As drone operations grow in complexity, scale, and strategic value, the need for regulatory flexibility becomes increasingly clear. Enter the Light UAS Operator Certificate (LUC): a game-changer for professional drone organisations operating under EASA Regulation (EU) 2019/947.

The LUC isn’t a requirement, it’s an opportunity. A signal that your organisation has the internal systems, expertise, and controls to manage aviation risk with a high degree of maturity. It grants operational autonomy in a way no other approval can, but that autonomy comes with accountability.

In this blog, we will explore what the LUC is, what it takes to get one, and how AirHub’s software and consultancy support every aspect of LUC readiness and compliance.

What Is the Light UAS Operator Certificate (LUC)?

The Light UAS Operator Certificate (LUC) is issued by a national aviation authority (NAA) to organisations that demonstrate the ability to manage risk through robust internal processes. Unlike standard authorisations (STS, PDRA or SORA) in the Specific Category, a LUC allows operators to self-authorise certain operations—reducing regulatory friction and speeding up deployment.

Key LUC Privileges:

Depending on the scope granted by the NAA, LUC holders may be authorised to:

• Approve SORA-based operations without submitting each mission

• Self-declare for Pre-Defined Risk Assessments (PDRAs) and Standard Scenarios (STSs)

• Conduct cross-border operations with minimal administrative burden

• Reduce the frequency and intensity of oversight from the authority

This transforms the operational model from reactive (apply, wait, get approval) to proactive (assess, document, execute). This is especially valuable for high-tempo organisations such as infrastructure operators, security providers, and public safety agencies.

What’s Required to Obtain a LUC?

To qualify for a LUC, operators must demonstrate:

• A fully implemented and effective Safety Management System (SMS)

• A clear organisational structure with defined roles, responsibilities, and authority

• Documented and auditable Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and emergency procedures

• A comprehensive Operations Manual (OM), including version control and amendment logs

• Training and competence management systems for all staff (remote pilots, observers, payload operators)

• Maintenance procedures and technical oversight of the UAS and associated equipment

• Processes for internal review and approval of operations, including risk assessment, containment, and safety documentation

It’s not just about flying safely, it’s about proving that you can consistently manage and document safety.

The Ongoing Responsibilities of LUC Holders

Holding a LUC means that the NAA trusts you to take over part of its oversight role. In return, you must:

• Conduct regular internal audits and compliance reviews

• Maintain up-to-date documentation and training records

• Investigate incidents and implement corrective actions

• Update your NAA with significant organisational or operational changes

• Ensure all operations remain within the scope of your approved privileges

These obligations demand discipline, coordination, and a digital infrastructure that supports both operations and compliance.

How the AirHub Platform Supports LUC Operators

At AirHub, we have built a Drone Operations Platform that directly supports LUC-certified organisations, making day-to-day operations compliant by design.

1. Operations Manual, SOPs & Checklists

Upload, version-control, and distribute your OM and SOPs across your team. Integrate digital checklists tied to flight types, aircraft, and crew roles, ensuring compliance with internal and regulatory procedures on every mission.

2. Safety Management System (SMS)

Log and track incidents, assign corrective actions, and document lessons learned—all in a structured, auditable workflow. Built-in reporting supports both internal reviews and NAA submissions.

3. Crew Competence & Training Management

Maintain detailed records of pilot certifications, training completion, and validity periods. Restrict roles or aircraft access if qualifications expire. Monitor crew experience (flight hours, recency) across all operations.

4. Fleet & Equipment Oversight

Track aircraft usage, maintenance events, and firmware updates. Automate reminders based on flight hours or calendar dates. Document battery cycles, payload usage, and system faults, all tied to specific missions and operators.

5. Flight Planning & Operational Control

Define and visualise Flight Geography, Contingency Volumes, and Ground Risk Buffers. Overlay airspace data (CTR, NOTAMs, geographical zones) and custom map layers. Export visuals and documentation for risk assessments and SORA compliance.

6. Data Retention & Audit Readiness

Automatically store logs, checklists, authorisations, and operational evidence. Organise documentation by mission, pilot, and aircraft. Filter, export, and retrieve records quickly when preparing for audits, inspections, or internal reviews. The platform’s structured archive ensures your safety and compliance data is always available, when and where you need it.

Supporting the Transition: Our Consultancy Services

Becoming a LUC operator isn’t just a paperwork exercise. It’s a shift in operational thinking, and it must be done right.

That’s why AirHub offers end-to-end consultancy support, including:

• Gap assessments for LUC readiness

• Development and review of Operations Manuals, SOPs, and ERPs

• Implementation of a tailored Safety Management System

• Training frameworks and internal authorisation programs

• Drafting or reviewing internal compliance checklists and change management procedures

• Guidance on communicating with NAAs and preparing for inspections

Our consultants are ready to help you move from an initial SORA application to a fully autonomous LUC framework.

Why LUC Operators Choose AirHub

With our combined consultancy experience and purpose-built software, AirHub offers LUC holders:

• A single platform for documentation, execution, and oversight

• A scalable solution for multi-team, multi-aircraft environments

• A digital backbone that enables strategic autonomy and operational maturity

Whether you are preparing your first LUC application or managing hundreds of missions a month, we can help you stay compliant, responsive, and ready to scale.

Want to learn more?

Get in touch for a walkthrough of how the AirHub platform and our consultancy can help you achieve and sustain LUC-level operations; on your terms, with your team, in your airspace.