The Digitising Specific Category Operations (DiSCO) project is an important programme run by the CAA to digitize the Operational Authorisation process, so that the submission and review of OAs can be essentially automated – a gain in time and efficiency. Beyond the pure IS/IT project, they are reviewing several aspects of Operational Authorisations in the context of a transition to SORA. Hence the objective of setting up 4 working groups with stakeholders on:

+/ risk assessment and the implementation of the SORA (Specific Operations Risk Assessment) methodology in the UK

+/ Pilot competence, a follow-up to the consultation that closed end August

+/ Flightworthiness, where operators can demonstrate the robustness of their RPAS through an assessment by an external Recognised Assessment Entity (RAE) and use that argument as a risk mitigation ( like class-marking in the Specific Category).

+/ The new online application tool, ie User Experience, ease of use of the IS/IT tool itself

WE THINK THIS IS AN IMPORTANT SCHEME AND WILL ISSUE A SEPARATE POST TO CALL FOR EXPERTS TO JOIN OUR MIRROR WORKING GROUPS IN ORDER TO SHAPE OUR POSITIONS.

Publication from the CAA:

“Our DiSCO project will transform risk assessment for Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) in the Specific Category, comprising of 4 key elements: SORA, pilot competence, flightworthiness, and the new technical platform.
 
To ensure that the needs and expectations of stakeholders align with the development and implementation of the new platform, we are establishing the DiSCO Stakeholder Working Group. This will help facilitate engagement, consultation and collaboration between the CAA and industry and operator stakeholders, also helping the CAA maintain its high standard of safety, promotion of efficiency and innovation in Specific Category operations of RPAS.
Visit the CAA’s application centre to find out more or to apply to be a member of the working group.”