Expert regulatory support for drone operators
Frame the application. Prepare the documentation. Engage with the CAA.
The Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA) framework enables more complex operations and supports a very broad range of Concept of Operations within the Specific Category, from very small drones to very large cargo drones.
As a result, SORA is complex and requires more documentation and tangible evidence.
We help you build a proportionate safety case that matches your operations. We keep it proportionate. We stay in the room until it's approved.
Ground & Air Risk (GRC & ARC)
Determine the final Safety and Integrity Assurance level, or SAIL, of your drone operations once ground and air mitigations are implemented.
SAIL level
Mitigations
A set of pre-defined strategic and tactical measures, from visual observers to sheltering, to NOTAMs and more, that reduce the ground risk and air risk.
A precise technical and geographical definition of your mission, defining exactly where, when, and how you intend to fly in UK or European airspace.
Mitigations
Ground & Air Risk (GRC & ARC)
Determine the intrinsic ground risk class iGRC based on your UAS characteristics and the population density in the ground risk footprint. Determine the air risk class ARC in accordance with the CAA air risk flowchart.
Containment
Based on your UAS characteristics and the population density in the adjacent area, determine whether the containment requirements must be met at low, medium or high robustness level.
What SORA actually requires
Mitigations
Mitigations
A precise technical and geographical definition of your mission, defining exactly where, when, and how you intend to fly in UK or European airspace.
A precise technical and geographical definition of your mission, defining exactly where, when, and how you intend to fly in UK or European airspace.
Operational Safety Objectives (OSOs)
Build the safety assurance required by your operation's SAIL or risk level by meeting the pre-defined set of Operational Safety Objectives OSOs at low, medium or high level of robustness.
Assurance and evidence
Each OSO and containment claim must be supported, at the appropriate level, by evidence demonstrating that the claim is valid, for example with pilot competency certificates, flight logs, training logs, maintenance logs.
UAS REGULATORY CONSULTANCY • UK + EUROPE
How we deliver compliance.
01
Scoping
Defining operational requirements, UAS characteristics, and locations, the Concept of Operations.
02
Framing
Frame the best approach and optimise the combination of UAS characteristics, mitigations and SAIL level. There is a step change from SAIL 2 to SAIL 3. Targeting an accessible SAIL is key to success.
03
Documentation
Developing the application's key building blocks: operations overview, ground risk assessment, air risk assessment, ground and air risk mitigations, containment requirements, OSOs.
04
CAA Engagement
Submission, ongoing dialogue with the CAA, and iterative response to findings until authorisation lands.
05
Authorisation
Authorisation secured. We stay available for revisions or scope extensions.
Who is SORA for.
The Specific Operations Risk Assessment is the new safety methodology applicable to drone operations in the specific category that do not fit into the existing predefined risk assessments PDRA or standard scenarios STS. We support a wide range of stakeholders through the application process with expert safety case development under SORA.
Commercial Certainty
Fixed-fee per engagement. Not per hour.
Regulatory complexity should not translate into unpredictable fees. We work mostly on progress payments and capped fixed-price, as opposed to billable hours, aligning our incentives directly with yours: secured authorisations and defensible safety cases, on budget and on time.
Transparency
Single, scoped fee for every project phase. No hidden overheads or surprise liaison costs.
Commitment
We stay in the room until your safety case is approved by the CAA. The price includes all necessary revisions.
Agility
Modular engagements allow you to scale technical support as your operation and funding roadmap evolves.
Ready to frame your scope?
Book a free consultation to receive a tailored engagement proposal.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
UK sora. faqs
How does SORA change the application process?
Rather than a one-size-fits-all authorisation, SORA introduces a structured, risk-based approach where your specific operation, its location, altitude, aircraft, and mitigations, determines the level of scrutiny and assurance required, making approvals more proportionate but also significantly more detailed.
What are the key documentation requirements?
A complete SORA submission includes the ConOps, Ground Risk Class (GRC) and Air Risk Class (ARC) derivations, a Tactical Mitigation Performance Requirement (TMPR) strategy if required due to air risk, and documented evidence for all Operational Safety Objectives (OSOs).
Is my existing Operations Manual compatible?
In most cases, yes. We help you update your current operations manual and integrate the SORA evidence documentation. This ensures continuity for your operations while meeting the latest CAA requirements.
How long does the authorisation process take?
Timelines vary depending on your SAIL level and the complexity of your ConOps, but operators should typically allow several weeks to several months. Thorough preparation of your safety case upfront is the single biggest factor in avoiding costly delays.