Evaluation of Potential Risks for Drone Users
In the rapidly evolving world of drone technology, ensuring safe and efficient operations is paramount. The Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA) methodology, developed by JARUS, provides a structured, risk-based framework for drone operators to assess risks and set up an Operating Manual for Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) operations within the Specific Category.
The SORA Process
The SORA process begins by defining an operational volume, which encompasses airspace and the surrounding area. This initial step sets the context for the subsequent risk assessments.
Concept of Operations (ConOps)
The Concept of Operations (ConOps) is the foundational step in the SORA process. It involves providing a detailed description of the proposed drone operations, including mission purpose, environment, and limitations. This step ensures clarity on operational scope.
Ground Risk Class (GRC) and Air Risk Class (ARC)
The Ground Risk Class (GRC) and Air Risk Class (ARC) are crucial components of the SORA methodology. The GRC assesses risks posed to people and property on the ground, while the ARC evaluates the risk of collision with manned aircraft or other airspace users. These classifications inform the necessary mitigations to protect ground safety and ensure safe airspace navigation.
Specific Assurance and Integrity Levels (SAIL)
The Specific Assurance and Integrity Levels (SAIL) integrate the GRC and ARC results and consider additional operational factors to assign an overall risk level. SAIL drives the stringency of required mitigations and safety objectives.
Operational Safety Objectives (OSO)
Based on SAIL, Operational Safety Objectives (OSO) are safety requirements (e.g., training, equipment, contingency procedures) that must be implemented to mitigate the identified risks effectively.
Writing the SORA-Compliant Operating Manual
The collected outputs from the above steps (ConOps, GRC, ARC, SAIL, OSO) inform the development of the Operating Manual. This comprehensive document details operational procedures, safety measures, emergency response, roles and responsibilities, compliance details, and risk mitigations. The manual serves as an essential compliance, operational control, and safety reference tool aligned with regulatory requirements for Specific Category operations.
Facilitating Compliance and Safety
SORA's structured 10-step process ensures that drone operators systematically address risks and document mitigations, which facilitates regulatory approval and safer execution of complex or non-standard drone operations in the Specific Category under EASA and equivalent authorities. The methodology is designed to be flexible and applicable globally, with adaptations such as the UK’s SORA framework and CASA’s modified SORA for Australia supporting local compliance.
Guidance for a Safe and Efficient Drone Operation
Our website offers guidance for setting up a safe, efficient, and compliant drone operation. Our Drone Operations Management platform provides a comprehensive insight into drone operations, and our consultants can guide you in applying the SORA risk analyses methodology and setting up an operating manual specific to your operation.
With SORA, you can confidently navigate the complexities of drone operations, ensuring safe, legally compliant, and efficient drone activities in the Specific Category.
- The SORA process begins by defining an operational volume, which includes the airspace and the surrounding area, setting the context for subsequent risk assessments.
- The Concept of Operations (ConOps) is the first step in the SORA process, providing a detailed description of the proposed drone operations, such as mission purpose, environment, and limitations.
- The Ground Risk Class (GRC) and Air Risk Class (ARC) are significant components of the SORA methodology, assessing ground safety risks to people and property, and air risks of collision with manned aircraft or other airspace users, respectively.
- Specific Assurance and Integrity Levels (SAIL) integrate the GRC and ARC results and consider additional operational factors, assigning an overall risk level and driving the stringency of required mitigations and safety objectives.
- Based on SAIL, Operational Safety Objectives (OSO) are developed, outlining necessary safety requirements, like training, equipment, contingency procedures, to effectively address identified risks.
- The collected outputs from the ConOps, GRC, ARC, SAIL, and OSO steps inform the creation of a SORA-compliant Operating Manual, detailing operational procedures, safety measures, emergency response, roles and responsibilities, compliance details, and risk mitigations.
- By following the SORA risk analyses methodology and setting up an operating manual specific to each operation, our Drone Operations Management platform and consultants help enable safe, efficient, and compliant drone operations within the Specific Category, meeting regulatory requirements under EASA and equivalent authorities.
