GVC Operational Risk Assessment (SORA) 2

Question 1

What is an 'Operational Safety Objective' (OSO) in the SORA framework?

Accepted Answer

A specific safety requirement that must be met based on the SAIL level

Answer

Operational Safety Objectives are specific safety requirements assigned based on the SAIL level. Each OSO addresses a particular risk area (e.g., pilot competency, UAS design, maintenance) and must be met to the required level of robustness (low, medium, or high) depending on the SAIL.

Question 2

When conducting a SORA, what is the 'adjacent area' and why is it important?

Accepted Answer

The area surrounding the operational volume where the UAS could end up in a loss-of-control scenario

Answer

The adjacent area is the zone surrounding the operational volume and ground risk buffer where the UAS could potentially end up in an abnormal or emergency situation. Its characteristics (e.g., populated area, gathering of people) affect the ground risk assessment because it represents the area at risk if containment fails.

Question 3

How does SORA classify the air risk for a UAS operation?

Accepted Answer

By the Air Risk Class (ARC), based on the likelihood of encountering manned aircraft

Answer

Air risk in SORA is classified using the Air Risk Class (ARC), which ranges from ARC-a (lowest) to ARC-d (highest). The ARC is determined by the airspace characteristics and the likelihood of encountering manned aircraft in the operational area.

Question 4

What is the 'ground risk buffer' in a SORA assessment?

Accepted Answer

An area surrounding the operational volume that accounts for where the UAS could crash if it leaves the operational volume

Answer

The ground risk buffer is the area on the ground surrounding the operational volume that accounts for the possible crash area if the UAS exits the operational volume. Its size depends on the UAS performance characteristics, and the population density within this buffer affects the ground risk classification.

Question 5

Which of the following would typically result in a HIGHER Ground Risk Class in a SORA?

Accepted Answer

Operating over an assembly of people at an outdoor event

Answer

Operating over an assembly of people significantly increases the ground risk because the potential consequences of a UAS failure are much greater when many people are concentrated in the area. This drives the iGRC to its highest levels in the SORA matrix.

GVC Drone Practice Test

GVC Drone Practice Test

GVC Operational Risk Assessment (SORA) 2