There are three steps to applying for a UK SORA-based Operational Authorisation.
Step 1: Calculate your SAIL and containment levels
Start an application and enter details of your proposed operations.
The UK-SORA Application Service will calculate your SAIL and containment levels and show you which requirements you'll need to meet if you decide to apply for an authorisation.
When you're satisfied that you want to apply for an authorisation, you'll need to fix your SAIL and containment levels before moving to Assessment 1.
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.
Step 2:Assessment 1: SAIL and containment level
Enter details of your proposed operations and your approach to any ground risk or air risk mitigations you've selected.
When you're ready, submit your application for Assessment 1.
There's a charge for Assessment 1. You only pay when you submit your application.
What we assess
Assessment 1 enables you to check that your proposed operations are suitable for an operational authorisation before you compile full details of your approach to all requirements.
We'll assess whether:
- your application is at the appropriate SAIL and containment level
- you comply with the requirements for any mitigations you've selected
If we're not able to approve any aspect of your application, we'll issue a finding.
If we approve Assessment 1, you'll be able to move to Assessment 2.
Step 3: Assessment 2: Compliance approach and evidence
Enter your approach to the requirements that apply to your proposed operations. You must provide any evidence we ask for.
When you're ready, submit your application for Assessment 2.
There's a charge for Assessment 2 (unless you're at SAIL level 1). You only pay when you submit your application.
What we assess
We'll assess whether you comply with the requirements that apply to your proposed operations.
If we're not able to approve any aspect of your application, we'll issue a finding.
If we approve Assessment 2, we'll grant your operational authorisation.
You must have an operations manual
Some sections of an operations manual may be used as compliance evidence to UK SORA requirements. Other compliance evidence, such as technical information, should be provided separately.
The application service will help you organise your compliance evidence for submission to us.