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Mastering UK SORA for Drone Operations
first of it’s kind 3 day course
- Learn about the new UK SORA methodology from market leading, experienced Safety Practitioners and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs)
- Professionally delivered face-to-face instruction throughout
- An excellent learning environment that caters for all learning styles
- No prior safety case experience needed
- Light lunch and refreshments included
The Mastering UK SORA for Drone Operations course is our new course, offering a comprehensive overview of the UK SORA methodology, the first of its kind in the UK. The course is designed for a wide array of UK and International organisations seeking to operate Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) in complex operations in the Specific Category in use cases such as Beyond Visual Line Of Sight (BVLOS) operations, dropping of articles, operations in congested areas, RPAS with a maximum Take Off Mass (MTOM) of greater than 25 Kgs and swarming operations.
Delivered by a market leading Safety Practitioner SME, the course is 3 days duration and delivers a step-by-step workflow through the 14 step SORA submission process with advice on the intricacies of interpreting the SORA policy to ensure a successful application. Theoretical, classroom-based training delivery forms the core of the course beginning with insights into tailoring applicants Concept of Operations (ConOps) to optimise successful entry into the SORA pathway. Follow-on steps will be covered such as calculating the Ground Risk Class (GRC), Air Risk Class (ARC), determining the SAIL category and examining compliance against the Operational Safety Objectives (OSO’s). Importantly, students will conduct practical confirmation through case studies which enable students to put theoretical learning into practice with worked examples.
Candidates will be expected to complete a focused amount of pre-course reading and will receive a comprehensive Student handbook and post course support advice.
Course completion will place the students in a strong informed position to understand and successfully complete an application in what is a step change in risk methodology in the UK and Internationally. A key stepping stone towards more complex operations and unlocking the full potential of RPAS.
We also offer a SORA Support Service by partnering with clients and providing them with SORA SMEs to advise and assist with the complete UK SORA application process.
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Testimonials
As a novice to aviation I found the course very informative without being overwhelming. Zeta Student
Overall, it was the best formal course I've undertaken in over 30 years in the military. Thank you. Zeta Central Student
Did this for work (military). First time flying a drone and got competent quite quickly and the theory was heavy but taught well enough for a high pass on it. The instructor was former Forces so there was No BS. Really enjoyed it. Zeta South Student
I throughly enjoyed this course, the teaching was world class. Instructors made me feel welcome and went above and beyond. Steve took me for my drone flying section, his teaching methods and knowledge is world class. Tim made theory enjoyable and easy to learn but world class. Zeta Central Student
Steve provided excellent instruction and hands on experience. The pace he adopted and calm demeanour were first rate, enhancing the confidence and learning experience for myself, enabling a successful outcome. Kent Police
The whole team was an absolute pleasure to work with, friendly and approachable with a good sense of humour. University of the West
Mastering UK SORA - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the "Mastering UK SORA for Drone Operations" course?
Mastering UK SORA for Drone Operations is a three-day classroom-based training programme designed to provide a practical understanding of the UK Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA) methodology.
Delivered by experienced Safety Practitioner Subject Matter Experts, the course takes delegates through the complete 14-step SORA process, explaining the principles, decisions, calculations and evidence requirements involved in developing a successful SORA application.
The programme is designed to help delegates understand both the methodology itself and the regulatory expectations that sit behind it.
What regulatory framework is the course based on?
The course is based on the latest UK Specific Category framework and incorporates the current Acceptable Means of Compliance (AMC) and Guidance Material (GM) adopted by the UK Civil Aviation Authority under UK Regulation (EU) 2019/947, including ORS9 CAA Decision No. 60 – Adoption of AMC & GM to UK Regulation (EU) 2019/947.
Delegates are introduced to the terminology, methodology, compliance expectations and evidence requirements contained within the latest regulatory material and shown how they are applied during the assessment of a SORA application.
The course also examines the relationship between the UK framework and the key principles contained within JARUS SORA v2.5, helping delegates understand where those concepts originate and how they continue to influence the UK approach.
Is this simply a course about completing a SORA application?
No.
