EU - South Asia
Aviation Partnership Project II
Strengthening the partnership in aviation between the EU and South Asia

EU-SA APP II - Drones Operations in the
Certified Category and SORA Workshop

This comprehensive workshop aims at expanding SORA and introducing the certified category for drone operations. Learn from international experts, explore advanced regulatory concepts, and discuss future drone applications.

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04 - 08 November 2024, 09:00 - 15:30 (SLST)
 

The EU-SA APP II project's Drones Initiative is flying at cruise altitude (under UTM constraints) with the second regional workshop scheduled from 04 to 08 November 2024, in Sri Lanka. This comprehensive workshop aims at expanding SORA and introducing the certified category for drone operations. Learn from international experts, explore advanced regulatory concepts, and discuss future drone applications.

The workshop will provide a platform for South Asian states to share their current drones regulation status, showcasing best practices and discussing challenges. Through panel discussions and collaborative sessions, participants will identify opportunities for harmonisation and future cooperation between the EU and South Asian states, ultimately aiming to enhance safety, efficiency, and innovation in UAS operations across the region.

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Target participants include members from the Civil Aviation Authorities in South Asia and relevant organisations with drones' operations, such as Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs).

The topics that will be covered are the following:

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​​​​​​Day 1: Monday, 04 November 2024

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Introduction and Setting the Framework
The first day will introduce the participants to the key regulatory concepts related to drone operations, focusing on both regional and global developments. Presentations will provide an overview of the Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA) framework and introduce the concept of the certified category for drones. The goal is to align participants on the workshop’s objectives and ensure a shared understanding of the regulatory landscape.

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Day 2: Tuesday, 05 November 2024

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Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA) in Detail
This day will delve deeper into SORA, with detailed presentations and practical sessions on how to apply the SORA methodology. Participants will learn how to conduct risk assessments for drone operations in the specific category, with examples from international best practices and case studies. Interactive exercises will allow attendees to explore different scenarios and gain hands-on experience in applying SORA principles.

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Day 3: Wednesday, 06 November 2024

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Expanding SORA and Addressing Complex Operations
Day 3 will focus on the expansion of the SORA methodology to address more complex and higher-risk drone operations. Topics such as BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) operations, operations in densely populated areas, and those with high operational risks will be covered. Experts will present advanced case studies, and participants will be involved in group discussions to assess and mitigate risks using SORA.

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Day 4: Thursday, 07 November 2024

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Certified Category and Advanced Regulatory Concepts
The fourth day will introduce the certified category for drones, focusing on the regulatory requirements, certification processes, and operational standards. Discussions will center around how States can implement and adapt certified category operations into their regulatory frameworks. Practical challenges, including certification of drone manufacturers and operators, will be explored in detail with the guidance of international experts.

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Day 5: Friday, 08 November 2024

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Future of Drone Operations and Closing Remarks
The final day will offer participants a glimpse into the future of drone operations, with sessions on emerging technologies, urban air mobility (UAM), and new applications in the certified category. There will be a focus on cooperation between regulators and the industry, followed by a closing session summarizing key takeaways and setting action plans for participants to integrate learned concepts into their operational and regulatory practices.

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Note: Each day will include breaks for networking, refreshments, and informal discussions. The agenda is subject to adjustments based on participant feedback and emerging topics of interest.

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Throughout the five days, the workshop will seek to facilitate a holistic understanding of European UAS practices while tailoring discussions to the specific needs and challenges of the South Asian region, thereby fostering a collaborative approach to drones development both at the regulatory and operational side, led by the EU-SA APP II drones experts.

From the EU-SA APP II, we wish you a successful event.