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If your drone operations require an Operational Authorisation because they cannot be conducted under any Open Category scenario or Standard Specific Category (STS) scenario, the training must be based on the so-called “Concept of Operations” (ConOps), meaning it is tailored to the specific characteristics of the operation. Below, we focus on this type of training.
If your operations as a UAS operator cannot be conducted under the Open category or any of the standard scenarios in the Specific category (STS), you must apply for an operational authorisation.
As these operations are not predefined by the authority, specific training must be undertaken based on the type of operation. This training provides the necessary competencies to ensure safe flight.
Note that in many countries, the A1/A3 and A2 courses are required before undertaking SORA-related training.
The SORA training consists of:
Aviation safety
Aviation regulations
Navigation
Meteorology
Generic practical training: also applicable to any operational authorisation. Topics include:
UAS operation planning
Pre-flight preparation
Flying in contingency and emergency conditions
Training based on the Concept of Operations (ConOps): tailored to the specific operation requested. This may include:
Night operations
Overflight (over populated areas or gatherings of people)
BVLOS operations
Multi-UAS and swarm operations
Operations near aerodromes, airports, and heliports
Flights above 120 m AGL
The most common types of operations include:
UAS with an MTOM over 25 kg, typically used in agriculture (e.g., spraying phytosanitary products) and audiovisual production (e.g., cinema and advertising).
BVLOS operations, widely used for cargo delivery and search & rescue missions.
Swarm flights, commonly used for drone shows but also in agriculture, surveillance, and security.
Dock-based operations, enabling remote flights without the pilot on site, used in surveillance of buildings, industrial facilities, and agricultural monitoring.
These are only a few examples of the types of operations that require an operational authorisation and SORA-based training.
At EU DRONE PORT, we are officially designated by the Spanish Aviation Safety Agency (AESA) as a Recognised Entity to deliver SORA training.