Last December, the Joint Authority for Rulemaking on Unmanned Systems (JARUS) published for public consultation the latest version of the Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA) methodology - SORA 2.5.
The SORA is recognized by EASA as Acceptable Means of Compliance to obtain an Operational Authorisation in the specific category under EU Regulation 2019/947. As a result, the new developments introduced by JARUS will be subject to an evaluation by EASA before developing a decision on its adoption in the EU regulatory framework. This process and the potential changes of the EU regulation are not expected before Q4 2023.
So in a nutshell, there is no short-term impact on UAS operators currently involved in the Operational Authorisation process. However, it’s time to prepare for what comes next…As highlighted in Natate Di Rubbo’s presentation at EUROPEAN DRONE FORUM, the SORA 2.5 update improves and simplifies the current version of the framework, making it easier for drone operators to understand and comply with the requirements.
These modifications include:
- Changes in the SORA process
- Update of ground risk chart based on the Quantitative Ground Risk model
- Simplification and clarification of texts in the main body.
- Updates to Annex B (ground risk mitigation),
- Updates to Annex E (operational safety objectives) with OSO reordering
- New Annex F explains the quantitative model of ground risk
- New Annex I collecting all the glossary of the SORA process
On the Air risk side, no changes are introduced in the SORA 2.5.
INVOLI will continue to support its partners with its quantitative air traffic data to increase the safety of operations. However, our innovative approach to quantitative air risk assessment and the advanced strategic and tactical air risk mitigation services already provide invaluable benefits to UAS operators developing BVLOS and Automated operations.
We thus, look forward to seeing the result of the quantitative air risk model task force mentioned in Natale's presentation. You can watch Natale Di Rubbo's video to get further details on the SORA 2.5 version.
And don't miss the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) online session for both manned and unmanned industry stakeholders on February 9 and 10. The event will give a rare chance to ask questions and provide input to those directly involved in SORA 2.5 development.