The 29th of September 2025 is the date from which we can officially use SORA 2.5 in Europe. In this context, the LBA has published an important notice for all operators applying for an operational authorization. In the text below, you will find important information on the changes from SORA 2.0 to 2.5 as well as links and dates you should note if you are using or want to use SORA in your drone activities.
Who is affected by the changes?
“SORA 2.0,” or Specific Operations Risk Assessment (a method for risk assessment of drone operations), has accompanied us since the introduction of the new European regulations for drones. Although the JARUS group completed work on the latest version “SORA 2.5” as early as May 2024, the EASA only approved its use in Europe at the end of September 2025. For many pilots and companies, this was a long-awaited change.
The changes in SORA affect all drone operators who have applied or intend to apply for authorization to operate in the specific category (when the OPEN category and standard scenarios do not meet the operator’s requirements). This primarily concerns pilots who, for example, want to fly large drones in urban areas, at altitudes above 120 meters, or conduct BVLOS flights. The risk assessment process itself has become more transparent but can still be complicated for many pilots.
If the authorization or SORA assessment process still intimidates you, contact us. Pro Fly Center can support you – contact us and tell us a little about the flight you want to conduct.
Major change
But what is new? The most anticipated change concerns the determination of ground risk. In SORA 2.0, the mere presence of a single residential building in the flight area led to the entire operation being classified as conducted in a populated area. Populated areas, in turn, meant high operational risk. This often caused problems obtaining authorizations, as it was not always possible to mitigate such risks.
In SORA 2.5, the classification of ground risk appears to be more flexible, thanks to an approach based on real population density data. However, pilots will only fully feel this change in the future. Why? To make full use of this function, special population density maps should be used. EASA has been working on these maps for some time but has not yet completed the work. Nevertheless, this change should be viewed positively. A more rational and practical approach to classifying ground risk will certainly impact the authorization process by the LBA.
We will, of course, inform you as soon as the relevant sources are published.
What else is new in SORA 2.5?
The main changes introduced with SORA 2.5 are:
- Clarifications for better understanding of the process – very practical step-by-step descriptions and explanations of unclear terms.
- Change of the model for determining ground risk – shift from a qualitative method (land use/building of the area) to a quantitative method based on population density:
SORA 2.0
SORA 2.5
- Changes in measures to mitigate ground risk – the Emergency Response Plan is no longer considered mitigation, while ground observation and shelter factor are included as mitigation:
SORA 2.0
SORA 2.5
- Requirements for defining the airspace and the area adjacent to the planned operation have been clarified.
- Criteria under which extended containment (FTS – Flight Termination System) is required have changed – currently the main factor is population density in the adjacent area, no longer the type of adjacent airspace as in SORA 2.0.
Dates! Important Notice from the LBA
Immediately after the publication of the information, an important notice regarding transition periods in connection with the new risk assessment methodology appeared on the LBA website:
- Existing operational authorizations with SORA 2.0 will, from 01.01.2026 (application submission date), only be extended until 31.12.2027 at the latest. From 01.01.2028, existing authorizations under SORA 2.0 will only be extended by converting to SORA 2.5.
- Existing operational authorizations with SORA 2.0 can still be amended as before (e.g., new flight areas, different UAS, etc.). However, the authorization will not be extended under SORA 2.0 beyond 31.12.2027.
- Existing operational authorizations with SORA 2.0 can be converted to SORA 2.5 via an amendment application. Please make sure to make the conversion in time before 31.12.2027.
Source:Luftfahrt-Bundesamt – Operational Authorizations
It should also be noted that the LBA has published a new SORA and application forms for authorizations. The old versions are still available and can be used for SORA 2.0 but are not compatible with SORA 2.5.
Summary
The changes affect UAS operators flying in the specific category and using SORA to obtain an operational authorization.
The risk assessment process has become more transparent and clearer.
The announced major changes to the SORA methodology have been implemented.
The topic of airspace classification and air risk has not changed. Changes in this area will be addressed with SORA 3.0.
A transition period has been introduced, specifying until when and under what conditions SORA 2.0 can still be used.
The new version of SORA 2.5 materials can be found at:
ED Decision 2025/018/R – Regular update of the AMC and GM to Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947 — Operation of drones in the ‘open’ and ‘specific’ category | AMC & GM to Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947 — Issue 1, Amendment 3 | EASA
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