Introduction 

UAS could focus on two principal risks. On-ground – fatal injuries to third parties and damage to critical infrastructure. In the air – fatal injuries to third parties such as another aircraft. Risk in this context is understood to be the combination of the likelihood (probability) of an occurrence and its associated level of severity. Safety means a state in which the risk is considered acceptable. All these risks should be identified earlier prior to beginning the operation. The methodology used to assess the risk is by using SORA.

SORA – Specific Operation Risk Assessment is the methodology developed by JARUS (Joint Authorities for Rulemaking on Unmanned Systems). The SORA risk assessment provides a logical process to analyse the intended UAS operation. It helps to establish an adequate level of confidence that the operation can be conducted with an acceptable level of risk. There are ten steps supporting the SORA methodology.

SORA is part of Safety Risk Management (SRM) which is one of the essential components of a Safety Management System (SMS). The SORA is primarily aimed at the “Specific” category of UAS. Operators that intend to operate in the specific category shall usually submit the application together with SORA to the CAAM for review and approval.

In Malaysia, risk assessment in a specific category is mandated in CAD 6011 Part (V) Special UAS Project published on 1 March 2021.

Learning Objective

After completing the course:

• All participants should be able to explain the SORA process to colleagues and apply it autonomously.
• Participants should be able to understand the SORA methodology for effective development and submission of risk assessment to the CAAM for evaluation and approval.

Course Outline

The following topics are covered:

• Introduction and Objectives
• Background (Operation Categories, Why SORA)
• SORA Introduction (Objective, Applicability, Terminology, Structure)
• CONOPS
• Ground Risk Model
• Air Risk Model
• Strategic and Tactical Mitigation to Reduce the Intrinsic Air Risk
• Operational Safety Objectives
• Full Example Application of SORA Process to Real Scenario

Pre-requisites

• Good command of the English language
• Good understanding of the respective roles of institutions, agencies and other entities involved in developing the regulatory framework for drones.
• Previously attended the RCoC-Basic course.

Participants are kindly requested to bring a laptop to the course to access course material which will only be provided in electronic format.

Duration

2 days starting at 9:00 and ending at 17:00

Trainer’s Profile

Captain Abd Halim bin Shahar Adnan 52,  is an experienced professional commercial aviator spending 33 years as an RMAF and commercial corporate helicopter pilot. Along with his manned aircraft experience, Capt. Abd Halim is also a drone pilot and aviation advisor. His background as a Chief Pilot Safety Quality MHS Aviation Bhd and certified trainer by DCA in various aviation subject give Capt. Abd Halim’s unique understanding of the role of utilizing and teaching sUAS operations.

Capt. Abd Halim’s experience as a manned flight instructor with over 5768 flight hours awards him valuable insight into teaching the complexities of aviation. He also holds CAAM RCoC-B UAS Pilot Certificate.