About Specific Operations Exploration Tool (SOET)
Welcome to the RAS-Gateway Specific Operations Exploration Tool (SOET). This tool has been designed to help you with assessing the ground and air risks along with required mitigations for complex remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) operations, within Australia. It follows the JARUS SORA process and should be used in conjunction with the JARUS SORA guidelines.
The Specific Operations Exploration Tool helps users understand the regulatory requirements for specific UAS operations in Australia under CASA’s regulatory framework.
SOET is designed to help UAS operators navigate the complex regulatory landscape in Australia. It provides:
- Guidance on CASA regulatory categories
- Understanding of Specific category operations
- Assistance with identifying required approvals
- Information on operational risk assessments
- Links to relevant documentation and forms
SOET is particularly useful for operators planning operations that fall outside standard operating conditions and require specific approval from CASA.
CASA Categories
Open Category
Low-risk operations with standard operating conditions. No specific approval required.
Specific Category
Medium-risk operations requiring CASA approval based on operational risk assessment.
Certified Category
High-risk operations requiring full certification of UAS and operator.
How to Use SOET
1. Define Your Operation
Describe your planned UAS operation including aircraft type, location, altitude, and purpose.
2. Identify Requirements
SOET will identify the regulatory category and any specific approvals or conditions required.
3. Access Resources
Get links to relevant forms, guidance materials, and CASA resources to support your application.
Why you would use the Specific Operations Exploration Tool…
Evaluate the feasibility of your RPAS operation prior to lodging a formal application with CASA
Explore the effects different operational constraints and mitigation have on the viability of an operation
Who should use the Specific Operations Exploration Tool…
- Operator – would benefit from SOET as they can familiarise themselves with the SORA regulations and processes. The operator would be able to walk executives through the SORA process, to help make the executive aware of operational requirements and mitigations. The operator would also be able to learn what scenarios lead to different outcomes.
- Original Equipment Manufacturer – would benefit from SOET as they would be able to play around with parameters to see how it will affect the developers build. This means they can have an idea of what is required for their build beforehand, rather than having to massively redesign at a later point.
- Consultant – would benefit from SOET, as they can look at how feasible a proposal is and be able to guide a client through the SORA process.
What the Specific Operations Exploration Tool is…
This tool will help you to understand:
- Factors which influence the risk that your RPAS operation poses to other people on the ground
- Factors which influence the risk that your RPAS operation poses to other aircraft in your operating area
- Actions which you can take to reduce the ground risk and air risk associated with your RPAS operation
- Other considerations for gaining approval for your RPAS operation within Australia.
- Drawing of drone
What the Specific Operations Exploration Tool is not…
Disclaimers:
The information in this tool is provided as general regulatory information and provides the author’s interpretation of SORA; it is not regulatory or legal advice, and should not be relied upon as if it were.
This tool is based on the JARUS SORA framework and is tailored to suit the Australian context. It is not suitable for the development of SORA applications outside of Australia.
This tool is not sufficient in its own right for you to gain operational approvals from the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). During your conversations with CASA regarding obtaining approval, you may identify additional risk mitigations which are necessary to gain approval for your RPA operation.
This tool addresses possible mitigations for air and ground risk associated with your RPA operation. The use of this tool does not alter your responsibility under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 to protect your workers and other persons against harm to their health, safety and welfare, through the elimination or minimisation of risks arising from work. Aside from air and ground risks, there may be other types of risk associated with your RPA operation.
State of the Specific Operations Exploration Tool
Please note that the Specific Operation Exploration Tool is currently at a proof of concept, minimum viable product (MVP) stage.
Throughout the tool, clicking the help tooltip icon will take you to a page with some basic information and meanings of what some of the questions are asking. If you need more help, please follow the links to JARUS SORA. You can also contact CASA or a relevant consultancy.
We hope to be able to improve the tool in future and provide a service that will be helpful and beneficial for users.