Structure of the SORA Operations Manuals

Obtaining a SORA or LUC certification is similar to a quality certification (such as ISO9001) but solely focused on a company’s drone program. Obtaining a ‘SORA authorization’ goes far beyond a simple flight authorization; it is the granting of a seal of quality and long-term management in this field.

The Operations Manuals (or Operations Handbooks, ManEx in France), also abbreviated as OMs (Operations Manuals), serve as proof of this quality seal for the authorities. Through a written formalization of all the prerequisites stemming from SORA and by committing to follow them, the authority is willing to grant the authorization.

In a sense, OMs are therefore also created for the authorities. To ensure their proper application, the management of a drone program will make sure that process descriptions are effectively implemented in the field. The pilots, on the other hand, will be provided with other means of compliance focused on practical use (appropriate training, checklists, etc.).

It becomes quite clear that all this different information cannot be maintained in a single document intended for all levels of a drone program. Yet, this is often the case with the models available on the internet.

Each OM has its own function within the company, with a designated responsible person. In aviation, these different responsibilities are already well-defined, and it makes sense to draw significant inspiration from them for drones:

• OM-A: Structure of the company (or drone program) and general processes
• OM-B: Information and limitations of the machines (drones) used
• OM-C: Processes related to operational locations
• OM-D: Training, prerequisites, and competency management

Additionally, the manual for managing emergency situations, the ERP (Emergency Response Plan), is included:

• ERP: Emergency response management plan

It goes without saying that the existing manuals in aviation cannot be entirely adopted as they are; managing a helicopter is not the same as managing an electric drone. However, by drawing inspiration from them and adapting the content to align with the needs of a drone program, the results are excellent.

Thanks to this distinct structure, each role is responsible for managing its corresponding manual. Furthermore, any changes occurring in your drone program are implemented in a targeted manner.

So why do authorities persist in publishing “all-in-one” templates that are unsuitable for long-term management?

First, because these templates were created during the early days of drones. At that time, the full potential of drones was not yet understood, and companies often limited their use to a single, relatively uncommon application within their organization. With only a few personnel involved in the drone program and often just one machine serving a specific purpose, a simple document called the “ConOps” (Concept of Operation) was sufficient.

However, the drone industry and its applications have evolved rapidly—faster than the regulations could keep up with. As a result, authorities today are left with an outdated template that is unfortunately still widely used but no longer meets the demands of advanced drone programs. Overwhelmed by requests from operators—requests that stem precisely from a system that is inflexible and dependent on authorities for every change—regulators no longer have the time to adapt.

Second, due to a lack of knowledge and a broader perspective. Often, the employees responsible for drones within the authorities do not have a strong aviation background. The topics covered in this article may therefore be too unfamiliar or abstract for them to adapt quickly.

Structuring these OMs and their content to present a logical and usable sequence of information is no easy task. Combined with the specific requirements of the authorities, drafting—and especially maintaining—OMs quickly becomes a time-consuming and inefficient process, compromising the profitability of a drone program.

At Digisky, we have now developed dozens of SORA applications using the same manual structure, which has proven its effectiveness across Europe—not only with the authorities but also with our clients. Without overwhelming end operators (pilots) with an overload of information, we are now able to provide compliant, clear, and structured documentation for every level of a drone program.

Recognizing that maintaining these manuals in such a rapidly evolving environment is a demanding task, we take care of this process with our manual management software, Digidoc, freeing you to focus on your operations.