Free SORA guide
5 SORA mistakes that delay your authorisation
Most SORA delays are not caused by the operation itself but by how the file is built. These five mistakes account for most returns. Each one costs weeks. All of them are avoidable. If your operation needs one, our team prepares the full SORA operational authorisation and deals with the authority for you.
The five mistakes
What sends a SORA back to the operator
Fix these before you submit and your file reaches a decision much faster.
1. Choosing SORA when a PDRA fits
A full SORA takes far longer than a PDRA. If your operation fits a PDRA or a standard scenario, use it.
2. Unsupported mitigations
Claiming a lower ground or air risk without evidence. Every mitigation needs proof: procedures, tests, agreements or data.
3. A wrong SAIL
Errors in population density, drone size or airspace class push the SAIL up or down. A wrong SAIL invalidates every requirement that follows.
4. Gaps between the SORA and the manual
The operations manual describes different procedures, crew or equipment from the risk assessment. Inspectors check both side by side.
5. Generic templates
Copied text that does not describe your operation, area or drone. It is easy to spot and leads to long lists of questions.
Every return restarts the clock
Authorities review files in order. A returned file often goes to the back of the queue, so one missing piece of evidence can cost a season of work.
What you’ll get
The free guide to SORA mistakes
- The five mistakes in detail
- How to spot each one in your own file
- The evidence that supports mitigations
- How to align the SORA and the operations manual
- When to use a PDRA instead
Get the Free Guide to SORA Mistakes
The five errors that delay approval and how to fix each one.
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For operations outside the standard scenarios and PDRAs, we prepare the SORA documentation, submit it and defend it with the authority.
- Documentation ready in 30 days
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We prepare the full PDRA application, submit it with you and answer the inspector until the authorisation is granted.
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Send us date, time, coordinates, drone and pilot. We handle the airspace coordination until you have clearance, including in restricted zones.
- Per-flight coordination
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- Restricted zones included
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More free guides
More free guides for SORA applicants
FAQ
Questions about SORA mistakes
Why do SORA applications get returned?
Mostly for unsupported mitigations, wrong risk classes, inconsistencies with the operations manual and generic content that does not describe the actual operation.
What happens if my SORA is returned?
The authority sends questions or a list of findings. You correct the file and resubmit, which usually adds weeks to the timeline.
Can I reuse a SORA from another operator?
No. A SORA is specific to your organisation, drone, crew, area and procedures. You can learn from examples but must build your own evidence.
Should I use a PDRA instead of SORA?
If your operation fits all the conditions of a PDRA, yes. It is faster and needs less documentation.
How do I prove a mitigation?
With documented procedures, test results, manufacturer data, training records or agreements with airspace or land managers, depending on the mitigation.
Can EU Drone Port review or prepare my SORA?
Yes. We prepare and defend SORA applications from €2,950 + VAT, with a 98% approval rate across 28 of 31 EASA countries.
Last updated: October 2026. Source: Regulation (EU) 2019/947, EASA AMC and GM to the regulation, and JARUS SORA.
Avoid the five mistakes. Free guide.
What delays a SORA and how to fix it first time.
98%
Approval rate
28 of 31
EASA countries with approvals
30 days
Documentation ready
€2,950 + VAT
SORA from