Széchenyi István University in Győr has achieved a major milestone by becoming the first higher education institution in Europe to obtain the Light UAS Operator Certificate (LUC). This certification grants the university authorization to conduct drone operations independently without requiring separate approvals for each mission.

In the European Union, out of the 1.8 million registered drone operators, only about 30 have been awarded the LUC certificate. The accreditation allows certified operators to conduct certain drone operations under a predefined risk level without seeking additional regulatory approval. This not only streamlines administrative processes but also ensures compliance with aviation safety and regulatory standards.

With this certification, Széchenyi István University gains significant flexibility in conducting drone-related research and development, particularly in the fields of engineering and technology, where unmanned aerial systems are playing an increasingly vital role.

The university emphasized that the new certification will enhance both research and education. By operating under industry-standard regulations, students will gain hands-on experience with drone technologies under expert supervision. This development is expected to strengthen the university’s position in the job market, as students will be better prepared to work on innovative projects using the latest technological advancements.

The certification was secured through years of cooperation between the university’s Digital Development Centre and Cloud for Intelligent Airplace (CloudIA) Ltd. Head of the Digital Development Centre István Drotár highlighted that the achievement underscores the university’s commitment to technological innovation and industry collaboration.

With this new authorization, Széchenyi István University is set to play a key role in advancing drone research and education in Europe, reinforcing Hungary’s position in cutting-edge aviation and technological development.

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