Free PDRA vs SORA guide
PDRA vs SORA: which route fits your operation?
Both lead to an operational authorisation in the specific category. A PDRA uses a risk assessment EASA has already done. A SORA builds one from scratch for your operation. Pick the right one and you save months.
Side by side
How PDRA and SORA compare
Start with a PDRA if your operation fits one. Go to SORA only when none does.
| Factor | PDRA | SORA |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Pre-defined risk assessment published by EASA | Full risk assessment built for your operation |
| Time to approval | Usually shorter | Usually several months |
| Documentation | Operations manual and PDRA compliance evidence | Full SORA file: ConOps, risk classes, SAIL, OSOs |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Flexibility | Limited to the PDRA conditions | Fully tailored |
| Best for | Inspection, survey and mapping within known conditions | Long-range BVLOS, populated areas, heavier drones |
Both routes are set out in Article 11 of Regulation (EU) 2019/947 and its AMC.
Choose PDRA when
Your operation meets every condition of a published PDRA: drone size, line of sight, ground area, airspace and crew.
Choose SORA when
Any condition does not fit, such as longer BVLOS range, a populated area or a larger drone.
Same authority, same outcome
Both lead to an operational authorisation from the national authority of the country where you are established.
What does not change
You still need an operations manual, trained remote pilots, insurance and a maintained drone.
One condition is enough to rule out a PDRA
If a single PDRA condition does not fit, the authority will ask for a SORA. Check every condition before you start.
What you’ll get
The free PDRA vs SORA guide
- What PDRA and SORA are
- Side-by-side comparison
- How to check if a PDRA fits
- When SORA is the only option
- How to prepare either application
Get the Free PDRA vs SORA Guide
Which specific category route fits your operation, and why it matters.
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From application to approval
EU Drone Port prepares PDRA and SORA applications and supports you with the authority until approval.
Most requested
PDRA Authorisation
We prepare the full PDRA application, submit it with you and answer the inspector until the authorisation is granted.
- All PDRA types
- 100+ PDRAs approved
- Operations manual included
- Support until approval
From €1,950 + VAT
SORA Operational Authorisation
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
- 98% approval rate
- Approvals in 28 of 31 EASA countries
- Support until approval
From €2,950 + VAT
STS Operations Manual
We write your complete STS operations manual for STS-01, STS-02 or both, tailored to your operation and country.
- All required sections
- STS-01 and/or STS-02 covered
- Country-specific authority format
- Delivered in 5 business days
From €450 + VAT
More free guides
More free guides for PDRA applicants
FAQ
Questions about PDRA and SORA
What is a PDRA?
A pre-defined risk assessment published by EASA for a common type of specific category operation. If your operation meets all its conditions, you apply for authorisation without a full SORA.
What is SORA?
The Specific Operations Risk Assessment, a methodology for assessing operations that do not fit a standard scenario or PDRA.
Is a PDRA faster than a SORA?
Usually yes, because the risk assessment is already done. You show compliance with the PDRA conditions instead of building the assessment from scratch.
Can I switch from PDRA to SORA later?
Yes. If your operations grow beyond the PDRA conditions, you can apply for a new authorisation based on a SORA.
Do both need an operations manual?
Yes. Both routes require an operations manual that describes your procedures, training and maintenance.
Can EU Drone Port help me choose?
Yes. We map your operation to the right route and prepare the application: PDRA from €1,950 + VAT, SORA from €2,950 + VAT.
Last updated: October 2026. Source: Regulation (EU) 2019/947 and EASA AMC and GM to the regulation.
Pick the right route first time. Free guide.
PDRA and SORA compared for your operation.
100+
PDRAs approved
All
PDRA types covered
€1,950 + VAT
PDRA from
31
EASA countries