Training & Regulations
Updated on 23 Apr 2025
Jamie Collier
CAA Update: Introducing UK SORA Guidelines
Explore the UK SORA and learn how to transition smoothly.
UK SORA is the new framework, replacing OSC methodology on April 23, 2025;
Current OSC-based Operational Authorisations will remain valid until the expiry date;
PDRA-01based Operational Authorisations are not impacted by the introduction of UK SORA;
UK CAA says that UK SORA will make risk assessments for UAS operators more transparent and consistent;
The Authority adds that the new digital UK SORA Application Service is designed to deliver a more streamlined application process;
heliguy™ has an in-house training team and regulatory specialists who can provide more information and help with UK SORA applications.
The UK SORA (Specific Operation Risk Assessment) Application Service has gone live (as of Wednesday, April 23, 2025).
It means that the UK SORA methodology has now replaced the Operating Safety Case (OSC) methodology for Operational Authorisations for missions in the Specific Category.
If you have a current OSC-based Operational Authorisation (OA), it will remain valid until its expiry date. Variations to OSC-based Operational Authorisations will also be possible until the expiry date.
UK SORA does not impact current PDRA-01 holders or new PDRA-01 applications. PDRA stands for Pre-defined Risk Assessment and is the alternative method to apply for an Operational Authorisation.
Essentially, operators wanting to conduct operations outside the remit of PDRA-01 will use UK SORA.
heliguy™ has an in-house training team and regulatory specialists who can provide more information and help with UK SORA applications. To find out more, visit our dedicated UK SORA page.
How UK SORA Differs from OSC
The UK CAA says that UK SORA will make risk assessments for UAS operators more transparent and consistent, while the new digital UK SORA Application Service is designed to deliver a more streamlined application process.
The table below provides a quick overview.
Streamlined Application Process | The UK SORA uses an online digital application service, guiding applicants through each step of the process. |
Less Subjectivity | Unlike the qualitative OSC methodology, SORA takes a more quantitative approach, ensuring greater consistency and transparency in evaluations. |
Two-Phase Process | Applicants no longer need to provide all assurance evidence upfront, making it easier to manage the application requirements. |
Mitigation Calculator | The SORA platform includes a calculator to assess required mitigations before proceeding with the full application. |
The UK SORA Application Service is a new service and there are some small cosmetic and functionality improvements that the UK CAA will continue to make after launch.
What is UK SORA?
As of April 23, 2025, UK SORA replaced the CAP 722A Operational Risk Assessment method - also known as the Operating Safety Case - as the way to apply for an Operational Authorisation.
UK SORA is based on the internationally recognised SORA 2.5 methodology developed by the Joint Authorities for Rulemaking on Unmanned Systems (JARUS). UK SORA is adapted to be suitable for the UK.
How does UK SORA benefit the drone industry and the CAA?
The UK CAA says that UK SORA will bring the following benefits:
Better customer experience: A simplified, more efficient end-to-end process that will enable faster development applications.
Proportional: Ensures that safety measures employed are proportional to the risk posed by the specific UAS operation.
Consistency: Provides a transparent methodology for UAS risk assessment that reduces the risk of inconsistencies.
Global standards: SORA is an internationally recognised approach to risk assessment for UAS operations within the Specific Category.
Compliance: Acts as an Acceptable Means of Compliance (AMC) to fulfill the requirements of the UK UAS regulations.
Safety: SORA will ensure appropriate safety measures have been employed, along with freeing up resource for more oversight.
Reduced workload: Reduces the workload for operators in developing an appropriate safety case.
Reduced timescales: Reduces the timescales involved in assessing applications and operators receiving authorisations.
Which sort of operations require UK SORA?
Examples of operations that require a UK SORA-based operational authorisation include:
dropping items from your drone;
flying beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS);
flying close to crowds;
flying close to people with aircraft that weight 500g or more;
flying at increased heights above ground level;
swarm operations;
flying more than 120m (400ft) above ground level.
What operations are not covered by UK SORA?
UK SORA covers most operations that could be carried out in the Specific Category.
But, certain operations are not covered by UK SORA.
Operations that are permitted in the Specific Category, but are outside the policy limits of UK SORA include:
Operating unmanned aircraft with a dimension larger than 40 metres
Operating unmanned aircraft with a maximum cruise speed above 200 metres per second
Operations above Flight Level 660 (FL660)
Operating unmanned aircraft with a maximum dimension of more than 3 metres or maximum speed over 35 metres per second, where the population density is greater than 50,000 people per km2
You cannot use the UK SORA Application Service for these operations.
Some operations - such as operations that require an airspace change and-or carrying dangerous goods - require additional applications that are outside UK SORA.
Operators cannot use the UK SORA Application Service for operations outside the limits of the Specific Category, ie Certified Category operations.
How to apply?
You can apply using the UK SORA-based Application Service.
