If your organization is registered as an operator of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) with the Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (LBA), you can apply for a simplified operator certificate (LUC) from the LBA. This is known as a Light UAS Operator Certificate.

The LUC entitles your organization to handle certain approval processes, which are normally carried out by an authority, independently within the company. These include, for example, the authorization of operating declarations and the amendment or issuance of operating permits.

Which processes you are allowed to carry out independently with an operator certificate depends on your experience with these processes. The scope of your rights is generally limited at first and can be gradually extended by the LBA.

The LBA is responsible for your application, regardless of the federal state or third country in which your organization is based. In the application, you provide information including

• the desired scope of the LUC approval ("privileges"),
• your previous experience with the approval processes,
• the structure of your management and, in particular, safety management system and
• the appointment of an accountable manager.

If you are applying for an LUC for the first time, you should contact the LBA in advance for a preliminary discussion. This will allow you to clarify questions about relevant experience, among other things.

An LUC is valid indefinitely. However, you can apply to the LBA to have it

• have it suspended,
• change it or
• return it.

Changes to the scope of the LUC approval or the LUC management system must be applied for at the LBA. Changes not requiring approval must be reported to the LBA.