SORA-Ready UAS & Flightworthiness
SAIL Marking, a commercial advantage built Into your platform
A SAIL Mark certificate separates the UAS design assessment from the operational risk assessment by the drone operator, removing the most technically demanding element of the authorisation process from your customers' hands.
Foundation for SAIL Mark expansion
Faster Authorisation
A SAIL II certificate establishes a validated compliance baseline that can be built upon, providing a structured pathway to higher SAIL levels as your platform's capabilities develop.
Design Validation against SORA
The SAIL marking process provides independent, structured feedback on your platform's design against UK SORA requirements that benefit every operator who flies your UAS.
Operators buying your drone face SORA requirements. We help you make their answer easy with robust technical data and CAP722K compliance.
UAS Market Differentiation
SORA Success
In a market where operators are increasingly cost and time-sensitive, a SAIL Mark certificate is a visible, CAA-validated signal that your platform has been independently assessed and is ready to operate.
In a market where operators are increasingly cost and time-sensitive, a SAIL Mark certificate is a visible, CAA-validated signal that your platform has been independently assessed and is ready to operate.
Faster Authorisation
Reduced Drone Operator Compliance Cost
For the operator, this means faster Operational Authorisations and much stronger applications through validated, pre-approved technical evidence.
Faster Operator SORA application process
A SAIL-marked platform removes the need for operators to generate their own technical compliance evidence — significantly reducing the time between platform acquisition and operational deployment.
The Benefits of SAIL Marking
Easy Proof
CAP722K Path
Our expertise ensures your platform meets specific assurance levels under CAP722K, providing the technical proof needed for complex drone flight.
By securing a professional SAIL marking, you empower your clients to fly sooner while establishing your hardware as a market leader in safety.
Extend market reach with M2, PRS and FTS
A platform equipped with M2 impact energy reduction measures such as a parachute recovery system PRS supports a lower GRC by design.
Where it makes sense to develop a SAIL Marking
Consider SAIL Marking built into your design. We'll help you engage with the RAE(F) and the CAA.
Safety accessories: FTS & PRS
Safety accessory such as Flight Termination Systems (FTS) and Parachute Recovery Systems (PRS) can be integrated onto existing drone platforms - installed directly by drone operators through “click-and-go” integration, or alternatively deployed and supported through certified integration partners.
Safety accessory such as Flight Termination Systems (FTS) and Parachute Recovery Systems (PRS) can be integrated onto existing drone platforms - installed directly by drone operators through “click-and-go” integration, or alternatively deployed and supported through certified integration partners.
Drone in a Box
“Drone-in-a-Box” SAIL marking can act as a major market enabler by supporting customers, drone operators, and asset managers in the development of robust UK SORA applications for BVLOS operations in atypical air environments.
SAIL MARKING FAQS
Expert Guidance
What is SAIL Marking?
SAIL Marking is the CAA's recognition that a UAS has been designed and evidenced to a specific assurance and integrity level under CAP722K. Operators using a SAIL-marked aircraft can lean on that evidence in their own SORA applications.
Is SAIL Marking the same as type certification?
No. Type certification sits under traditional aviation airworthiness rules. SAIL Marking is the design assurance pathway specific to the Specific category. Different framework, different evidence base.
When should we start the SAIL Marking work?
As early as possible. The cheapest time to design for a target SAIL is at concept stage. Bringing regulatory work in at the end of an R&D programme almost always means redesign.
What role does an RAE(F) play in SAIL Marking?
A Recognised Assessment Entity for Flightworthiness is approved by the CAA. The RAE(F) performs the expert technical evaluation that informs the CAA's decision to issue the SAIL Marking certificate.
How long does a SAIL Marking submission take?
The process is still new and timelines vary. Submissions may take three to nine months from kick-off to granted marking, depending on SAIL level and the maturity of your existing design evidence. Higher SAILs take longer.