How long does an operating authorisation take and what does it cost?

There is no single fixed figure – but there is a reliable order of magnitude, which depends primarily on the procedure selected.

Regular SORA procedure

Allow for several months before your application is even processed. The current waiting time before processing begins at the Luftfahrt-Bundesamt is around six months, followed by the actual review, including any queries. If you want to fly in spring, do not submit your application in spring.

The greater workload is on your side anyway: operating concept, risk assessment in accordance with SORA, operations manual, and evidence of the remote pilots’ competence. An incomplete application extends the procedure more than any administrative backlog.

FastFlight – the quick route for low-risk operations

For operators with visual line of sight up to SAIL II, the Luftfahrt-Bundesamt has offered the accelerated FastFlight procedure since the beginning of 2026. The key difference: the operations manual is no longer reviewed in advance. You prepare it yourself, keep it up to date and assume responsibility for it – in return, the authority reviews the application significantly faster. Authorisations are generally issued generically, meaning they are not limited to a single location.

If your operation fits within this framework, FastFlight is almost always the right route.

Costs

The authority’s fees are based on the applicable schedule of fees and the effort required in each individual case – a simple application costs significantly less than a complex BVLOS operation. The responsible authority can provide you with a binding figure. Make sure you also realistically factor in the internal effort: preparing the documentation can quickly take several person-days if no one in your organisation is familiar with the procedure.

We support you throughout the procedure, from initial classification to application readiness – and in our first meeting, we will tell you honestly whether your operation actually requires an authorisation or can be carried out in the open category.

Unsure which rules apply to your operation? We will assess this with you – book an appointment.