New SORA Trainings! Drone Pilot Trainings for flights under Operational Authorisation

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.

When is SORA training required?

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.

What does SORA training involve?

Note that in many countries, the A1/A3 and A2 courses are required before undertaking SORA-related training.

The SORA training consists of:

Generic theoretical training: applicable to any UAS operator, regardless of the operation type. Topics include:
- - 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

What are the main scenarios requiring operational authorisation under the Specific category?

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.