PDRA01 Operations Manual Generator
Turn the facts about your operator, aircraft, people and procedures into an editable Operations Manual draft. Drone Ready follows a guided workflow so you can spend your review time on real operating decisions instead of formatting a blank document.
Reviewed 10 July 2026 · UK guidance
01
What is a PDRA01 Operations Manual?
A PDRA01 Operations Manual explains how a UAS operator organises and controls flights made under its operational authorisation. It connects named responsibilities, pilot competence, aircraft information, operating procedures, emergency actions, maintenance and record keeping in one controlled document.
The UK Civil Aviation Authority strongly recommends its CAP2606 template. The manual is not a badge of approval on its own: it needs to describe the operator's actual arrangements, stay aligned with the issued authorisation and be kept current as those arrangements change.
02
Why a blank template takes so long
The difficult part is rarely typing headings. It is finding the same operational fact in several places and expressing it consistently. Aircraft limits affect feasibility checks, pilot briefings, emergency procedures and technical records. A change made in one section can create contradictions elsewhere.
A guided form collects shared facts once and applies them throughout a draft. Drone Ready also records conservative assumptions separately, making it easier to see what still requires an operator decision before adoption.
03
What Drone Ready generates
The generated pack is designed as connected working documentation rather than a single isolated manual. Files remain editable so the operator can add organisation-specific detail, correct assumptions and maintain controlled revisions.
- Operations Manual draft shaped around CAP2606 topics
- Aircraft register and technical logbook
- Remote pilot and flight log templates
- Feasibility, site survey and risk-assessment records
- Emergency procedures and flight checklists
- Audit evidence checklist and review register
04
What still needs operator review
No generator can verify the condition of an aircraft, the competence of a remote pilot or the hazards at tomorrow's site. Before use, a competent person must check every generated statement against the real organisation, the current CAA material and the exact conditions in the operator's authorisation.
Pay particular attention to named responsibilities, aircraft and battery limits, crew numbers, VLOS arrangements, separation controls, airspace permissions, occurrence reporting, maintenance intervals and emergency contacts.
05
Commonly missed connections
A strong manual is supported by evidence. If the manual says pilots receive recurrent training, the operator should be able to show training and currency records. If it requires pre-flight checks, completed flight records should demonstrate that the procedure is actually used.
- Revision control and evidence that personnel received the current version
- A clear link between aircraft limitations and go/no-go decisions
- Records for flight activity, defects, maintenance and pilot currency
- Site-specific controls for people, property, airspace and emergencies
- A process for reviewing changes to regulation or authorisation conditions
06
Start with evidence, not formatting
Use the free route checker to identify obvious PDRA01 blockers, then inspect the fictional sample pack. If the route appears suitable, complete the guided form and review the editable output with the people who will operate under it.
Practical answers
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an Operations Manual for PDRA01?
PDRA01 operators need an Operations Manual that reflects their organisation and operating procedures. The CAA recommends CAP2606 as the easiest template route.
Does Drone Ready submit an application to the CAA?
No. Drone Ready provides editable documentation support. It does not submit an application, grant authorisation or replace the CAA process.
Can I use the generated draft without reviewing it?
No. The operator must review, correct and formally adopt the draft against its actual operation and issued authorisation before use.
Build your draft pack
Start with the free route check.
Answer a short set of questions, see route warnings, then generate editable PDRA01-style documentation for review. No authorisation or compliance outcome is guaranteed.
Check the proposed operation →