Achieve Compliance & Operational Success for DJI Dock 3

DJI Dock 3 is designed to revolutionize automated drone operations, offering enterprises and government agencies a seamless, remote, and automated aerial solution. With unique features such as advanced intelligent detection, a robust system design, and mobile deployment capability—including the ability to launch from the back of a truck with self-stabilization—DJI Dock 3 sets a new benchmark for remote drone operations.

However, as technology evolves, ensuring compliance with EASA drone regulations remains a crucial step in unlocking its full potential.

DJI Dock 3 is the first DJI drone system to ship with an EU C6 label, marking its full compliance with European regulations. This certification enables seamless operations under STS-02 and simplifies authorization for missions in the Specific Category, helping users secure approvals more quickly.

At its core, the integrated Flight Termination System (FTS) and geocaging ensure that drones stay within operational boundaries, even during emergencies. This combination meets MOC2511 standards and strengthens SORA (Specific Operations Risk Assessment) containment strategies, mitigating risks during regulatory reviews.

Additional features such as ADS-B In for airspace awareness, Custom Flight Areas for precise mission zones, and Emergency Landing protocols further enhance safety. Together, these tools help operators demonstrate robust risk control to aviation authorities, streamlining compliance efforts.

To help users navigate the regulatory landscape, DJI has collaborated with AirHub, a leading consultancy specializing in drone operations and compliance. Together, AirHub and DJI have developed a regulatory compliance package for DJI Dock 3 that includes documentation to support the process of obtaining operational authorization.

AirHub’s consultancy team brings over 10 years of experience working with aviation authorities. They have successfully assisted clients with more than 200 SORA risk assessments and led the first compliance authorization cases for DJI Dock 1 and Dock 2.

This blog explains the regulatory requirements and how the tailored documentation ensures a smooth approval process for DJI Dock 3 users.

Operating Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) requires regulatory approval, as aviation authorities across Europe—under EASA regulations—mandate detailed risk assessments and operational procedures. Key challenges users face include:

• Creating a compliant Concept of Operations (ConOps)
• Understanding and applying the Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA) framework
• Developing an Operations Manual tailored to DJI Dock 3 operations
• Meeting technical requirements for Flight Termination Systems (FTS)
• Ensuring remote pilot competency for managing remote BVLOS operations
• Coordinating with National Aviation Authorities (NAAs) to secure regulatory approval
• Ensuring ongoing compliance after obtaining the required operational authorizations

Operators might face difficulties interpreting complex EASA regulations, especially for remote BVLOS operations like those involving DJI Dock 3. Developing a compliant SORA can be particularly challenging, requiring precise risk assessment and mitigation planning. Additionally, drafting compliant yet practical documentation—such as an Operations Manual—is a time-consuming process. Applying for operational authorization with an aviation authority involves strict coordination, timely responses to feedback, and detailed regulatory knowledge—elements that can be overwhelming for users without prior experience in applying for this type of authorization.

Furthermore, different European countries apply variations of EASA regulations, leading to inconsistencies in documentation requirements and long approval timelines. Some authorities may require additional safety demonstrations, while others focus more on the societal and environmental impact of drone operations. Understanding these nuances is essential for smooth operations. Therefore, proper guidance can make the difference between getting authorization approved or facing delays, increased operational costs, and slower deployment timelines.

Last but not least, authorities require continuous updates and modifications based on evolving regulations. This means that organizations must remain agile in their compliance strategies, adjusting procedures and documentation as needed. Having standardized, ready-to-use templates and expert guidance can significantly reduce the workload involved in making these adjustments.

To streamline regulatory approval for DJI Dock 3, DJI and AirHub Consultancy have developed a comprehensive set of template documents aligned with EASA requirements for operations up to Specific Assurance and Integrity Level (SAIL) II. These resources enable enterprises and government agencies to efficiently prepare their compliance applications.

A structured risk assessment following the Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA) methodology, helping operators categorize ground and air risk levels, implement mitigations, and achieve compliance with regulatory safety objectives.

• Pre-defined ground and air risk classifications and mitigation strategies for DJI Dock 3 operations

• Step-by-step guidance for completing the SORA in accordance with EASA requirements

• Integrated references to the Flight Termination System (FTS), parachute, and Detect-and-Avoid (DAA) solutions

A standardized guide covering organizational requirements, operational procedures, emergency response protocols, technical specifications, training syllabus, and maintenance schedules—ensuring that DJI Dock 3 operations meet the necessary safety and compliance standards.

• Describes the UAS operator organization conducting DJI Dock 3 operations

• Includes procedures for normal, abnormal, and emergency situations

• Provides technical specifications, training and maintenance requirements for DJI Dock 3

A step-by-step guide ensuring that all required documentation and safety criteria are met before submission to authorities, reducing approval delays caused by missing or incorrect information.

• Designed to align seamlessly with regulatory expectations

• Reduces the risk of missing crucial documentation or operational details

• Acts as a verification tool before submitting applications

A structured training framework for remote pilots and operational teams to meet remote BVLOS competency requirements, ensuring safe and compliant DJI Dock 3 operations.

• Comprehensive theoretical and practical training guidance

• Covers specific requirements for remote BVLOS and automated operations with DJI Dock 3

• Ensures remote pilots meet EASA competency standards

Includes the Functional Hazard Assessment (FHA), MOC2511 Flight Termination System (FTS) specifications, maintenance manual, and FlightHub 2 ISO27001 Certification, demonstrating the system’s safety and reliability to regulatory authorities.

• Required documentation for approval of DJI Dock 3 operations, especially in urban environments

• Demonstrates hardware and software compliance with safety and performance standards

Securing operational authorization is only the first step—ongoing compliance is essential for safe and efficient DJI Dock 3 operations. AirHub’s Drone Operations Platform – as part of the DJI Enterprise Ecosystem Solution Catalogue - provides a structured solution for fleet management and regulatory compliance, ensuring that enterprises and government agencies remain aligned with EASA requirements.