Whilst delegates will learn how to complete a SORA application, the primary objective is to develop an understanding of the methodology and the risk-based thinking that underpins it.
The course is specifically designed to unpack complex guidance material, explain the reasoning behind regulatory requirements, and encourage discussion around the practical application of the methodology.
Participants are encouraged to challenge assumptions, examine different approaches and explore the intent behind the guidance rather than simply learning how to populate templates.
How is the course delivered?
The programme is delivered through interactive, face-to-face classroom instruction.
The classroom environment is deliberately structured to encourage discussion and collaboration. Many aspects of SORA require interpretation and judgement, and delegates are given the opportunity to work through complex scenarios with instructors and fellow participants.
This format allows difficult topics to be explored in greater depth than is typically possible through self-study or online learning.
What is included?
The course package includes:
- Three days of professional instruction
- Comprehensive Student Handbook
- Practical case studies and exercises
- Post-course support and advice
- Light lunch each day
Refreshments throughout the course
Who should attend?
The course is suitable for organisations seeking to conduct operations within the UK Specific Category and is particularly relevant to:
- Flight Operations Managers
- Chief Pilots
- Safety Managers
- Compliance Managers
- RPAS Consultants
- Regulatory Specialists
- Operational Authorisation Holders seeking to expand their permissions
The course is appropriate for both UK and international operators.
Do I need previous safety case or SORA experience?
No.
No prior safety case experience is required. The course has been structured to build knowledge progressively from first principles through to practical application.
A focused package of pre-course reading will be provided to ensure delegates arrive with a basic understanding of the terminology and regulatory landscape.
What topics are covered during the three days?
The programme covers both the policy and technical aspects of SORA, including:
- Understanding the UK SORA framework
- Interpreting AMC and Guidance Material
- Developing an effective Concept of Operations (ConOps)
- Ground Risk Class (GRC) assessment
- Air Risk Class (ARC) assessment
- Determination of Specific Assurance and Integrity Levels (SAIL)
- Operational Safety Objectives (OSOs)
- Compliance demonstration methods
- Evidence generation and management
- Building a defensible SORA submission
- Common regulatory findings and challenges
Delegates are taken through the complete 14-step methodology and shown how the individual elements interact to form a coherent safety argument.
How much of the course is practical?
A significant proportion of the programme is dedicated to practical application.
Delegates will work through representative case studies and examples that demonstrate how the methodology is applied in real operational environments. The emphasis is placed on understanding how decisions are made, what evidence is required, and how a regulator is likely to assess a submission.
Practical exercises are used throughout the course to reinforce learning and encourage discussion.
Why is discussion such an important part of the course?
Many organisations find that the most difficult aspect of SORA is not understanding individual requirements, but understanding how complex guidance material should be interpreted and applied.
For that reason, the course has been specifically designed to encourage open discussion and technical debate. Delegates are given the opportunity to explore challenging areas of guidance, examine alternative approaches and develop a clearer understanding of the intent behind the methodology.
The objective is not simply to provide answers, but to help delegates develop the confidence and judgement needed to apply the methodology within their own operations.
What types of operations does this training support?
A detailed understanding of SORA is essential for organisations planning advanced or higher-risk operations, including:
- Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations
- Operations in congested environments
- RPAS operations exceeding 25 kg MTOM
- Aerial dropping activities
- Swarming and multi-aircraft operations
- Other complex Specific Category activities
The course provides the knowledge required to understand the regulatory pathway associated with these types of operations.
What if my organisation needs help with a live SORA application?
Eagle Eye Innovations also provides dedicated SORA support services.
Organisations can work directly with experienced SORA practitioners to obtain application reviews, technical advice, drafting support, evidence development assistance and end-to-end guidance throughout the submission process.
What will I leave the course with?
By the end of the programme, delegates will have a practical understanding of the UK SORA methodology, the latest UK AMC and Guidance Material, the key principles contained within JARUS SORA v2.5, and the evidence requirements associated with a modern SORA submission.
More importantly, they will understand how to interpret the methodology, apply it to real-world operations, and engage with the regulatory process with greater confidence.
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