Guide for operators whose European
operational authorization is expiring soon

Since the introduction of European drone regulations, many professional operators have transitioned to the new Specific category framework. A significant number of companies that previously operated under a national RPAS Operator Certificate (ROC) converted their documentation to a European operational authorization (exploitatievergunning). As we move forward under this regulatory structure, a critical milestone is approaching. The validity period of the initial wave of these converted operational authorizations is set to expire soon.

The Dutch Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) has recently issued an important notification to authorization holders. In 2027, a large volume of these European operational authorizations will expire, particularly those that were transitioned from legacy national ROCs. To ensure continuity of operations after the expiration date, it is vital for operators to apply for a temporary extension in a timely manner. This guide explains how the extension process works and the requirements that must be met.

What is the temporary ILT extension scheme?

Because many legacy operational authorizations are based on the older SORA 2.0 risk assessment methodology, transitioning directly to a new authorization under the current SORA 2.5 framework (which introduces strict rules such as the SORA 2.5 containment levels) requires significant administrative preparation. To prevent commercial drone operations from grinding to a halt, the ILT has introduced a temporary extension mechanism.

Under this scheme, existing operational authorizations can be temporarily extended upon request. The key parameters of this scheme include:

• Maximum extension period: Authorizations can be temporarily extended for a maximum of one year, up to January 1, 2028, at the latest.
• No change to conditions: Only the expiration date on the authorization document is updated; all other operational conditions, approved scenarios, and manuals remain completely unchanged.
• SORA 2.0 framework retained: A temporary extension of a SORA 2.0 authorization remains fully based on SORA 2.0. Operators do not need to comply with SORA 2.5 rules for this extension.
• Cost: The temporary extension is processed by the ILT free of charge.

Crucial application timelines and deadlines

While the temporary extension is free of charge, operators must submit their requests within a specific regulatory window:

An application for a temporary extension must be submitted between 6 months and at minimum 1 month before the current authorization's expiration date. If the extension is requested less than 1 month prior to expiration, the ILT cannot guarantee processing before the document expires. This introduces major operational risks: authorizations that expire without an approved extension lose their validity immediately. The operator is then legally required to halt all drone operations until a completely new operational authorization is issued.

For commercial enterprises, such as the teams described on our page about our certified drone pilots, suspending flight operations due to an expired permit is a significant disruption. Consequently, planning the renewal timeline is essential.

Step-by-step: how to request the extension via MijnILT

The application for a temporary extension must be submitted digitally through the regulator's portal. Operators should follow these steps:

1. Access the MijnILT portal via the official ILT website using your organization's eHerkenning credentials.
2. Locate the drone authorization form: **Application operational authorisation UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System) | MijnILT**.
3. Select the application type: **"amendment to operational authorisation"** (wijziging van de operationele autorisatie).
4. Complete the form, stating clearly in the description that you are requesting a temporary extension of the expiration date for a maximum of one year (up to January 1, 2028) under the transition policy.
5. Submit the form and archive the confirmation receipt in your organization's compliance logbook.

Comparison: temporary SORA 2.0 extension vs. SORA 2.5 transition

The temporary extension offers a buffer period of up to one year, but operators must use this time to prepare for the transition to SORA 2.5. The table below compares the two regulatory pathways:

Why early SORA 2.5 preparation is essential

Many operators underestimate the processing times for new aviation permits. Although the temporary extension solves the immediate issue in 2027, transitioning to SORA 2.5 is a multi-month project. Safety bodies like EASA mandate rigorous reviews of system telemetry, emergency controls, and mitigations. Starting the update process early ensures a seamless transition when the extension period ends.

At Drone Department, we manage our operational authorizations in strict compliance with the latest aviation standards. Our safety cases and manuals are updated to ensure our complex cinema drone operations, including z-axis filming and closed-set flight patterns, remain fully authorized. This preparation protects our clients from production delays. For more information about our flight workflows, read about our Inspire 3 dual-operator workflow or visit our cinema drone operator page.

Frequently asked questions about operational authorizations