UK SORA (Specific Operations Risk Assessment) replaced the current CAP 722A Operational Risk Assessment method (also known as the Operating Safety Case) as the way to apply for an operational authorisation from 23 April 2025.
Updates for current Specific Category authorisation holders
We're providing updates and support for current Specific Category operational authorisation holders during the transition to UK SORA.
If you're a current Specific Category authorisation holder and you're not getting our email updates, let us know
We've also provided details of the transition arrangements below.
Reapplying for an OSC-based Operational Authorisation: transition arrangements for current OSC holders
If you want to reapply for your authorisation, the transition arrangements depend on when your current OSC-based Operational Authorisation expires. You can reapply for your OSC-based Operational Authorisation 3 months before it expires.
You will not be able to re-apply using the OSC-based application service after 23 April.
Authorisation expires before 22 July 2025
If your current authorisation expires before 22 July 2025, you can choose from two options:
- Option 1: Reapply by 22 April 2025 using the current OSC-based Application Service. This option is available to you because you can renew your OSC-based Operational Authorisation up to 3 months before it expires. We expect most operators with OSCs that expire in this window will choose this option.
- Option 2: Make a new application on or after 23 April using the UK SORA-based Application Service
If you have difficulty with either of these options, contact us to agree a suitable approach at: uksora@caa.co.uk
Authorisation expires between 23 July 2025 and 31 August 2025
If your current authorisation expires between 23 July 2025 and 31 August 2025, we will contact you to discuss your reapplication. You should make a new application on or after 23 April using the UK SORA-based Application Service
Authorisation expires after 31 August 2025
If your current authorisation expires after 31 August 2025, we'll contact you in the months before it expires to discuss your reapplication.
In most cases, you'll need to make a new application using the UK SORA-based Application Service.
Your current operational authorisation is not affected until it expires
If you have a current OSC-based Operational Authorisation, it will remain valid until its expiry date.
You can apply for a variation to a current OSC-based Operational Authorisation until its expiry date in the normal way.