Tag: Automation

Streamlining the SORA and BVLOS Approval Process: SORA-Mate

 

Background

SORA-Mate was developed with support from the Emerging Aviation Technology Partnerships Program (EATP). The Australian Government implemented the EATP through the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communication to support the growth and development of emerging aviation technologies. The EATP aims to enhance the competitiveness, efficiency, and reliability of the Australian aviation industry. Recognising the complexities and challenges associated with Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) approvals, the EATP supported leading regulatory consultant Hover UAV in partnership with ANRA Technologies, a top provider of unmanned traffic management, to address the critical need for streamlined and standardised risk assessment processes under the JARUS-SORA framework.

The primary goal of SORA-Mate was to create intelligent software for standardised, equitable, and repeatable risk assessments for drone operators and regulatory authorities in support of BVLOS applications. SORA-Mate was designed to facilitate an increasingly automated SORA process that doesn’t compromise safety, streamlining the workflow for both the drone operator and the regulatory authority. Drone operators will get approvals faster, regulators will receive standardised applications, and all stakeholders will have a common framework to assess risk and improve aviation safety. 

JARUS-SORA and SORA-Mate

SORA-Mate is based on the Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA) framework, developed by the Joint Authorities for Rulemaking on Unmanned Systems (JARUS). JARUS is an international group that develops technical, safety, and operational guidelines for the certification and regulation of unmanned systems. The SORA framework provides a comprehensive methodology for assessing and mitigating risks associated with unmanned aircraft operations.

SORA-Mate builds on these principles, offering a user-friendly application that simplifies the risk assessment process. It enables operators to input various parameters of their operations and receive a structured risk assessment, helping them understand potential hazards and the necessary mitigations.

SORA-Mate is equipped with a comprehensive array of data sources integrated into its backend, making it a powerful tool for conducting thorough and standardised risk assessments. This includes detailed information on aerodromes, airspace designations, topography, and population density. By leveraging these data sets, SORA-MATE allows operators to quickly evaluate the specific characteristics of an operational area, accurately identifying both ground and air risks. 

 

SORA-Mate Benefits

SORA-Mate enables operators to easily add additional capabilities, such as BVLOS, to their operations. Due to the streamlined SORA creation process built into SORA-Mate, operators can also save significant amounts of money and staff time.

One of the significant advantages of SORA-Mate is the standardised risk assessments that are outputted. These assessments make it easier for aviation regulators like CASA to review and approve applications. This standardisation can lead to shorter wait times for approvals, increasing operational efficiency for operators. Furthermore, by adhering to a consistent framework, SORA-MATE enhances overall aviation safety, benefiting the entire industry.

Thanks

We are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with industry stakeholders, including the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communication, over the past two years. Their support and guidance have been invaluable in the development of SORA-Mate. As we approach the launch, we are excited to share this tool with the industry and demonstrate its potential to revolutionise drone operations.

Webinar

We will be showcasing SORA-Mate and its capabilities in an upcoming launch webinar. This event will provide an in-depth look at how the tool works, its benefits, and how it can be integrated into existing operations. We invite all interested parties to join us and learn more about how SORA-MATE can transform their approach to drone risk assessment and compliance. Registration can be found here.

More information on SORA-Mate can be found at www.soramate.co