Frequently asked questions on Advanced Air Mobility, BVLOS drone operations & aviation regulation

As an international, Swiss-based aviation and drone consultancy company working at the intersection of advanced air mobility, uncrewed aviation and innovative aviation, Murzilli Consulting is frequently asked the same core questions by drone operators, manufacturers, investors and even authorities navigating an increasingly complex regulatory landscape.  

As one of Europe’s best aviation consulting firms for innovative aviation regulation and BVLOS drone operation implementation, our teams are located across Switzerland, Germany, Spain, Hungary and the United Kingdom, functioning as one connected organisation. We maintain close communication across borders, supported by a worldwide network of partners and trusted contacts that gives us direct insight into regulatory environments and aviation authorities across the globe.  

From BVLOS drone operations and SORA 2.5 to U-space, Remote ID implementation and drone certifications, the regulatory journey can feel overwhelming; particularly for organisations scaling beyond proof-of-concept into commercial operations.  

This article brings together some of the most common questions we receive as advanced aviation and drone consultants, and offers clear, experience-based answers grounded in real-world regulatory engagement with drone regulators, competent authorities and aviation stakeholders across Europe and beyond. 

If I want to enter the drone service domain, which use cases are most promising?

Although the commercial drone market is expanding rapidly, the market attractiveness does not automatically translate into regulatory feasibility.  

From a European regulatory perspective, the most promising use cases today are those that combine clear operational value with manageable risk profiles under the Specific Category framework. These typically include:  

• Infrastructure inspection in controlled environments  

• Industrial site monitoring  

• Energy sector inspections  

• Linear infrastructure inspection such as rail and powerlines  

• Select logistics operations in controlled or sparsely populated environments  

• Precision agriculture 

More complex use cases such as urban parcel delivery, medical logistics in dense cities or passenger carrying advanced air mobility concepts remain achievable, but require significantly more structured safety cases, stakeholder coordination and regulatory engagement.  

The key question is not only which use case is promising, but which use case is realistically deployable within your regulatory environment, with your organisational maturity and your technical architecture.  

At Murzilli Consulting, we support organisations in conducting early regulatory feasibility assessments to align business ambition with operational and authorisation reality before significant investment is committed. 

Is it possible to conduct BVLOS drone operations in populated areas within the European Union?

Yes, it is possible.  

Within the European regulatory framework, beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone operations in populated environments are typically classified as medium-to-high-risk operations. As such, they require a robust safety approach, comprehensive operational justification and well-structured documentation. 

When supported by appropriate technical and organisational measures, and a credible safety case developed in line with SORA 2.5, competent aviation authorities may grant authorisation for these operations. Demonstrating a clear understanding of the risk environment and how it is mitigated is essential for regulatory approval. 

What is SORA and why is SORA 2.5 important for drone operations in Europe?

The Specific Operations Risk Assessment, or SORA, is the methodology used to assess and mitigate risks associated with operations in the Specific Category under European drone regulations. SORA 2.5 reflects the most recent evolution of this framework and incorporates updated regulatory expectations.  

In essence, SORA is a structured safety argument that links the operational concept, the technology used and the organisation operating the system.  

Lorenzo Murzilli, Co-founder and CEO of Murzilli Consulting, is one of the original architects of the SORA methodology and former Chair of JARUS WG SRM. His work contributed directly to the adoption of SORA by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and multiple national authorities worldwide. He is widely recognised for shaping the global risk based regulatory framework for drone operations.  

Beyond aviation consultancy, Murzilli Consulting delivers structured SORA 2.5 training programmes for authorities, operators and manufacturers.  

Together with DroneTalks, Murzilli Consulting’s sister company, and the Barcelona Drone Center, we host a five-day UAS Regulatory and SORA 2.5 training in the region of Barcelona, combining regulatory fundamentals, SORA practical application and U-space integration with live demonstrations and operational examples.  

The next session will take place on 8-12 June 2026, and registration is now open.  

Our training portfolio also includes: 

• Two-day SORA 2.5 intensive courses  

• Authority focused regulatory workshops  

• Executive briefings for new industry entrants  

• Airspace and U-space focused programmes  

These courses are led by former regulators and industry experts, including professionals with experience at Swiss FOCA (Federal Office of Civil Aviation), AESA (Spanish Aviation Safety and Security Agency), and EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) level. 

What is the operational coordination process for UAS operations with the air navigation service provider/air traffic control service?

The coordination process can vary greatly from country to country. Many countries, especially in the EU, do not require coordination in certain circumstances, such as Open category flights or visual line of sight (VLOS) flights in uncontrolled airspace below 120 metres. Other countries require coordination under all circumstances. 

In most countries, an operational coordination process is required for BVLOS drone flights. 

