The AviAssist Foundation has launched a specialized risk assessment course designed to help drone operators, regulators, and aviation professionals navigate complex unmanned flight operations across Africa.
Developed at the request of one of the continent’s largest drone operators, the program teaches the internationally recognized Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA 2.5) framework established by the Joint Authorities for Rulemaking on Unmanned Systems (JARUS). The course addresses the rising demand for standardized safety procedures in advanced operations, including Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) missions, urban air mobility, and critical infrastructure inspections.
Africa’s commercial drone sector continues to expand rapidly across logistics, agriculture, and infrastructure monitoring, with civil aviation authorities in Cameroon, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, and South Africa adopting SORA as the benchmark for compliance and safety. However, aviation experts note that the region still faces a shortage of certified professionals capable of performing comprehensive risk evaluations for complex operations.
Lead instructor and drone safety expert Tom Rehwinkel emphasized that the four-day practical course equips participants to identify operational hazards, design mitigation strategies, and secure regulatory authorizations while maintaining high safety standards.
The curriculum targets Civil Aviation Authority personnel, drone training leaders, and flight operations and compliance managers. Through case studies, practical group exercises, and formal examination, attendees learn to assess ground and air risks, evaluate concepts of operations (ConOps), and compile formal risk assessments.
AviAssist Director Tom Kok highlighted that delivering international best practices tailored to regional realities is vital as the continent shapes its aviation future alongside industry forums like Aviation Africa and the African Drone Forum.
The inaugural edition of the training will take place in Rwanda from November 26 to 29, 2026. Registration details and promotional rates are available through
