Tag: Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA)

SORA-Mate

SORA-Mate Automating Drone Risk Assessments

Hover UAV and ANRA Technologies Launch SORA-Mate for Automating Drone Risk Assessments for Safer, Compliant Missions

Streamlined Compliance and Enhanced Safety for Drone Operators in Australia and New Zealand

SORA-Mate, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia – September 24, 2024  – ANRA Technologies, a global leader in airspace management solutions, and Hover UAV, a leading drone regulatory consultancy, today announced the launch of SORA-Mate, an innovative automated risk assessment tool for drone operators in Australia, New Zealand, and the wider APAC region.

As drones become a vital part of daily operations, they transform industries such as agriculture, public safety, and critical infrastructure. Farmers now use drones to monitor crops, while police and fire services deploy them to enhance public safety. In the utility sector, drones help restore essential infrastructure more efficiently after disasters. However, as organisations seek to expand drone usage, they often face regulatory hurdles. Complex and inconsistent application processes frequently lead to lengthy approval wait times from aviation authorities, slowing the adoption of advanced drone operations.

To address these challenges, SORA-Mate was developed to automate the Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA) process. By streamlining submissions and ensuring compliance, SORA-Mate simplifies the regulatory journey for both operators and regulators. This automation improves application accuracy, reduces delays, and makes it easier for operators to conduct Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flights. The platform walks users through risk analysis, mitigation strategies, and report generation by aligning with Joint Authorities for Rulemaking on Unmanned Systems (JARUS) guidelines. SORA-Mate enables operators to scale efficiently and conduct safe and compliant flights in controlled airspaces.

“SORA-Mate represents a significant leap forward in drone operation safety and efficiency,” said Amit Ganjoo, Founder and CEO of ANRA Technologies. “By automating complex risk assessments, we’re enabling operators to focus on their missions while ensuring the highest standards of safety and regulatory compliance.”

SORA-Mate

Key Features and Benefits of SORA-Mate include:

  • Simplified Risk Assessments: SORA-Mate guides users through the SORA process with an intuitive platform that automatically analyzes risks and recommends effective mitigations.
  • Time-Saving Automation: Generate comprehensive, regulation-ready reports in minutes, eliminating guesswork and reducing stress.
  • Compliance Assurance: SORA-Mate ensures complete compliance with JARUS standards, protecting operations from regulatory issues and enhancing safety.
  • Expert Support: With premium options, users can access the expertise of Hover UAV’s specialists, ensuring applications meet the highest standards and increasing the likelihood of regulatory approval.
  • Optional Aviation Authority Approval: Generate thorough and accurate submissions to aviation authorities, reducing delays and rejections.

“Designed specifically for the unique requirements of Australia and New Zealand, SORA-Mate makes it easy to assess risks, recommend mitigations, and generate detailed, compliant reports in minutes,” said Jackie Dujmovic, Founder and CEO of Hover UAV. “It’s all about flying smarter and safer. The days of tedious paperwork and manual calculations are over.”

SORA-Mate aims to standardize and streamline the risk assessment process for both operators and aviation authorities, potentially accelerating approvals to include Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations.

The platform offers both basic and premium options, catering to a range of operator needs and expertise levels. In addition to the application features, Hover UAV will provide SORA consultancy for operators that require more direct support. With SORA-Mate, operators can focus on flying, knowing that their compliance needs are met.

“SORA-Mate is designed with the operator in mind,” Jackie Dujmovic, CEO of Hover UAV, continued. “Our platform is not just about compliance; it’s about empowering operators to fly confidently, knowing that their missions are safe and meet all regulatory requirements.”

SORA-Mate will debut in Australia and New Zealand, with other countries planned shortly thereafter, with a rollout focused on markets whose regulatory bodies require SORA submissions to obtain permissions for more complex drone operations.

