·5 min read·Source: Multiple (CAA, EASA, CASA, CAA NZ, Transport Canada, MLIT) Multiple national and regional drone regulations
SORA Risk Assessment: Global Framework Comparison 2026
SORA (Specific Operations Risk Assessment) framework explained worldwide. Compare UK, Germany, France, Netherlands, Sweden, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and Japan approaches. Operational risk management 2026.
In Short
SORA: The Risk Framework Everyone Needs
What is SORA?
SORA Framework Basics
9-Country SORA Approach
SORA Assessment Comparison
SORA: The Risk Framework Everyone Needs
Piyo looks confused. "SORA? Is that a person?"
What is SORA?
SORA = "Specific Operations Risk Assessment"
It's a framework to:
Identify hazards (what could go wrong?)
Assess severity (how bad if it happens?)
Evaluate likelihood (how often would it happen?)
Implement mitigation (how do we reduce risk?)
Determine acceptability (is the risk acceptable?)
Developed by: Netherlands, with support from EASA, ICAO
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Q5: What's a good residual risk target?Poppo's Guidance:Risk Acceptance Levels (by operation type):
Operation
Target Residual Risk
Example
Recreational (private)
< 4 (low)
Back-garden flying
Professional (simple)
< 6 (low–moderate)
Aerial photography, roof inspection
Professional (complex)
< 8 (moderate)
Event filming, delivery trial
Critical infrastructure
< 4 (low)
Power line inspection, emergency response
Over populated areas
< 3 (very low)
Urban delivery pilots
Regulatory Thresholds:
🇦🇺 AU: Accepts up to ~8 (risk-tolerant)
🇫🇷 FR: Accepts up to ~7 (permissive)
🇬🇧 UK: Targets < 6 (moderate caution)
🇩🇪 DE: Targets < 5 (cautious)
🇸🇪 SE: Targets < 4 (very cautious)
Q6: Can I use someone else's SORA assessment as a template?Poppo: "Not directly, but it helps:"
What You Can't Do:
Copy another operator's assessment verbatim
Submit same assessment for different operation
Claim someone else's mitigations as your own
What You Can Do:
Use structure/format as template
Reference similar operations
Cite published mitigations (e.g., EASA guidance)
Quote best practices from other assessments
Work with consultant who reviews multiple cases
Reality: Most SORA assessments are 70–80% similar in structure. Differences are:
Specific hazards to your location
Your mitigation strategy
Your operator experience/training
Your equipment specs
Q7: How often do I need to update my SORA assessment?Update Triggers:
Trigger
Frequency
Action
Regulatory change
Annual check
Update risk categories if rules change
Incident/near-miss
As-needed
Revise mitigation; resubmit
Equipment change
Per change
Update technical mitigations
Location change
Per location
New assessment for different area
Operator change
Per change
Update experience/training level
Risk evidence
If emerging data
Revise severity/likelihood if needed
General Rule: Review annually; update if operation changes significantly.
Q8: What happens if my SORA is rejected?Poppo's Recovery Path:Rejection Reasons (typical):
Insufficient mitigations (risk still too high)
Unrealistic mitigations (claimed effectiveness not supported)
Missing documentation (hazards not identified)
Non-compliance with local rules (operation violates airspace restrictions)
Operator experience (insufficient training documented)
Recovery Steps:
Contact Regulator: Get specific feedback on rejection
Analyze Feedback: Understand specific concerns
Enhance Mitigations: Add technical or operational controls
Rewrite Assessment: Incorporate new mitigations with evidence
Resubmit: Include cover letter explaining changes
Follow Up: Expect approval in 2–4 weeks (typically)
Approval Rate: ~70–80% on first submission (with consultant help: ~90%)
Q9: Can I operate while SORA is pending approval?Poppo: "No. Here's why:"
Legal Status:
SORA Approved: You have authority to operate (with conditions)
SORA Pending: You do NOT have authority to operate
SORA Rejected: You cannot operate (redesign required)
Exception: If regulator grants interim permission (rare; typically for emergency response only)
Timeline Impact: Must plan 4–8 weeks approval time before intended operation date.
Q10: Is SORA required if I'm using exemptions?Poppo: "Usually yes; here's the breakdown:"
Scenario
SORA Required
Full commercial authorization
Yes (mandatory)
Exemption (low-risk operations)
Maybe (depends on country)
Exemption (over-people ops)
Yes (typically)
Exemption (airspace waiver)
Yes (typically)
Recreational < 2kg, no payment
No (exempt)
Emergency response (government)
Maybe (often waived)
Key Takeaway: SORA is Risk Insurance
Piyo's Final Question: "So SORA is just paperwork?"
Poppo's Answer:
"No. SORA forces you to think through every failure scenario and how you'll prevent it. It's the difference between 'hoping nothing goes wrong' and 'proving nothing bad can happen.' Regulators love it because it shows professionalism."
SORA's Real Value:
Systematically identifies hazards (what you missed) Quantifies risk (so you know your actual exposure) Mandates mitigations (prevents wishful thinking) Documents decisions (protects you legally if incident occurs) Builds confidence (regulators, clients, insurers, yourself)
MmowW Support:
Last Updated: April 2026Accuracy: Based on latest EASA SORA guidance and country-specific implementationsSORA continues evolving. Check EASA and your regulator's latest guidance annually.
Update History
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This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or regulatory advice. Regulations change frequently — always verify with the relevant aviation authority (Multiple (CAA, EASA, CASA, CAA NZ, Transport Canada, MLIT)) for the most current requirements. MmowW automates compliance tracking but does not replace professional consultation where required by law.
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