CAA Approved Drone Pilot

Calibre Aerial Photography CAA approved drone pilots has the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) “Permission for Commercial Operations” PfCO. This means, as a licensed commercial operator of UAV’s (unmanned aerial vehicles) we are governed and regulated by the CAA.

The PfCO is mandatory for anyone operating a commercial aerial photography drone business in the UK, along with adequate public liability insurance.

Our pilots have passed the CAA-approved exams and flight assessments for the purpose of carrying out commercial aerial photography and videography. They all hold the established industry Remote Pilot Qualification (RPQ-s) for multi-rotor aircraft under 7kg.

To fly a Small Unmanned Aircraft (‘SUA’) in the UK, either commercially or recreationally, all pilots are required to comply with CAP393: Air Navigation Order unless otherwise approved by the CAA.

The main operational conditions for an SUA are:

• Maintaining a distance of 50m from people and property not in control of the pilot.
• During take off and landing maintain a distance of 30m from people and property not in control of the pilot.
• Permission of the landowner to take off and land.
• Do not fly directly overhead or within a minimum distance of 150m from an open-air assembly of over 1000 people.
• Fly a maximum height of 400ft above ground level.
• Maintain visual line of sight of the UAV to a maximum distance of 500m.
• Fly during daylight hours, so that you can clearly see the UAV and take avoiding action from other air users if required.
• Outside of controlled airspace.
• Restrictions apply to certain areas of Central London and additional permissions to fly in these areas need to be sought from the CAA.
• Restrictions and rules apply to flying near an airport and aerodrome.

Calibre Aerial Photography are fully insured against injury and damage for each flight with £5million public liability to fly at altitudes of up to 400 feet.

The CAA Regulations for UAV – drones are extremely detailed, our operation manual and procedures for each aircraft has been examined and approved for commercial use by the CAA.