To showcase the full potential of SORA-Mate, Hover UAV and ANRA Technologies are hosting an exclusive webinar on September 26. Participants will have the opportunity to see live demonstrations, ask questions, and discover how SORA-Mate can transform their drone operations. Interested participants can register at:

To register for the webinar, Click Here

For more information or to subscribe to SORA-Mate, visit: https://www.soramate.co

SORA-Mate

About Hover UAV 

Hover UAV is a leading emerging aviation consultancy specializing in drone regulatory approvals and solutions. The team is committed to enhancing safety and compliance in the rapidly evolving industry. In partnership with ANRA Technologies, Hover UAV developed SORA-Mate as part of the Australian Government’s Emerging Aviation Technology Program, with a mission to standardize and automate drone risk assessments.

About ANRA Technologies 

ANRA Technologies is an international provider of end-to-end drone operations and traffic management solutions for unmanned aircraft operators and airspace managers. ANRA’s software platforms provide users with mission planning, flight execution, data analytics, and regulatory compliance tools.

Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA)

Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA)

Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA): Insights from Hover UAV

At Hover UAV, we understand the critical importance of safety and compliance in drone operations. As the industry continues to grow, so does the need for a structured approach to assess and mitigate risks. This is where Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA) becomes essential. Let’s delve into what SORA is and why it’s indispensable for safe and compliant Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) operations.

What Is the Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA)?

Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA) is a comprehensive framework designed to evaluate the risks involved in drone operations. It is particularly relevant for operations that require specific permissions from the regulator, such as beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) flights.

SORA encompasses a variety of documents and guidelines that aid in identifying the potential risks of an RPA flight and outline the measures to mitigate these risks. It divides risks into two main categories: Ground Risk Class (GRC) and Air Risk Class (ARC), which help assess the likelihood of incidents occurring on the ground and in the air, respectively. To manage these risks effectively, SORA introduces Specific Assurance and Integrity Levels (SAIL), which are adjusted through the application of various mitigating measures and threat barriers.

Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA)

Essential Elements for a Successful SORA

For a SORA to be successful, several key elements are required:

  • Concept of Operations (ConOps): This is a detailed document that provides the technical, operational, and system information to assess the risks associated with the proposed operation. It describes the flight plan and how it will be executed.
  • Ground Risk Class (GRC) Determination: The GRC evaluates the risk of a drone impacting a person on the ground. This evaluation considers factors such as the drone’s size, speed, flight type (VLOS or BVLOS), the operational scenario, flight area, and the presence of people. Mitigating measures, such as Emergency Response Plans (ERP), emergency parachutes, or active geofencing, can reduce the GRC.
  • Air Risk Class (ARC) Determination: The ARC assesses the probability of the drone encountering a crewed aircraft. It is influenced by whether the flight is in controlled or uncontrolled airspace, its proximity to airports, and whether it flies over urban or rural areas. Strategic and tactical mitigations can lower the ARC.
  • Specific Assurance and Integrity Level (SAIL) Determination: SAIL provides a confidence level for the flight operation, integrating ground and air risk analyses. It is expressed in levels ranging from 1 to 6, each specifying objectives and supportive activities.
  • Operational Safety Objectives (OSO): Based on the SAIL levels, OSOs outline requirements for the drone, its operator, and the operating organization. These include standards for the operator’s knowledge and skills, as well as technical assessments of the drone and its equipment.
BVLOS Training

Hover UAV’s Role in Your SORA Journey

Hover UAV is committed to promoting safety and compliance in the drone industry. With our experience conducting diverse drone operations and possessing a proven track record in developing many successful SORA safety cases, we are well-positioned to assist organisations in navigating the SORA process. Whether your operations involve challenging BVLOS flights or activities in populated areas, our team is ready to support you in preparing all necessary SORA documentation effectively and efficiently.

For organisations looking to enhance the safety and compliance of their drone operations, Hover UAV offers tailored support and expertise. Contact our team of SORA specialists for assistance and embark on your journey to safer and more compliant drone operations.

By embracing SORA and its approach to risk assessment and mitigation, organisations can safeguard their operations, protect people and property, and leverage the capabilities of drone technology.

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