Safety & Compliance

Safety is our absolute priority.

Every flight is planned, executed and reported according to the strictest safety standards. We fly in compliance with European and Belgian regulations and are fully insured.

Certified drone pilot at DROPS Belgium
Our philosophy

No assignment overlooks safety and compliance.

Drones offer enormous benefits, but require a disciplined way of working. At DROPS Belgium we maintain a Safety Management System that describes every phase of an assignment: from intake to aftercare. Our pilots are certified, our equipment is inspected and every flight is risk-assessed in advance.

We not only fly in compliance with EASA, but go further with our own checks, double-checks and a culture in which every employee is allowed — and required — to stop when a situation feels unsafe.

SAFETY-FIRST
SORA per mission
0
Incidents since founding
Insurance
COMPREHENSIVE COVER WITH FULL INSURANCE
Certificates
OPEN A1-A3 + A2  SPECIFIC CATEGORY EU STS-01 / PDRA
Our process

From request to aftercare in eight steps

Every assignment follows a fixed safety protocol. This allows us to manage risks, set clear expectations and deliver consistent quality.

01

Intake & preparation

We gather site data, airspace classification, weather forecast and the specific scope of the assignment. Everything is documented in advance.

02

Risk assessment (SORA)

For every flight we carry out a Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA). We assess ground risk, air risk, operational capability and mitigating measures.

03

Site survey & location assessment

On site we inspect the set-up area, obstacles, overflight area, bystanders and emergency landing zones. Risks are flagged and planned for.

04

Pre-flight checks

Battery status, propellers, sensor calibration, firmware, signal strength and payload integration are checked according to a fixed protocol.

05

Flight execution

The pilot maintains visual contact or uses a qualified observer. Flight logs, weather conditions and deviations are recorded in real time.

06

Data processing & quality control

All footage and data are stored securely, checked for quality and processed in accordance with GDPR. Anonymisation is applied on request.

07

Reporting & follow-up

Every assignment concludes with a report: scope, findings, incidents (if applicable) and recommendations for follow-up.

08

Lessons learned

We evaluate every mission internally. Feedback, near-misses and process improvements are recorded in our Safety Management System.

Pillars

What safety means to us in practice

Safety is not a stand-alone item, but an interplay of people, processes, resources and regulations.

Safety Management System
A structured SMS in line with European standards. Procedures, responsibilities and reporting lines are documented in writing.
Risk assessments
For every assignment: a SORA analysis and site-specific risk assessment. No flight without explicit approval.
Maintenance & inspections
Preventive maintenance, calibration and pre-flight checks on all equipment. Full traceability of maintenance history.
Insurance
Fully insured in line with Belgian and European regulations. High coverage for aviation, liability and assignment-related risks.
Pilot training
All pilots hold a valid EU drone licence (A1/A3 and specific category) and follow annual refresher training.
Incident reporting
Transparent procedures for reporting, registration and analysis. Internal escalation within 24 hours for serious near-misses.
GDPR-compliant
All footage and data are processed in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation. Retention periods and rights are recorded.
The ALARP principle
Risks are systematically reduced to the lowest achievable level. Additional mitigating measures are always considered.
Regulations

Compliance with EASA, Belgian legislation and GDPR

The drone industry is evolving fast. We closely follow new regulations and technical standards, so you can rely on fully legal and responsible service delivery.

EASA Regulations
We operate in compliance with the European drone regulations (EU) 2019/947 and (EU) 2019/945. Category-specific classifications and authorisations are strictly observed.
Belgian aviation legislation
Local regulations, NOTAM procedures, airspace restrictions and contact with local authorities are evaluated in advance.
Privacy & GDPR
Footage of people, number plates or private property is anonymised, secured and used only for the purpose of the assignment.
Occupational safety
Our approach replaces hazardous work at height. We follow Belgian guidelines for health and safety at work.
Drone inspection carried out under strict safety protocols
For every assignment: plan, fly, report

Our inspections combine technical precision with a standardised safety approach. No detail is overlooked.

Comprehensive insurance

Our insurance covers business liability, material damage and injury. For large-scale industrial projects we increase cover in consultation. Certificates and terms are shared transparently.

Aviation liability
Business liability
Material damage on site
Cover in EU airspace

Certifications & training

Our staff undergo continuous training in flight techniques, safety protocols, first aid and specific industrial applications. Certificates are available on request.

EU drone licence A1/A3 + A2
Specific category (STS / PDRA / SORA)
Safety training
Certificate of origin & insurance certificate on request
Frequently asked questions

Answers about safety & compliance

What is SORA and why does it matter?

SORA stands for Specific Operations Risk Assessment. It's a standardised method for identifying the risks of a drone flight and making them acceptable. We carry out a SORA for every operation that falls outside the standard category.

Are you insured against damage?

Yes. DROPS Belgium is fully insured for aviation and business liability. Our policy provides extensive cover for material damage, injury and assignment-related claims. Certificates are available on request.

What happens in bad weather?

Safety comes first. We monitor wind, precipitation, visibility and temperature right up until the flight. If in doubt, the assignment is rescheduled free of charge to a safer moment.

How do you handle privacy?

All footage is stored encrypted, accessible only to authorised staff, and retained within the agreed period. People and number plates are anonymised on request when reporting.

Do you fly in built-up areas or near airports?

Yes, subject to prior authorisation, a risk assessment and — if required — coordination with the local authority or air traffic control. We arrange the permits and formalities for you.

Safety starts with a good conversation

Have questions about our insurance, SORA procedures or compliance for your specific project? Get in touch — we're happy to think it through with you.