Creation of SORA risk assessment & ConOps operating description for drones

What is a ConOps? Operational concept for SORA Specific Operations Risk 

A ConOps (Concept of Operations) describes the complete operational concept of a drone mission. It is a central document in the SORA procedure and presents all relevant information on the planned deployment, drone flights, airspace, responsibility, and implementation.

The ConOps forms the basis for the subsequent SORA (Specific Operations Risk Assessment) and is mandatory for applications to the relevant aviation authorities.

Legal framework: EU, JARUS (Rulemaking on Unmanned Systems) 

The SORA methodology is based on the international Rulemaking on Unmanned Systems of the Joint Authorities of Rulemaking on Unmanned Systems (JARUS) and has been implemented in the EU via the corresponding regulation for drone operation.

It is used for:

• Drone operations outside the open category
• complex missions with increased risk
• BVLOS flights over people or critical infrastructure

European drone regulations and legal background (EU 2019/947 & 2019/945)

Since January 1, 2021, harmonized drone regulations have been in force throughout Europe in accordance with Regulations (EU) 2019/947 and (EU) 2019/945. These regulations standardize drone operations within the EU and create a common basis for aviation and the use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).

After the transition period ends, remote pilots must acquire new qualifications for operations in categories A1/A3 or A2. For operations in the special category, a detailed operational description (ConOps) and a risk analysis according to SORA (Specific Operations Risk Assessment) are required, depending on the complexity, area of operation, and risks.

The following topics are explained in detail as part of the risk analysis / risk assessment (SORA for drones):

• Determination of the risk classes
• Determination of the initial ground risk class (GRC) and air risk class (ARC)
• Determination of operational soil and air risks
• Determination of the final ground and air risk classes
• Tactical mitigation measures to reduce ground and air risk / robustness of mitigation measures.
• Determination of the Airspace Encounter Category (AEC) and the SAIL value
• Identification of the Operational Safety Objectives (OSO)
• Examination of site-specific mitigation measures
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Our specialists are trained flight instructors, drone pilots, and commercial pilots who will create digital, audit-proof manuals (PDF documents) for you to submit to the relevant authorities. 

Together with you, we will define the parameters of your flight project in a workshop and discuss how to proceed. How is your organization structured, where and for what purpose do you want to carry out your flights, and which drones do you want to use for this purpose are just a few of the questions we will address. 

Following the workshop, we will work closely with you and engage in constant communication during regular online meetings to develop the operating concept and perform a risk analysis. This ensures that the concepts developed are tailored to your business and that you are kept informed throughout the entire process up to the operating license, allowing your wishes to be implemented in the best possible way. 

ConOps and SORA are also continuously and meticulously compared to determine, for example, whether the drone used is suitable for the flight project or whether adjustments are necessary in order to ultimately provide a realistic assessment. 

After approximately three months, we will provide you with a complete operating concept and risk analysis that you can submit to the authorities. We are also happy to assist you in this step of the approval process and support you in communicating with the authorities. 

Droniq is a joint venture of DFS Deutsche Flugsicherung and Deutsche Telekom AG and offers immense expertise in the fields of unmanned and manned aviation.

Our Aviation Consultants are trained flight instructors, drone and commercial pilots and have a comprehensive overview of the entire subject.