, short for "unmanned aerial vehicle" (UAV), is an aircraft without a human pilot on board. Drones come in various shapes and sizes, and they can be remotely controlled by a human operator or…

European Union Aviation Safety Agency The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is the EU's aviation authority responsible for ensuring the highest common standards of aviation safety, security and environmental protection across Europe. EASA develops…

First-Person View FPV is a method of flying a drone in which the operator wears goggles or uses a screen to view a live video feed from an onboard camera. This immersive experience allows the…

Geofencing is a software-based feature that restricts drones from flying in predefined geographic areas, including no-fly zones, protected airspace, or private property. It's a safety measure implemented to prevent unauthorized or unsafe drone flights.

A gimbal is a stabilizing device that holds cameras or sensors steady during drone flight. This technology allows for smooth and vibration-free video or image capture by compensating for the drone's movements, even in turbulent…

Global Positioning System GPS is a satellite-based navigation system used in drones to determine their precise geographic location and altitude. Drones rely on GPS for waypoint navigation, position hold, and return-to-home functions, enhancing their ability…

A hexacopter is a drone with six rotors. This design provides enhanced stability and payload capacity compared to quadcopters, making hexacopters suitable for applications that require more lifting power, such as heavy camera rigs or…

Light Detection and Ranging LiDAR is a remote sensing technology used in industrial drones. It emits laser pulses and measures the time it takes for them to return after hitting an object, creating precise 3D…

Lithium Polymer (LiPo) batteries are lightweight, high-energy-density power sources used to supply electricity to drones. They offer a good balance between weight and capacity, making them popular for a variety of drone applications, from racing…

Obstacle avoidance is a technology that equips drones with sensors (e.g., ultrasonic, iLiDAR, or computer vision systems) to detect and react to obstacles in their flight path. It helps prevent collisions and enhances the safety…

The payload refers to the additional equipment or cargo that a drone can carry during flight. Depending on the drone's design and purpose, payloads can include high-resolution cameras, sensors for data collection, packages for delivery,…

Predefined Risk Assessment A standardised risk assessment published by EASA for a specific type of drone operation. Operators can use it as the basis for an operational authorisation application when their planned operation fits the…

A quadcopter is a type of drone featuring four rotors arranged in a square pattern, with two rotors turning clockwise and two turning counterclockwise. This configuration provides inherent stability, making quadcopters ideal for beginners and…

Remote sensing involves capturing data from a distance using various sensors on drones. It's commonly used for tasks such as environmental monitoring, crop health assessment, and disaster management, providing valuable insights without physical contact.

A rotor is a rotating blade on a drone responsible for generating lift and propulsion. Drones can have different rotor configurations, including propellers, rotors, or fans, which impact their flight characteristics and capabilities.

RTF drones are pre-assembled and require minimal setup before they can take off. These drones are perfect for beginners, as they don't need much technical knowledge or assembly skills to get started with flying.

Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA) When conducting an operation not covered by a iSTS or a iPDRA, applicants are required to conduct a risk assessment, identify mitigations and comply with safety objectives. The risk assessment…

Standard Scenario A predefined type of drone operation in the EU’s “specific” category. It includes fixed operational conditions and safety requirements. Operators may conduct the operation by submitting a declaration instead of applying for an…

Swarming drones are a group of drones that work together in a coordinated manner, often autonomously. They are used for tasks such as search and rescue, environmental monitoring, and military operations, where a collective approach…

Telemetry is the real-time data transmitted from the drone to the operator's ground station. It includes information about the drone's position, altitude, speed, battery status, and other vital parameters, allowing the operator to monitor the…

The transmitter is the handheld remote control device used by the operator to send commands to the drone. It typically includes control sticks, buttons, and switches to manage various aspects of the drone's flight, such…

A transponder is a device on a drone that transmits identifying information, including its location, altitude, and identification code. This enhances the visibility of drones to other aircraft and air traffic control, contributing to safer…

Vertical take-off and landing (VTOL)

Waypoint missions involve creating complex flight paths or sequences by defining multiple GPS coordinates for the drone to follow. These missions are often used for surveying, mapping, and large-scale inspection tasks where precise and repetitive…

Waypoint navigation allows operators to program a sequence of specific GPS coordinates, referred to as waypoints, that the drone will follow in a predetermined order. This feature is often used for mapping, surveying, and surveillance…