Tech Library

SORA

SORA is based on a document developed by JARUS that provides direction on how to safely create, evaluate, and conduct unmanned aircraft system (UAS) operations. The methodology is based on the principles of a holistic/comprehensive risk-based assessment model of system safety that is used to evaluate the risks associated with specific UAS operations. This model considers the nature of all threats associated with a particular hazard, the associated design, and proposed operational mitigations for a particular UAS operation. SORA then systematically evaluates the risks and helps determine the boundaries necessary for safe operations. This method allows the applicant to determine acceptable risk levels and to verify that these levels are complied with by the proposed operation. Competent authorities can also apply this method to gain confidence that the UAS operator can safely conduct the operation.

SORA Process

 (a) The SORA methodology provides a logical process for analyzing proposed ConOps and establishing sufficient confidence that operations can be conducted at an acceptable level of risk.SORA’s methodology includes 10 steps.
(b) SORA focuses on assessing air and ground risks. In addition to air and ground risks, additional risk assessments of critical infrastructure should be performed. This should be done in cooperation with the organization responsible for the infrastructure, as they are most knowledgeable about these threats.

The first edition of SORA specifies a methodology for calculating the final Specific Assurance and Integrity Level (SAIL) from the ground and air risk levels, but does not specify the details of the risk mitigation measures that must be met for each SAIL.