At Murzilli Consulting, we help UAS operators navigate these procedures safely and successfully, as we have experienced professionals from these Air Navigation Service Providers. 

What national and/or regional/local regulations apply to my operation?

Primarily, the specific regulations developed by each country for unmaned aviation. These can be cross-national, national, regional, or even local, depending on the administrative structure of each country. 

In addition, other broader aeronautical regulations also typically apply, such as SORA in the EU, or its equivalent in most countries worldwide, national Air Navigation Laws, Air Safety Laws, or UTM regulations, and others such as environmental regulations, aerodrome regulations, and similar regulations. 

Furthermore, EU member states regulate differently what are considered non-EASA operations within the European Union, or more generally what are referred to as “Blue Light operations”. For these types of operations, it is essential to understand the specific regulatory framework in each country, and in many cases, to be familiar with the adapted methodologies applied at national level. 

At Murzilli Consulting, we help UAS operators identify and comply with regulatory requirements reliably and safely, guiding them through the process of obtaining the necessary authorisations from the relevant authorities. This is done by experienced professionals from various national aeronautical authorities, with proven international experience and recognition. 

Is there a digital application for planning and requesting coordination for my operation?

Yes, in many countries there are already websites and/or specific applications for planning and requesting UAS operations. Many also provide access to applicable regulations and processes. 

However, some regulatory complexity and a general lack of awareness of official sources for consultation or application remain. 

At Murzilli Consulting, we help you focus on using these specific websites and applications, in conjunction with current regulations, to avoid administrative overload and ensure the success of your operations. Some of our experts have participated in the development of certain specific applications as authorities or as air navigation service personnel and have even collaborated on regulatory developments of UAS and HAPS operations at the EU, JARUS and national levels. 

How long does it typically take to obtain authorisation approval for drone operations?

It depends on several factors.  

Authorisation timelines are influenced by the workload and resources of the competent authority, the risk level of the operation, population density in the area of operation and the completeness and quality of the documentation and the application. In practice, the process can take anywhere from around five months to one year or even longer (depending on different factors) 

One reason for this variability is that, in some cases, there may be a waiting period before the authority assigns an inspection or evaluation team to review the application. This depends on the authority’s available resources and the number of applications they are processing. Simpler, lower-risk operations generally require less documentation and may therefore progress faster if the application is complete and clearly structured. Operations involving BVLOS drones, novel technologies or dense environments generally require more extensive review than lower risk activities.  

While well prepared documentation aligned with SORA 2.5 can reduce avoidable delays, regulatory approval should always be approached as a process rather than a fixed timeframe. 

Once an authorisation is granted, how easy is it to add new operational locations or expand the area of operation?

This mainly depends on the criteria established by the country’s civil aviation authority, the risk level of the operation and on how the authorisation has been structured. For lower-risk operations, such as those conducted within visual line of sight (VLOS) or at SAIL I, it is generally easier to add new locations. If the authorisation has been granted in a generic way rather than being limited to a specific site, operators may be able to add new operational areas with relatively limited administrative steps in some cases, such as notifying the authority or submitting a small amendment. 

What operational limitations will apply to our specific use case?

Operational limitations depend on the ConOps (Concept of Operations), the characteristics of the operation and the environment where the drone will fly. One key factor is whether the operation must remain within visual line of sight (VLOS) of the pilot or whether BVLOS drone operations may be authorised. There are also usually limits on the maximum flight altitude, particularly depending on the type of airspace and proximity to airports or controlled airspace. In addition, the population density in the area of operation is an important factor, as operations over more populated areas generally require additional safety considerations or restrictions. 

What level of pilot competency, organisational setup, or operational procedures are expected by the authority?

Authorities typically require that remote pilots have appropriate training and certification for the type of operation being conducted. Operators must also demonstrate that they have basic operational procedures and safety processes in place to manage the flights. For more complex operations, authorities may expect a more structured organisational setup and clearer operational documentation, such as the implementation of systems based on a Safety Management System (SM) approach. In some countries, aviation authorities delegate training and competency assessment to recognised third-party organisations, which provide courses and qualifications for operations in the Specific category under an authorisation framework. 

How does Murzilli Consulting support regulatory approval for drone and AAM operations?

Recognised among the best aviation consulting firms, Murzilli Consulting connects regulatory requirements with operational and technical realities.  

As drone consultants, our role is to translate regulatory frameworks into practical, implementable solutions, anticipate authority expectations, and structure safety arguments that facilitate assessment. This approach applies equally to unmanned aircraft system (UAS) operations today and future advanced air mobility (AAM) and urban air mobility (UAM) concepts. 

