Drone-assisted façade cleaning is rapidly becoming one of the most efficient and safe technologies for maintaining high-rise surfaces. Yet many companies exploring this field quickly run into the same question:  How do drone cleaning permits work in Europe, and what is required to operate legally?

This guide explains the essentials without overwhelming operators with unnecessary regional differences. Everything below applies across Europe under the unified EASA regulatory framework.

Why Drone Cleaning Requires Special Permission

Because façade cleaning drones operate close to surfaces, above workers or pedestrians, and usually with a tethered water line, the activity falls into the Specific Category. This means companies must obtain drone cleaning permits prior to any commercial operation.

Unlike hobby flights, cleaning missions involve:

• Vertical-surface proximity
  
• Constrained but complex movement
  
• Tether integration
  
• Ground crew coordination
  

These factors trigger the requirement for drone cleaning permits and a formal risk evaluation.

The Core Requirement: SORA

The foundation of all drone cleaning permits is SORA (Specific Operations Risk Assessment).

A SORA demonstrates:

• Where and how the drone will fly
  
• What risks exist for people, property, and airspace
  
• How those risks are reduced to acceptable levels
  
• What emergency actions are available
  
• How the ground system and drone interact safely
  

Tethered cleaning systems often have an advantage when applying for drone cleaning permits, because the operation is confined, predictable, and physically linked to the ground.

Documents Needed for Drone Cleaning Permits

To obtain drone cleaning permits, operators prepare a standardized documentation package, which generally includes:

• Concept of Operations (ConOps)

Your full mission description: location types, cleaning heights, team roles, equipment flow.

• Operations Manual

Standard procedures, emergency responses, maintenance rules, and safety checklists.

• SORA Documentation

Risk analysis, mitigation measures, hazard identification, and compliance with required safety levels.

• Insurance Documentation

Third-party liability insurance appropriate for commercial cleaning operations.

• Pilot Competency Certificates

Training proof for the person controlling the drone.

This documentation allows authorities to review and issue drone cleaning permits efficiently.

Benefits of Tethered Systems in the Approval Process

Authorities frequently note the inherent safety features of tethered cleaning platforms when reviewing drone cleaning permits:

• The drone cannot drift far from the façade
  
• The flight area is tightly controlled
  
• Emergency landing is straightforward
  
• The operational zone can be isolated easily
  

These characteristics often lead to smoother approval processes for drone cleaning permits.

Training and Safety Requirements

Professional competence is a key requirement for drone cleaning permits. Operators typically prepare:

• Formal pilot training
  
• System-specific operational training
  
• Ground-crew coordination procedures
  
• Weather and environmental assessment routines
  

Strong operational knowledge boosts the credibility of your application and speeds up drone cleaning permits.

How Long Drone Cleaning Permits Take

Timelines vary based on documentation quality, but well-prepared applications often obtain drone cleaning permits within several weeks. Missing documents or unclear procedures are the main causes of delay.

Conclusion

Drone façade cleaning is fully possible under European regulations, as long as operators secure the required drone cleaning permits. With a solid SORA, a complete operations manual, and clear safety logic, businesses can introduce drone cleaning services with confidence and regulatory compliance.

Understanding drone cleaning permits is not only a legal requirement but also a competitive advantage for companies entering this growing market.

FAQ: Drone Cleaning Regulations and Approval Process in Europe

Do I need official permission to perform drone façade cleaning in Europe?

Yes. All commercial façade-cleaning missions fall under the Specific Category and require a formal UAS cleaning authorization issued by the national aviation authority. This process ensures compliance with façade cleaning regulations and safety standards.

Why is drone cleaning not allowed under the Open Category?

The Open Category is limited to low-risk operations. Drone cleaning involves vertical-surface proximity, tethered water lines, and potential exposure to people on the ground. These risks require SORA compliance and approval before operations can begin.

What is SORA, and why is it required for cleaning operations?

SORA (Specific Operations Risk Assessment) is a mandatory framework used to evaluate operational risks. It assesses:

• Ground risk
  
• Air risk
  
• Technical mitigation measures
  
• Emergency procedures
  

Tethered systems often simplify the justification because the drone’s movement is restricted and controlled.

What is a tethered system?

A tethered system is a drone operation where the aircraft is physically connected to a ground unit by a hose or cable.
In cleaning applications, the tether carries water, chemicals, or pressure from the ground system to the drone, eliminating the need to carry heavy liquid payloads onboard.

Tethering improves:

• Operational safety
  
• Stability
  
• Aircraft weight efficiency
  
• Risk management (restricted free-flight radius)
  

Is WasherDrone a tethered system?

Yes. WasherDrone operates as a tethered cleaning system.
The drone connects to the ground unit via a pressurized water hose, enabling high-pressure façade cleaning without airborne water tanks.
This structure also supports easier SORA justification due to limited movement and predictable flight paths.

How long does it take to receive authorization?

Processing times vary by authority, but well-prepared applications for UAS cleaning authorization are often approved within a few weeks. Missing documents or incomplete SORA assessments cause most delays.

What training is required for the pilot?

Pilots must hold:

• A valid A2 Certificate or the training required for Specific Category operations
  
• System-specific training on the cleaning equipment
  
• Emergency and urban operation procedures
  

This training is essential for meeting European drone safety requirements.

Is drone cleaning allowed in busy urban areas?

Yes, but only with the correct façade cleaning permissions. Operators must demonstrate that ground risk is controlled through barriers, safety zones, and clear crew management procedures.

Are there special rules for cleaning heights such as 50 m or higher?

Higher cleaning altitudes are allowed as long as they are included in the SORA and covered by your drone cleaning authorization. The hose length, pump system, and pressure specifications must be safely documented.