This Service provides a structured way for you to provide your risk assessment to the UK CAA.
Once approved, the Operational Authorisation will last for 12 months. Operators can reapply from 28 days before their authorisation expires.
heliguy™ can help with SORA applications.
UK SORA: Key concepts
Key concepts of UK SORA include:
Concept | Description |
|---|---|
Operational Volume | Consists of the area where you plan to operate and a contingency volume. |
Ground Risk | The risk of the drone hitting a person on the ground and causing a fatality. Ground Class Risk (GRC) may range from GRC1 to GRC7, with 7 being the highest. |
Air Risk | The risk of a mid-air collision between your drone and manned aircraft. Air Risk Class (ARC) can range from ARC-a to ARC-d, with ARC-d being the highest. |
SAIL Level | Represents the overall risk of the operation, from 1 (lowest risk) to 6 (highest risk). SAIL levels are determined by GRC and ARC. |
Containment Level | Determines the technical and operational mitigations to contain the flight within the operational volume and ground risk buffer. Containment levels are determined by SAIL and ground risk in the adjacent area, |
Operational Safety Objectives (OS0) | Requirements you must meet when carrying out operations. SAIL levels determine the set of OSOs. |
Compliance | Compliance Approach: How you choose to comply with the regulation. Compliance Evidence: How you demonstrate that you comply, ie flight logs, technical data sheets, and design specs. |
Charges for a UK SORA-based Operational Authorisations
Charges for a UK SORA-based Operational Authorisation vary by SAIL level.
The table below outlines initial application charges for 2025-26. There is no VAT to pay.
SAIL | Assessment 1 fixed charge | Assessment 2 fixed charge | Total fixed charge | Assessment 2 - additional charge per hour |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | £2,185 | No charge | £2,185 | Not applicable |
2 | £2,185 | £1,310 | £3,495 | £330 |
3 | £2,185 | £11,574 | £13,759 | £496 |
4 | £2,185 | £11,574 | £13,759 | £496 |
5 | £2,185 | £37,782 | £39,967 | £496 |
6 | £2,185 | £37,782 | £39,967 | £496 |
There is no charge for Assessment 2 if you decide to withdraw your application during or after Assessment 1, or if the UK CAA refuses your application in Assessment 1.
Assessment 1 is paid for through online payment. An invoice will be sent for Assessment 2 payments.
What does it mean for current holders of an OSC-based Operational Authorisation?
Existing OSC-based Operational Authorisations will remain valid until their expiry date. Variations to OSC-based OAs will also be possible until the expiry date. If you want to apply for a new OA, you will need to use the UK SORA Application Service or agree an alternative means of compliance with the UK CAA.
Transition arrangements for current OSC holders
If you want to reapply for your authorisation, the transition arrangements depend on when your current OSC-based Operational Authorisation expires.
Authorisation expires before July 22, 2025
Make a new application after 23 April using the UK SORA-based Application Service.
Authorisation expires between July 23, 2025, and August 31, 2025
If your current authorisation expires between July 23, 2025, and August 31, 2025, the CAA says it will contact you to discuss a reapplication.
In this case, you should make a new application on or after April 23 using the UK SORA-based Application Service.
Authorisation expires after August 31, 2025
If your current authorisation expires after August 31, 2025, the CAA says it will contact you in the months before it expires to discuss your reapplication. In most cases, you'll need to make a new application using the UK SORA-based Application Service.
What About PDRA-01 OAs?
PDRA-01 OAs are not impacted by UK SORA and will remain valid under the existing framework until further notice. While under review, no changes are expected before 31st March 2026.
PDRA stands for Pre-defined Risk Assessment and is the alternative method of applying for an Operational Authorisation.
Remote Pilot Competency (RPC) Updates
The Remote Pilot Competency (RPC) policy has been updated to support UK SORA. Operators will gain access to advanced training through Recognised Assessment Entities (RAEs), depending on the complexity of operations.
It means that there are now five remote pilot qualifications in the Specific Category: The new Level 1-4 Remote Pilot Certificate, as well as the GVC.
Each qualification provides a different level of competency appropriate to operations of increasing levels of complexity.
Recognised Assessment Entities – Flightworthiness (RAE(F))
RAE(F)s are external organisations that validate technical compliance for UK SORA applications. They are particularly useful for high-complexity operations requiring greater assurance.
Operators can opt to work with RAE(F)s to expedite application processing, with fees applicable for their services.
SAIL Marked UAS
SAIL (Specific Assurance and Integrity Level) marks align drones with predefined safety levels under UK SORA. A SAIL Mark, validated by an RAE(F), reduces the amount of technical evidence required in applications.
While optional, this concept can significantly speed up the application process for operators using compliant UAS models.
For expert guidance on UK SORA and support in achieving your operational goals, from regulatory compliance to project delivery, contact heliguy™ today. Request a free 30-minute consultation with one of our Regulatory Experts to discuss your needs.
