NL
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has released a new edition of the Easy Access Rules for Unmanned Aircraft Systems. This key update of June 2026 not only aggregates the latest regulations and explanations for drone operations but also introduces a redesigned online publication interface that significantly simplifies rule referencing. Additionally, the rules have been updated to include the long-awaited SORA 2.5 risk assessment methodology.
SORA 2.5 officially integrated
The most notable change in this release is the formal integration of ED Decision 2025/018/R, the EASA decision that officially appends the SORA 2.5 methodology to the Acceptable Means of Compliance (AMC) of European Regulation 2019/947.
SORA 2.5 represents the latest methodology for executing risk assessments in the Specific category. Developed by JARUS (Joint Authorities for Rulemaking on Unmanned Systems) with active input from EASA, national aviation authorities, and industry stakeholders, this version builds on years of field experience with prior SORA implementations. Key updates include:
- Methodology Restructuring: A clearer, more streamlined layout of the complete risk assessment workflow.
- Ground Risk Assessment: A revised and more realistic evaluation of potential safety impacts on people on the ground.
- Updated ConOps Templates: Refreshed templates for the Concept of Operations, promoting standardized documentation across the industry.
While SORA 2.5 marks a step forward in harmonizing drone regulations across Europe, industry feedback remains mixed. Many operators and consultants continue to find the process complex and documentation-heavy. Additionally, national authorities can sometimes interpret guidelines differently, occasionally leading to delays in obtaining operating licenses.
Redesigned and mobile-friendly online publication
In addition to the usual PDF and XML versions, a significantly improved online edition of the Easy Access Rules is now available.
This web-based publication portal, built on the eRules platform, offers substantial practical advantages for operators:
- Faster Navigation: Jump instantly through sections and chapters via a clean, interactive index menu.
- Rule Permalinks: Every individual regulation is assigned a permanent link, simplifying direct citations in ConOps, operation manuals, or regulatory applications.
- Responsive Interface: The web interface is optimized to perform seamlessly on mobile devices, making on-set compliance lookups fast and reliable.
What does this mean for Drone Department?
At Drone Department, we operate cinema drone services at the highest level of Film & TV production. Our operations are fully certified under the EASA Specific category, allowing us to perform complex flights in controlled airspace (CTR), near urban areas, and near industrial sites where standard operators are restricted.
The Easy Access Rules are a vital source of guidance for our operations. As they compile both standard regulations and the corresponding AMC and GM (Guidance Material), they provide clear pathways for establishing safety compliance on our projects. SORA 2.5 aids this process, helping us refine our risk assessments and align them with the most current EASA standards.