What is a SORA
SORA (Specific Operations Risk Assessment) is the methodology for assessing the risk of a drone operation in the specific category. It analyses the risk to people on the ground and to other aircraft in the air, and determines which measures, and with what level of robustness, are needed for the operation to be safe.
It is used to apply for the operational authorisation from AESA. We work with version 2.5 of the methodology.
When you need a SORA
When your operation doesn't fit the open category, a standard scenario or a predefined risk assessment. For example:
- Flights beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) not covered by any standard scenario or PDRA.
- Operations over populated areas or near people that exceed the limits of the open category.
- Drones over 25 kg, which cannot fly in the open category.
- Operations the open category does not allow, such as dropping objects from the drone.
If your operation fits a standard scenario or a PDRA, the route is usually shorter, and we tell you in the diagnosis. More information in STS and PDRA.
How the SORA process works
- ConOps. We describe the operation: what, where, how, with which aircraft and with which procedures.
- Ground risk (GRC). We calculate the risk to people on the ground and apply the possible mitigations.
- Air risk (ARC). We assess the airspace and the risk of encountering other aircraft.
- SAIL and OSO. We determine the specific assurance and integrity level (SAIL) and how you meet each operational safety objective (OSO).
- Containment and application. We define the containment measures and prepare the operational authorisation application to AESA.
What we do for you
- The full SORA assessment, tailored to your actual operation.
- The documentation for the operational authorisation application.
- Responses to AESA's requests during processing.
- Adapting your operations manual and procedures to the conditions of the authorisation.
- Backing from our lawyer specialised in aviation law when the case requires it.
Also as a standalone service. You can hire the SORA whether or not it is linked to a specific flight: for example, to have the authorisation ready for a type of operation you will repeat.
Price
The SORA is quoted individually depending on the complexity of the operation. With a plan you get a discount:
- ZONA 80−10 %
- ZONA 120−15 %