Where it started and where we are today
Drones have now moved from the hobby stage to that of a professional tool. They are used in infrastructure projects, energy, agriculture, film production, inspection, mapping, civil protection missions, but as recent War Operations have taught us & in Wars.
But as the professional applications increase, so does the need for safe, organized and legal operation.
This is where SORA appears.
What is SORA.
SORA (Specific Operations Risk Assessment) is a structured risk assessment procedure for drone flights not covered by the simple Open Category rules of A1-A3/A2.
SORA is the way in which a company proves to the Civil Aviation Authority that it can fly drones safely, even in the most demanding scenarios.
It’s a whole book, examining:
- where the drone will fly
- what’s on the ground and in the air
- what risks there are
- what measures are being taken to reduce
SORA’s goal is to make flying possible & safe.
Why SORA was created
In the early years of drones, regulations were limited and often unclear.
But as:
- increased the number of drones
- started flying into cities
- were used for commercial purposesit became clear that a common European framework was needed.
Thus, EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) adopted SORA as the basic methodology for the Special Category of Flight.
The simple logic is that not all flights can be treated with the same rules because all flights are different.
A drone in a field, with a drone over a city or critical infrastructure, have a different risk in flight.How SORA works in practice
For the construction you follow a series of steps:
- Understanding the mission
What exactly does the company want to do with the drone? - Soil risk assessment
Are there people, buildings, roads? - Airborne risk assessment
Are there other aircraft, air corridors? - Mitigation measures
What are we doing to reduce the risk?
(procedures, training, equipment) - Final
All recorded and submitted to the Civil Aviation Authority for approval.
The result is an Operation Manual based on SORA, tailored exactly to the activity of the company.
Where we started and where we are today (SORA 2.5)
The first SORAs were very general and difficult to implement.
Over the years, the methodology has evolved, becoming more practical and closer to the reality of business.Today we are at SORA 2.5, which:
- is clearer
- more structured
- more acceptable to the authorities
- and easier to use for professionals.
SORA 2.5 now allows:
- more complex missions
- stable operating framework
- better cooperation with the authorities
This means that serious drone operators can now operate professionally and legally without uncertainty.
Why SORA is not a “simple job”
Many people think that SORA is just:
“a document for the APA to request”
In fact, it is:
- combination of regulations
- flight experience
- understanding business needs
- and proper communication with the authorities
A mistake or sloppiness can:
- be rejected
- be delayed months
- or drastically limit the activity of the undertaking
This is why not all schools or all consultants can undertake such projects.What is the role of the Patras Drone Academy?
The Patras Drone Academy is among the few schools in Greece that have:
- knowledge of regulations
- experience in real operational needs
- in-depth understanding of SORA
- and the possibility of writing complete Operation Manuals
It’s not just about training operators, but about a holistic approach:
- Education
- consulting
- operational organization
Each SORA is treated separately, depending on the business and its scope.
- Understanding the mission
- Conclusion
SORA is a tool,a tool that allows drones to operate:
- operate legally
- grow
- work with serious customers
- and build a future in the UAV space
As the industry matures, SORA will become a key part of any serious activity.
And at this level, the proper guidance makes all the difference.
