After a long preparation, the so-called AMC (Accepted Means of Compliance) amendment containing SORA 2.5 was published on the website of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) on September 29. The renewed AMC describes the new methodology for mandatory risk analysis in the special operation category, which must be applied uniformly throughout the European Union. Applications for new operating permits must now be submitted in accordance with SORA 2.5, and operating permits already in force (including the documentation of LUC holders) must be brought into line with SORA 2.5 within two years, according to the EASA decision. In our article series, we will review the most significant changes that impact the methodology.
As mentioned in the fourth part of our article series, static and dynamic population density also play a role in the renewed SORA methodology. This article will discuss dynamic population density and its significance.
Static population density data can basically play a role in determining the initial ground risk class, while dynamic population density data, on the other hand, play a role in reducing the already determined ground risk class, including with the M1(B) risk reduction measure (and in some cases with M1(A) as well).
The concept of dynamic population density stems from the fact that the number of people at risk of the drone operation is not a static figure and might differ in space and time. The operator can claim that they are limiting the operation in space and time (e.g., flying over the marketplace only after closing, or flying over an unused part of the marketplace during opening hours), and thus the number of people exposed to the dangers of the drone operation, i.e., the population density, is actually reduced.
However, the effectiveness of this reduction must be proven, which can be done through on-site analysis (e.g., by presenting several previous static population density data points) or by using a database that provides dynamic, real-time data. The latter includes, for example, a map based on cell information from mobile network operators.
The methodology does not state which database or map is the most suitable or may not be accepted. The competent aviation authority should consider, on a case-by-case basis, whether the operator has adequately demonstrated that the actual population density during the operation is lower than that which was taken into account when determining the initial ground risk class.