SORA stands for Specific Operations Risk Assessment and encompasses a methodology which systematically identifies the risk of drone operations which require a permit. Any drone flight which cannot be covered by either an STS or a PDRA requires an application in accordance with SORA which is specific to the proposed operation.
Processing time
We would like to inform applicants and operators in the specific category that, due to the high volume of requests, the current processing time for authorizations is longer than usual. Please take this into account when planning your applications and operations. We thank you for your understanding.
What is it about?
The FOCA and EASA have developed a total of three types of procedure for authorising complex drone operations (CH-STS, EU-STS, PDRA), all based on the SORA methodology. This methodology is used to determine the risk posed by a complex drone operation. This includes operations which take place beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS), exceed the maximum height of 120 metres or use a drone whose maximum take-off weight (MTOM) is greater than 25 kg.
The SORA methodology represents an iterative process in which the risk of complex drone operations is systematically identified: In a total of 10 steps, the applicants themselves determine where, when and how they perform the operation without endangering people and objects in the air or on the ground. At the end of this process, there is a detailed description of the planned operation and the risks associated with it, as well as the measures required to mitigate the risks.
Preparations
Knowledge
What knowledge is necessary for a SORA? As the risk analysis is performed by the applicant (e.g. a company that wishes to perform the complex operation), knowledge of aviation as well as of the usual verification of safety-relevant systems in aviation is a fundamental requirement. Depending on the complexity of the planned operation, applying the SORA methodology is challenging, especially if risk analysis of drone flights is not part of a company’s or applicant’s core business.
Support
Risk analysis in accordance SORA is not within the competence of my company. What are my options? With the aim of simplifying and standardising the underlying processes, the FOCA, EASA and other bodies including JARUS have published specific guidance material (GM), which describes in detail the conditions that complete SORA documentation must contain.
Support and Guidance Material
- FOCA-UAS-GM-Part 1: How to apply for an Operational Authorization based on SORA (PDF, 13 MB, 01.11.2023)
- FOCA-UAS-GM-ERP: Guidance on M3 - Emergency Response Plan (PDF, 490 kB, 29.06.2023)
- FOCA-UAS-GM-AirRisk: Guidance Step 4 - Air Risk Assessment (PDF, 5 MB, 29.06.2023)
- FOCA-UAS-GM-OSO8: Guidance on Operational Procedures (PDF, 665 kB, 01.06.2021)
- FOCA-UAS-GM-OM Guidance Operations Manual (PDF, 1 MB, 03.04.2023)
- FOCA-UAS-APP-OM: Vorlage Betriebshandbuch / OM (DOCX, 1 MB, 03.04.2023)
- UAS AltMoC to SORA Step 9 on Containment (PDF, 3 MB, 10.01.2023)
Alternative Means of Compliance (AltMoC) on Containment (SORA 2.0 Step 9)
FOCA has issued an Alternative Means of Compliance (AltMoC) to change the containment requirements and the assessment of their need as currently found in chapter 2.5.3 Step 9 of AMC1 to Article 11 of (EU) 2019/947.
This AltMoC applies to UAS Operators in specific category within Switzerland and focuses on changing the assessment triggers in point 2.5.3(c) which mandate enhanced containment for certain UAS operators.
The background and details of this AltMoC are handed out in the following document:
The steps to an approval
Note that obtaining a SORA authorisation is often an iterative process: The preparation of a risk analysis according to the SORA methodology takes time and is done in exchange with the FOCA. Therefore, depending on the complexity of a project and the necessary updates on the safety case following FOCA's assessment, the complete duration of a successful evaluation can expand over a longer period of time.
The entire authorization process - from the initial contact with the FOCA, to the completed SORA documents, to the authorisation - can be summarized with the following steps:
Notice of modification of authorized opperations
If you wish to report an operational or technical change to operations already authorised by the FOCA, please use the following form to extend your authorisation to this change.
Transponder (Info)
The Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) is responsible for monitoring civil aviation in Switzerland and aviation development, including drones. Drones also fall within the remit of the Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM) regarding frequency spectrum and radio equipment regulations, as well as in respect of the legal requirements for their market access and conformity. More information can be found on the OFCOM website: Drones and model aircraft (admin.ch)
With regard to the use of transponders on drones, there are also technical and operational aspects to consider and their use is therefore only possible in certain cases. Applications are submitted to the Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) before OFCOM makes the final decision on whether to issue a radio licence.
A brief outline of the authorization process looks as follows:
Interested parties should study the FOCA guidelines:
Directive on the Use of Mode-S Transponders for Unmanned Aircraft
Further information
Links
The JARUS Guidelines are the foundation of the SORA methodology. It is necessary that applicants are familiar with them.
The FOCA is available to answer any questions
Last modification 13.09.2024
