R&D and flight test programmes don't usually fail in the air. They fail in the months before the first flight because of an over-broad ConOps.
The right regulatory framework
The Frame
You may not need a SORA-based operational authorisation in the early days of your development programme. Assessing the right regulatory pathway is your first key step.
We build test ConOps that match the test, no more and no less, ensuring your innovation stays on mission.
The flying isn't the bottleneck. The framing is.
The right testing sites
SORA measures the safety risk of specific locations. Select the right testing site that enables your testing programme with minimum compliance constraints.
The right testing sites
SORA measures the safety risk of specific locations. Select the right testing site that enables your testing programme with minimum compliance constraints.
Optimised ConOps
We build test ConOps that match the test, no more and no less, ensuring your innovation stays on mission.
Framing the T&E regulatory pathway
Lean Testing
Efficient R&D
Stop the bottleneck before it starts by framing your mission with accuracy and regulatory depth that satisfies the regulator on the first pass.
We specialise in creating the exact documentation required to move your uncrewed systems from the lab to the sky without unnecessary delays.
The right testing sites
03
Minor and Major Modifications, CAP 722L
As your platform develops, design changes must be assessed against CAP 722L to determine whether they constitute minor or major modifications .
06
CAA Engagement Strategy
We prepare your team for that engagement process, managing a continuous dialogue so that regulatory feedback informs your development timeline rather than disrupting it.
SORA during Test and Evaluation Framework
Focus on your Test Programme Success
01
T&E Operational Authorisation Scoping
We define a SORA application scope that accurately reflects your T&E targets, bounding the operational volume, population density constraints, and performance envelope.
04
Test Site Identification
We identify operational sites appropriate for your T&E programme, assessing population density, containment issues, airspace classification, proximity to controlled airspace.
We identify operational sites appropriate for your T&E programme, assessing population density, containment issues, airspace classification, proximity to controlled airspace.
We define a SORA application scope that accurately reflects your T&E targets, bounding the operational volume, population density constraints, and performance envelope.
02
Containment Under Development Conditions
During T&E, platform behaviour may be less predictable and failure modes are still being characterised — making containment more challenging than in a production environment.
05
Incremental Flight Envelope Expansion
We structure your SORA application to support a phased approach to flight envelope expansion, building a clear compliance pathway as you expand platform's capabilities.
Built for innovative programmes
We provide the strategic framework for innovators needing to transition from lab benches to active flight lines with precision and regulatory confidence.
Test & evaluation. FAQS.
Expert Guidance
Do I need a SORA application if I'm still developing my UAS?
Development and test flights are not exempt from regulation. If your operations fall outside the Open Category and PDRA-01, and you do not hold an OSC, you will need an Operational Authorisation based on SORA, and engaging with the process early is strongly advisable to avoid grounding your programme at a critical stage.
How do we manage our SORA authorisation when the platform changes between test flights?
Design change are assessed against CAP 722L to determine whether it constitutes a minor or major modification Minor modifications are authorised without requiring an authorisation update.
Is a test ConOps the same as a production SORA?
No, a test ConOps defines the specific features and behaviours you intend to validate, whereas a SORA Operational Authorisation focuses on demonstrating air safety for a defined operation.