Charges for a UK SORA-based Operational Authorisation vary by SAIL level. This reflects the effort needed to assess applications as the complexity of operations increases.
For applications at SAIL level 1, there's a single charge, made at Assessment 1.
For applications at SAIL levels 3 to 6, the charge is split between Assessment 1 and Assessment 2.
UK SORA-based Operational Authorisation, initial application charges, 2025/26
Your operational authorisation will last for 12 months.
| SAIL | Assessment 1 fixed charge | Assessment 2 fixed charge | Total fixed charge | Assessment 2 additional charge per hour |
| 1 | £2,185 | No charge | £2,185 | Not applicable |
| 2 | £2,185 | £1,310 | £3,495 | £330 |
| 3 | £2,185 | £11,574 | £13,759 | £496 |
| 4 | £2,185 | £11,574 | £13,759 | £496 |
| 5 | £2,185 | £37,782 | £39,967 | £496 |
| 6 | £2,185 | £37,782 | £39,967 | £496 |
There is no VAT to pay.
Full details of charges are in the CAA Scheme of Charges (RPAS) (opens in a new tab).
Assessment 1 charges
There is a fixed charge for Assessment 1.
This is the same amount for each SAIL level.
You pay when you've worked out your SAIL and containment levels and are ready for us to assess that they're appropriate for your proposed operations.
What if you decide not to continue to Assessment 2?
You do not have to pay for Assessment 2 if you decide to withdraw your application during or after Assessment 1, or if we refuse your application in Assessment 1.
Assessment 2 charges
SAIL level 1
There is no charge for Assessment 2 at SAIL level 1.
SAIL level 2
For SAIL levels 2 to 6, the fixed charge varies by SAIL level.
You pay when you're ready for us to check that your approach and compliance evidence are appropriate for your proposed operations.
Additional charges
During Assessment 2, if we find that the fixed charge will not cover the time needed to assess your application, we may make additional charges.
Any additional charges will be charged at the applicable hourly rate shown in the initial application charges table. The hourly rate varies by SAIL level.
By submitting your application for Assessment 2, you agree to pay our reasonable additional charges.
How to pay
Paying for Assessment 1
We will take your payment online.
You will need a debit card, credit card or digital wallet to pay.
Paying for Assessment 2
We will send you an invoice. You can pay by bank transfer, debit card or credit card.
We will invoice for any additional charges within 1 month of you incurring them.
Refunds
For information about our policy on refunds, see the CAA Charge Waivers & Refunds Policy (opens in a new tab).
Email enquiries about refunds, quoting your UK-SORA CAA reference number, to: uksora@caa.co.uk
About UK SORA Application Service charges
We set UK SORA Application Service charges at a level designed to cover the cost of assessment and subsequent oversight and enforcement activity.
We intend to carry out a substantial increase in oversight activity under UK SORA to ensure all operators can continue to fly in a safe and sustainable way.
The CAA consults on our charges each year in our Statutory Charges Consultation.
Remember, it's free to calculate your SAIL and containment levels
This can be a good way to explore different options for your proposed operations.
You only pay if you submit your application.
You must have an Operator ID before you start.