How to make a SORA application?*

General

If you want to fly out of sight with the 4G capabilities of your ANAFI Ai, or exceed the 120 meter ceiling with your ANAFI USA, or your flight plan does not fit in the Open Category requirements. Then you are in the Specific Category, which requires a risk analysis and an authorization from the competent authority. This risk analysis is called SORA.

 

The SORA (Specific Operations Risk Assessment) is a risk assessment method for specific drone operations. In Europe, it is required for flights outside the standard scenarios provided by the European regulations. On this page, we present you the key steps to apply for a SORA for your drone operations.

 

Please note that national standard scenarios may also apply until January 1st 2026.

SORA application steps

Determine if a SORA application is required

Before you begin, determine if your drone operation requires a SORA application. Open category flying does not require a SORA, while specific operations outside of this category do. You can find more information on the EU flight framework here. Always prefer open category or standard scenario flying: a SORA application is a complex process that can take several months. In case of doubt, you can contact the competent authority in your country.

 

Prepare the required documents

To submit a SORA application, you must prepare the following documents:

 

SORA Risk Assessment

The first step in the SORA process is to complete your risk analysis. It is divided into two steps: the ground risk analysis, which boils down to the consequences of a crash, and the air risk analysis, which quantifies the risk of an encounter with another aircraft.

 

Once these two risks have been determined, you will obtain a synthetic index of the danger of your mission. This is the SAIL (Specific Assurance and Integrity Levels). This index determines the level of security measures that you will need to take to be able to carry out your operation. For example, a SAIL-I exempts the telepilot from training, while a SAIL-II requires it. If your SAIL is too high, there is no need to go any further: your operation may be too risky.

 

Parrot drones such as the ANAFI USA or the ANAFI Ai can perform SAIL-I and SAIL-II flights. For higher SAILs, it is necessary to use a third party entity to certify the validity of your operation.

 

The concept of operations (ConOps)

This document specifies the planned operation, the flight limits, the geographical area, the drone used...

 

Your OM, or operating manual

This is a guide that sets out the procedures and rules to follow to ensure safe and efficient use of the drone.

 

The OM usually includes information on the configuration of the drone, pre-flight preparation procedures, emergency procedures in case of problems, safety rules to follow, as well as communication protocols with the appropriate authorities.

 

Finally, it describes the structure of your organization, the training programs for remote pilots and their level of competence.

 

Risk Management Plan

Once the risk has been estimated, you must now provide evidence of mitigation.

Submitting the application to the competent authority

The SORA application must be submitted to the competent authority in the country you are planning to fly in.

 

The authority will review your application and inform you of its decision. The review process can take several weeks and may require several trips back and forth between the operator and the authority. Be sure to submit your application early enough to allow for processing times.

 

Implement risk management measures

If your SORA application is approved, implement all risk management measures specified in your risk management plan.

 

Conclusion

The SORA application is a key step for drone operations in the specific category. By following these steps, you will be able to submit your SORA application and put in place the necessary measures to ensure the safety of your drone operations.

 

* The regulatory content is provided for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for obtaining legal advice from a lawyer. Parrot does not warrant that the information is accurate, complete or current.