Functional Safety Certification for Cargo Drones: ISO 21384-3 Explained

Date
2027-03-15
Location
Online
Host
Zach L

About this event

An Advanced Practitioner Session for Maintenance Technicians pursuing functional safety certification. A live 30-minute advanced practitioner session on ISO 21384-3 (UAS Operational Procedures) for cargo drones, built for maintenance technicians pursuing functional safety certification. What We'll Cover: What ISO 21384-3 (UAS Operational Procedures) requires and how its scope applies to cargo drones Mapping ISO 21384-3 clauses to the certification evidence assessors expect System-specific hazards and safety functions typical of cargo drones Common findings that delay certification, and how to avoid them A practical readiness roadmap for maintenance technicians preparing for assessment Related topics: ISO 21384-3 · Cargo Drones · functional safety certification · functional safety assessmen

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About ISO 21384-3 (UAS Operational Procedures)

This event covers the compliance, engineering, and verification requirements defined by ISO 21384-3.

ISO 21384-3 specifies operational procedures for unmanned aircraft systems: organizational requirements for operators — planning, crew competence, maintenance, and safety management for commercial drone operations.

What it regulates

Operator manuals and procedures: flight planning and risk, crew roles/training, airworthiness upkeep, incident reporting — the operational quality system around UAS flights.

Who must comply

Commercial drone operators and enterprise flight departments, complementing regulatory operator certificates.

Key requirements of ISO 21384-3

  • Operator organization and responsibilities
  • Operational procedures per flight phase incl. abnormal situations
  • Maintenance and configuration control of UAS
  • Records, reporting and continuous improvement

Key concepts: ISO 21384-3

Crew resource discipline
Defined pilot/observer roles and handovers for BVLOS-scale operations.
Operations manual
The living document regulators and auditors sample for operational maturity.
UAS operator
The organization accountable for flight operations (vs the manufacturer).

Frequently asked questions: ISO 21384-3

Does 21384-3 substitute for aviation-authority rules?

No — it structures operator practice beneath the regulatory layer (EASA/FAA), and pairs naturally with SORA for approval of specific-category operations.

Standard information based on the published text of ISO 21384-3 (UAS Operational Procedures). Event content is provided by the host. For authoritative guidance, consult the official standard body.