Australia announces new online SORA tool for drone operators

The Australian Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts has announced a new online tool to aid in the completion of Specific Operations Risk Assessments (SORA) for complex drone operations, including flying beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS).

SORA-Mate offers a standardised process, designed for ease of use, for drone operators to undertake risk analysis, mitigation strategies and report generation in line with international guidelines. 

Designed for Australia’s requirements, the Department says SORA-Mate will help operators more easily conduct safe and compliant flights in controlled airspace and will reduce approval timeframes.

SORA-Mate was funded under Round One of the Emerging Aviation Technology Partnerships Program and was developed in partnership by Hover UAV and ANRA Technologies. The programme supports strategic partnerships with industry using emerging aviation technology to address community needs, particularly in regional Australia.

Hover UAV is hosting an online webinar on 26 September 2024 which will provide guidance on how to use SORA-Mate.