GVC Operational Risk Assessment (SORA)

Question 1

What does SORA stand for in the context of UAS risk assessment?

Accepted Answer

Specific Operations Risk Assessment

Answer

SORA stands for Specific Operations Risk Assessment. It is the methodology developed by JARUS and adopted by the UK CAA for assessing the risk of UAS operations in the Specific category.

Question 2

What are the two main risk categories assessed in a SORA?

Accepted Answer

Ground risk and air risk

Answer

SORA assesses two fundamental risk categories: ground risk (the risk of the UAS causing harm to people or property on the ground) and air risk (the risk of a mid-air collision with manned aircraft). Each is evaluated separately to determine the overall risk level.

Question 3

In SORA, what is the purpose of determining the 'intrinsic Ground Risk Class' (iGRC)?

Accepted Answer

To establish the baseline ground risk before mitigations are applied

Answer

The intrinsic Ground Risk Class (iGRC) establishes the initial, unmitigated risk level of the operation to people on the ground. It is determined by the UAS characteristics (size, kinetic energy) and the operational environment (population density). Mitigations can then be applied to reduce this to a final GRC.

Question 4

Which factor does NOT directly influence the Ground Risk Class in a SORA assessment?

Accepted Answer

The colour scheme of the UAS

Answer

The colour scheme of the UAS has no bearing on the Ground Risk Class. The GRC is determined by factors relating to the potential harm the UAS could cause (dimension, kinetic energy) and the exposure of people on the ground (population density of the operating area).

Question 5

What is the purpose of a 'Containment' mitigation in SORA?

Accepted Answer

To keep the UAS within a defined volume of airspace and ground area

Answer

Containment in SORA refers to technical and procedural measures that ensure the UAS remains within a defined operational volume and ground risk buffer. Effective containment reduces both ground and air risk by preventing the UAS from leaving its intended area of operation.

GVC Drone Practice Test

GVC Drone Practice Test

GVC Operational Risk Assessment (SORA)