Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA)

New SORA Version 2.5

EASA Executive Decision on SORA 2.5 will enter into force on the day following that of its publication in the Official Publication of EASA. Until six months after the entering into force date of this Decision, the FOCA will accept any new application for an UAS operational authorisation based on ‘SORA 2.0 ’. UAS operational authorisations issued by the FOCA based on ‘SORA 2.0’ remain valid until two years after the entering into force date of this Decision, or until their specified expiry date. Please refer to the 'Transition from SORA 2.0 to SORA 2.5' below for further information.

The processing time of SORA 2.5 applications might be longer than usual due to induced changes in the review process.

If a drone operation does not fall within the scope of a Standard Scenario (STS) or a Predefined Risk Assessment (PDRA), the operator must submit an application for an operational authorization using the SORA method. SORA (Specific Operations Risk Assessment) is a method for assessing the risks of a drone operation and determining the mitigation measures needed to keep the operation under control. This page explains the steps involved in submitting an application, requesting a modification or extension of an existing authorization, and cross-border applications.

Prerequisite knowledge

Knowledge of aviation processes, such as procedures for verifying safety-related systems, is an advantage. Should such knowledge and experience not be available in-house, and depending on the complexity of the safety case to be developed, applicants may consider engaging specialised companies to support the application process and provide guidance throughout.

Transition from SORA 2.0 to SORA 2.5

New SORA Ground Risk Map

The new SORA Ground Risk map (Population Density) aligned with SORA 2.5 is available on https://map.geo.admin.ch. Two layers are available to select: "SORA Ground Risk 100" (100m × 100m resolution) and "SORA Ground Risk 200" (200m × 200m resolution).

With ED Decision 2025/018/R, SORA version 2.5 was introduced. Decision 2019/021/R, introducing SORA version 2.0, has not been repealed in order to allow those UAS operators, that are finalizing an application for an operational authorisation, to still be allowed to apply using SORA 2.0. In Switzerland, FOCA still accepts SORA 2.0 applications for 6 months, until 30.03.2026.

UAS operational authorisations issued by the FOCA based on ‘SORA 2.0’ remain valid until two years after the entering into force date of Decision 2025/018/R, or until their specified expiry date.

FOCA and Operators will start collaborating on the SORA 2.5 applications during the 6 months transition period to update/make associated Guidance Material / guidelines ready.

The SORA 2.5 AMC still foresees the use of qualitative descriptors for ground risk assessment, which leaves also flexibility about the Ground Risk Assessment tools and approach, while starting using the new set of ground risk mitigations of SORA 2.5.

For applications under SORA 2.5, please use the new form: FOCA-UAS-APP-SORA2.5-PART1 (DOCX, 155 kB, 29.09.2025).

Steps to an authorization

The SORA authorization process usually follows an iterative approach and may involve several rounds of exchanges. It requires close coordination with FOCA and adapts to the complexity of the project. Depending on the adjustments to be made to the safety portfolio following FOCA’s assessment, the overall evaluation may take additional time before it can be finalized.

Cost: based on the time spent (up to a maximum of CHF 5,000 per authorization).

The picture below provides an overview of the steps to an authorization:

Step 1: Familiarize yourself with the regulations and reference documents

Before submitting a request, it is essential to review the applicable regulatory framework. FOCA provides dedicated guidance material, which must be consulted as a first step:

FOCA-UAS-GM-SORA (PDF, 6 MB, 22.07.2025).

We also recommend reviewing the other documents available under the “Links” and “Documents” sections at the bottom of this page.

Step 2: Initial submission – “Part 1” form

The procedure begins with the submission of the “Part 1” form (in PDF format):

FOCA-UAS-APP-SORA-Part1 (DOCX, 139 kB, 02.09.2025)

FOCA will then examine the admissibility of the request. In certain cases, a 30-minute meeting may be organized between the applicant and a FOCA UAS expert to clarify specific aspects of the file.

Step 3: Continuation of the request – “Part 2” form and Compliance Spreadsheet

Once the admissibility has been confirmed, the applicant is invited to submit the “Part 2” form, together with the required annexes (as specified in the form), a Master Data List, and a mandatory compliance spreadsheet. The form and the compliance spreadsheet are provided by FOCA to each applicant individually.

Step 4: Assessment, exchanges, and issuance of the authorization

FOCA conducts a comprehensive review of the application. In most cases, multiple exchanges between FOCA and the applicant are required before the file can be accepted. Once all conditions are met, FOCA issues an operational authorization, which is valid for a period of two years maximum.

Modification or extension of an authorization

If an operational or technical modification is introduced to an already authorized activity, or if an extension of an authorization approaching its expiry date is requested, the dedicated form provided by FOCA must be used:

Notice of Modification (NoM) to current authorisation (PDF, 187 kB, 01.07.2020)

Further information

EASA Easy Access Rules for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Regulations (EU) 2019/947 and 2019/945)

JARUS Guidelines SORA

EASA Guidelines for UAS operations in the open and specific categories

Contact

The FOCA is available to answer any questions.