Major Update on GACA Regulation Part 107 Operation of UAS V5
The publication of GACAR Part 107 Version 5 represents a watershed moment for the Kingdom’s aviation sector. This update signifies a transition from a reactive, case-by-case regulatory model to a sophisticated, risk-based regulatory framework. By aligning Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) protocols with international best practices most notably the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) standards. V5 provides the legal certainty required for massive industrial investment. I. The Core Regulatory Architecture: Risk-Based Categorization The most fundamental change in GACA 107 V5 is the formalization of UAS operations into two primary categories based on the risk they pose to third parties on the ground and other aircraft in the sky: the open category and the specific category. The Open Category (Low Risk): This category is reserved for basic, low-risk operations. It does not require a prior “Operational Authorization” from GACA, provided the pilot adheres to strict standard operating limitations. Subcategory A1 (Fly Over People): Restricted to ultra-light drones typically < 250 g. Pilots must avoid flying over “assemblies of people”. Subcategory A2 (Fly Near People): For drones up to 2 kg or 4 kg (depending on class markings). Requires a high level of pilot competency and a safe distance of at least 30 meters from uninvolved persons. Subcategory A3 (Fly Far from People): For larger drones up to 25 kg. Operations must be conducted at least 150 meters away from residential, commercial, or industrial areas. The Specific Category (Moderate Risk): This is the domain of industrial and commercial drone services. Any operation that falls outside the Open Category, such as flying a 10 kg drone over a populated site or flying beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) requires a formal Authorization. II. The Technical Mechanics of Standard Scenarios (STS) V5 introduces the GACA standard scenarios (STS), which serve as “pre-defined risk assessments.” Instead of an operator spending months conducting a SORA (Specific Operations Risk Assessment), they can now declare compliance with a specific STS template. GACA STS-V1 (VLOS Populated): This scenario allows for Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) operations at a maximum height of 120 meters (400 ft) over a controlled ground area in populated environments. Technical Drone Requirements: Drones must bear a specific class identification label (C5 or equivalent). This requires a Flight Termination System (FTS), a redundant kill-switch independent of the primary flight controller, and a low-speed mode to mitigate kinetic impact risk. GACA STS-B1 (BVLOS Sparsely Populated): This scenario enables Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations, a game-changer for long-range asset monitoring. The drone can fly up to 1 km (or 2 km with visual observers) from the pilot. Technical Drone Requirements: Typically requires a C6 class drone. These aircraft must include Direct Remote Identification (Remote ID), which broadcasts the drone’s position, altitude, and serial number in real-time to law enforcement and airspace managers. III. Institutional Requirements: The Three Pillars of Compliance To operate legally under GACA 107 V5, a commercial entity must establish a triad of technical documentation and organizational controls. The Operations Manual (OM): This is the organization’s “geospatial bible.” It must detail the organizational structure, pilot training records, maintenance schedules, and technical specifications for every drone in the fleet. Safety Management System (SMS): GACA now requires a proactive approach to safety. Organizations must implement a system for identifying hazards, analyzing risks, and reporting “near-misses” or incidents back to the GACA UAS department within 72 hours. Emergency Response Plan (ERP): An ERP must be established and “drilled” regularly. It outlines the technical steps to be taken in the event of a link loss (C2 link failure), fly-away, or airspace incursion by a manned aircraft. IV. Remote Pilot Competency and Certification V5 elevates the status of the “Remote Pilot” to that of a certified aviation professional. The certification process is now modular: Fundamental Training: All commercial pilots must pass a GACA-approved theoretical exam covering airspace classification, aviation weather, and radio communication. STS-Specific Accreditation: For advanced missions, pilots must undergo Practical Skill Training and Assessment. This involves demonstrating proficiency in abnormal and emergency maneuvers, such as landing safely after a motor failure conducted by a GACA-recognized training entity. V. Fleet Readiness and Technical Sovereignty Finally, GACA 107 V5 mandates that every UAS used for commercial purposes in the Kingdom be registered and technologically compliant. Digital Registration: Each aircraft must be registered via the GACA portal, receiving a unique nationality and registration mark that must be physically displayed on the airframe. Remote ID Implementation: By the 2026 deadline, all drones operating in the Specific Category must be equipped with remote ID hardware. This creates a “digital license plate” for every drone, ensuring accountability and facilitating the future of a high-traffic low-altitude economy. The transition from Version 4 to GACAR Part 107 Version 5 introduces a structured methodology for operational authorization through Standard Scenarios (STS). These scenarios are technically defined “safety envelopes” that allow operators to bypass the complex Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA) process by adhering to a set of pre-verified technical and operational mitigations. For industrial players, this means the difference between a three-month approval cycle and a near-instantaneous operational declaration. Understanding the Standard Scenarios (STS) I. GACA STS-01: Precision VLOS in Populated Zones GACA STS-01 is the primary regulatory pathway for urban and high-density industrial work. It allows for operations within Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) at altitudes up to 120 meters (400 ft) over controlled ground areas. Technical Hardware Requirements (C5 Class Equivalence): To be compliant with STS-01, a UAS must meet rigorous hardware safety standards: Flight Termination System (FTS): The aircraft must be equipped with a redundant, independent “kill-switch.” This system must be capable of terminating flight either by cutting power to the motors or deploying a parachute even if the primary flight controller or C2 (Command and Control) link fails. Low-Speed Mode: When operating in proximity to people (within the controlled area), the drone must have a selectable low-speed mode that limits the maximum horizontal velocity (typically to 5 m/s) to minimize kinetic energy in the event of an
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