Specific category · SAIL IV

SAIL IV — what it means and how you solve it

Medium risk under EU Regulation 2019/947: full SORA analysis, bowtie, Statement of Compliance and an operating permit from the LBA.

  • iGRC 5–6 — typically BVLOS, populated environment or heavier UAV
  • Operating permit with full SORA documentation
  • LUC Scope B covers recurring operations
  • LBA processing time typically 8–16 weeks
  • GDDC supports ConOps, SORA and submission
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  • EU 2019/947 · DVO 1178/2011
  • 13 Szenarien LBA-genehmigt
  • Sachverständiger ISO 17024
  • SORA Full Service · GDDC
  • Hosting & Daten in DE

  • iGRC 5–6

    Intrinsic Ground Risk Class

  • 8–16 wks

    Typical LBA processing time

  • LUC B

    Light UAS Operator Certificate — medium scope

  • BVLOS

    Common operating feature at SAIL IV

What is SAIL IV?

SAIL IV belongs to the specific category (EU Regulation 2019/947 annex), medium-risk band. It typically applies to:

  • iGRC 5 or 6 — e.g. flights in populated areas or with increased weight
  • Operating authorisation from the competent authority (in Germany: LBA, and where applicable DFS/BAIUDBw)
  • LUC in the medium scope — covers permits independently
  • SORA process: ConOps → bowtie → Operational Safety Objectives (OSOs) → mitigations → Statement of Compliance

The binding classification of your scenario is determined solely through the official review by the LBA.

Typical scenarios

When do you typically end up at SAIL IV?

  • High-voltage line BVLOS

    Inspection of overhead lines in rural surroundings — automated missions over several kilometres.

  • Photovoltaic park

    Large-scale PV inspection with 5 km range and recurring routes.

  • Security overflight

    Enclosed containment zones of critical infrastructure — documented patrols and alarm integration.

  • Application >25 kg

    Heavier UAV for agricultural application — operating permit with a full SORA analysis.

› EU 2019/947

Distinction SAIL III · IV · V

Guidance — the binding level results from your SORA analysis.

  • SAIL III
    iGRC
    4
    Permit path
    Operating permit (simple)
    ConOps depth
    Standard template
    LBA duration
    ~4 weeks
    GDDC service
    ConOps review
  • SAIL IV
    iGRC
    5–6
    Permit path
    Operating permit / LUC Scope B
    ConOps depth
    Full bowtie analysis
    LBA duration
    8–16 weeks
    GDDC service
    ConOps + SORA full service
  • SAIL V
    iGRC
    7
    Permit path
    LUC Scope C or Certified
    ConOps depth
    Certification approach
    LBA duration
    6–18 months
    GDDC service
    Certification support

Non-binding overview — your classification depends on the drone, environment and operating concept.

SORA process

The path to an operating permit (SAIL IV)

  1. Create ConOps

    Your flight scenario: area, drone, operating mode, emergency procedures and responsibilities.

  2. Ground + Air Risk Assessment

    Bowtie analysis: identify, assess and mitigate ground and air risks.

  3. OSOs + evidence

    Define Operational Safety Objectives and substantiate them with technical/organisational evidence.

  4. Statement of Compliance

    Consolidation of all evidence into an authority-ready compliance document.

  5. LBA submission

    Application to the Federal Aviation Office (LBA) — on request GDDC handles the complete submission.

What GDDC handles for you

  • SORA full service

    ConOps, bowtie, OSOs, Statement of Compliance and LBA submission from a single source.

  • ConOps check

    Entry package: we review your scenario and provide a binding roadmap to the permit.

  • LUC support

    Application and documentation for a Light UAS Operator Certificate Scope B.

Request an operating permit

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Academy

Training basis for SAIL IV

A2 CoC and STS-02 form the professional basis for commercial specific-category operations.

Alle Kurse im Ausbildungsportal →

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about SAIL IV

  • What is the difference between SAIL III and SAIL IV?

    SAIL III covers iGRC 4 with a simplified operating permit. From SAIL IV (iGRC 5–6) a full SORA analysis with bowtie, Operational Safety Objectives and Statement of Compliance is required — usually within a LUC Scope B.

  • Do I need a LUC for SAIL IV?

    From SAIL IV a Light UAS Operator Certificate in the medium scope is typically required. The LUC allows you to cover permits independently, without submitting every individual operation separately to the LBA.

  • How long does LBA processing take?

    For SAIL IV we expect 8–16 weeks of processing time at the Federal Aviation Office, depending on the completeness of the documents and the complexity of the scenario.

  • What is a ConOps?

    The Concept of Operations describes your planned flight scenario: drone type, operating area, operating mode, emergency procedures and organisational responsibilities. It is the basis for the SORA analysis.

  • What does GDDC handle?

    GDDC prepares the ConOps, carries out the SORA analysis, documents mitigations and submits the operating permit to the LBA. Optionally we support you with the LUC application.

  • Which training do I need beforehand?

    For commercial operations we recommend the A2 remote pilot certificate and STS-02 as a basis. For SAIL IV, SORA-specific know-how in the team is additionally required.

  • Does SAIL IV also apply to BVLOS flights?

    Many BVLOS scenarios in populated or infrastructure-adjacent surroundings fall under SAIL III/IV. The binding classification is determined solely through the SORA analysis and the LBA.

  • Does this page replace legal advice?

    No. This info page is a guide. Binding permits are issued solely by the Federal Aviation Office (LBA).

Related pages

Permit finderPermits hub →SAIL I–II →SAIL V–VI →
  • 13 Szenarien LBA-genehmigt
  • Sachverständiger ISO 17024
  • GDDC · Hosting in Deutschland