With a strong presence across Europe, we rely on a wide network and established relationships with aviation authorities and other relevant stakeholders such as ANSPs, to support certification and approval processes. This advantage enables us to provide clients with insights into authority expectations and evolving regulatory frameworks.

How does Murzilli Consulting start new projects with drone and advanced air mobility clients?

Projects typically begin with an initial consultation to understand the client’s objectives, operational concept and level of technological maturity.  

Based on this discussion, we define a regulatory and operational pathway that may include SORA, operational authorisation, BVLOS drone operations, drone certifications or preparatory work for advanced air mobility deployment. Early alignment at this stage helps clients make informed decisions before committing significant resources. 

Can Murzilli Consulting advise on U-Space, Electronic Conspicuity, Remote ID and airspace integration?

Yes. We advise on U-space, Electronic Conspicuity, Remote ID implementation and broader airspace management topics that are increasingly central to scalable uncrewed aviation.  

These elements are often closely linked to regulatory approval and operational design, particularly as drone operations become more autonomous and integrated into shared airspace alongside crewed aviation. 

How does Murzilli Consulting approach advanced air mobility and future aviation concepts?

Our work in advanced air mobility focuses on enabling safe and credible deployment through early regulatory alignment.  

This includes advisory support on regulatory frameworks, operational concepts and integration considerations relevant to eVTOL, VTOL drone and future urban air mobility operations. Addressing regulatory and safety expectations early helps reduce uncertainty as the ecosystem matures. 

Murzilli Consulting supports all stages of the certification and approval process, from defining regulatory strategy and identifying the applicable certification basis, through design verification and safety assessments, to preparing and managing certification and operational approval processes. This includes activities such as SORA, development or certification roadmaps, compliance documentation, and direct coordination with authorities such as the European Union Aviation Safety Agency and national aviation authorities.

Why work with Murzilli Consulting as your advanced aviation and drone regulatory consultant?

Clients work with Murzilli Consulting because regulatory compliance is treated as a strategic enabler rather than a procedural obstacle. Implementation is at the heart of everything we do.  

As a digital outsourced regulatory department, Murzilli Consulting remains engaged from initial strategy to delivery; shaping regulatory routes, developing the required documentation, liaising with authorities, addressing feedbackand supporting the approval process through to final sign-off. 

Our experience includes collaboration with authorities, regulators and government bodies across Europe and internationally. In the United Kingdom, we have supported BVLOS drone operations and airspace integration through work alongside trusted delivery partners such as Baringa within the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s Future of Flight Programme. This has included technical input into initiatives such as the CAP3139 Electronic Conspicuity study, contributing to the evidence base for scalable BVLOS drone integration in UK airspace. 

We have also supported high-altitude operations (HAO), including projects involving higher-altitude platform system (HAPS) aircraft. In Spain, we acted as a regulatory and airspace advisor for the country’s first authorised civilian launch of a Higher-Altitude Platform System (HAPS). This is one of the first long-range, regularly developed civilian HAPS operations in the world. Murzilli Consulting supported the operation by preparing the HAPS flight methodology, characterising and designing the surrounding airspace, coordinating with national and local air navigation service providers and preparing the technical and safety documentation required for approval by Spanish civil aviation authority (AESA). 

What distinguishes us is that we go beyond advice and take ownership of execution and delivery. Clients rely on us to turn regulatory, certification and operational challenges into compliant, practical solutions that enable real-world, scalable operations. 

How does payment work when working with Murzilli Consulting?

Payment structures depend on the scope and nature of the engagement.  

Following the initial consultation, Murzilli Consulting proposes a clear commercial structure aligned with the agreed scope of work. This ensures transparency and predictability for both short term engagements and longer-term advisory support. 

If your question is not addressed here, please contact us for further information or to schedule a meeting. 

About Murzilli Consulting

Murzilli Consulting is one of the best aviation consulting firms, operating within the M&K Global AG group. It was founded in 2020 by Lorenzo Murzilli and is based in Bern, Switzerland, with further branches in Germany, the United Kingdom, Hungary and Spain. The organisation is committed to helping clients succeed with their technology, regulation and compliance strategies. We do this by acting as a digital outsourced regulatory department and working with clients to support them in establishing a high-performing internal regulatory function. Our primary focus is on emerging technologies in the sectors of crewed and uncrewed aviation, advanced air mobility and U-spaceconsultancy (including all derivative focuses). 

The Murzilli Consulting team offers governments and private enterprises alike the opportunity to establish a high-performing internal regulatory function capable of tackling emerging technologies. We can also develop and implement regulatory strategies and roadmaps as well as execute specific projects such as UAS and USSP certification, type certification, design verification, SORA approvals and CE marking, among other services. Our customer base is unrivalled in the consulting and services industry and reflects the trust that leading organisations have in our services.