Thinking of buying a drone? Here’s what you need to know
Having recently obtained Permission for Commercial Operations (PfCO) from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), we can’t wait for our drone services to take flight in 2020.
Not only is this great news for our existing wedding clients, it’s also a real win for local businesses looking to take advantage of a host of aerial photography and videography services. However, while a PfCO may work wonders for businesses like Studio Lester, it may not be something that the average drone enthusiast needs to concern themselves with.
In this blog we’ll take a closer look at the PfCO while answering some of the most common questions would-be pilots have when it comes to drone operations. So if you’re thinking of buying yourself a drone or maybe asking for one for Christmas, be sure to give this article a read first.
What is a PfCO and do I need one?
A Permission for Commercial Operations (PfCO) is essentially a drone license. Granted by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the PfCO permits drone operators to use their unmanned aerial vehicle for commercial jobs.
For companies like Studio Lester this is essential, as the majority of the aerial videography or photography projects we undertake are billable jobs - meaning they fall under the umbrella term, ‘commercial operations.’
So if you’re looking to use a drone to make money, whether it be through shooting weddings, surveys or even search and rescue jobs, you’re going to need a PfCO in order to do so legally.
What’s the punishment for working commercial jobs without a PfCO?
If you’re thinking of running a commercial operation without permission from the CAA, you run the risk of landing a hefty fine or even a prison sentence.
How do I get a drone license (PfCO)?
To obtain a Permission for Commercial Operations from the CAA you’ll need to first complete a theory test before taking a short flight test to showcase your capabilities as a pilot. You’ll then need to complete an Operations Manual which, when combined with the two aforementioned tests, provides you with everything you need to get your license.
While there’s plenty of training providers all vying for your business, it’s Aerial Motion Pictures’ ICARUS PRO course that we’d recommend. Taking place at various locations across the UK throughout the year, we bagged our place on the course for under £1,000 - a real steal when you consider what’s included:
2 Day Instructor Led Training
ICARUS Resource Library + E-Learning
Flight Reference Cards
Refreshments and Lunch
Aide-memoire
Certificate upon passing Theory Course
ICARUS Night course
Operational Evaluation (Flight Test)
Operations Manual (Delivered by a Consultant)
Support 9am-5pm Monday to Friday
I’m just a hobbyist - do I need a PfCO drone license?
If you’re a hobbyist that’s just looking to use a drone for fun, you don't need a PfCO drone license. However, it is worth reading-up on basic air law and keeping the following rules in mind whenever you use your drone:
Always maintain visual line of sight (VLOS) of your drone
Never fly in windy, misty or rainy conditions
Never fly your drone above 400ft
Never fly near other people, roads or buildings
Avoid flying in restricted airspace
Always ask permission before flying on private land
How do I check if I’m working in restricted airspace?
There are plenty of websites and apps dedicated to helping users understand the airspace they’re hoping to work in. A firm favourite of ours is a free service called Notam Info, which can be accessed via both desktop and mobile devices.
To check the status of the airspace you’re working in, zoom in to the relevant section of the map and click the ‘Airspace Details’ drop-down on the right. Once you’ve done that, select the box next to ‘Show Default Airspace’ before clicking the area of the map you’re looking to work in. This should bring up a small box containing information on the airspace in question.
If the area is restricted, it should be fairly obvious - stating both the type of restriction that’s enforced, and the altitude at which it applies. For example, for a drone operator looking to use their drone in Saltaire - where Studio Lester is based - they’ll notice that the airspace falls within the controlled space of Leeds Bradford airport, with restrictions in place from the surface up to 8,500ft.
Where can I fly a drone without a PfCO?
Sticking to basic drone laws is essential whether you’re flying with or without a PfCO. This means that even if you’re flying in unrestricted airspace, there are plenty of things you’ll need to bear in mind.
Thinking of flying in a built-up area such as a housing estate or busy city centre? Think again. When it comes to flying a drone in any type of airspace, wide open areas are your best friend - preferably those away from trees, roads, buildings, the general public and other forms of wildlife.
Don’t forget that if you’re flying on private land - including national parks, world heritage sites and other private estates - you’ll also need permission from the landowner before you can use your drone.
Can I fly a drone near airports?
For obvious reasons, all active airports and aerodromes sit within restricted airspace, making nearby drone operations impossible without permission from the relevant air traffic control tower.
It’s worth remembering the havoc caused when a certain pilot ignored this near Gatwick airport earlier this year - an incident which ultimately affected 140,000 passengers and 1,000 flights.
Do I need drone insurance?
If you’re using your drone for non-commercial purposes, there's currently no legal obligation to obtain insurance. However, given the sheer volume of drone-related accidents that occur each year, it does make sense to invest in personal liability cover at the very least.
For those looking to secure a PfCO and perform commercial operations however, drone cover is essential - with Flock, Coverdrone Eversure some of the best names in the business.
Can I fly a drone indoors?
Provided you’re in a safe, controlled environment (one that’s not filled with people!), flying your drone indoors is perfectly legal. Just be sure to use your propeller guards and be mindful that without any wind to diffuse the sound of the motor, it’s going to be loud!
What drone should I buy?
So you’re confident that you know all the rules and are ready to buy your first drone. Let’s take a look and see some of the most popular options available on the market today:
Mavic Air
Weighing in at just 430g and sitting neatly in the palm of your hand, the Mavic Air is a super-portable drone that’s capable of capturing amazing video footage. Utilising a 12MP CMOS sensor and an f/2.8 lens with a 35mm equivalent focal length, we’ve used the Mavic Air on a number of wedding shoots this year and have been amazed at the 4K footage recorded.
Pros: lightweight, affordable, amazing 4K video footage
Cons: sharp stills are almost impossible due to the 12MP sensor
Phantom Pro 4
While a lot of operators would choose the Mavic Pro 2 over the Phantom Pro 4, it’s the latter option that we opted for due to its amazing build-quality and slow-motion capabilities. It’s also a great all-rounder, with a 1” 20MP sensor that’s just as comfortable recording stunningly-sharp 4K footage as it is capturing stills.
Pros: professional-grade footage, great stills,
Cons: much bulkier than the Mavic Air/Pro, expensive
DJI Inspire 2
If you’re looking to take your drone business to the next level or wish to break into film or television work, the DJI Inspire 2 could just be the perfect partner. Complete with a range of camera options and interchangeable lenses, when partnered with the Zenmuse X7, this beast can even capture footage at up to 6K in CinemaDNG/RAW and 5.2K in Apple ProRes.
Pros: interchangeable lenses, 6K/5.2K footage
Cons: at almost £10,000 all-in, you’ll need plenty of cash in the bank to land the Inspire 2
Got a drone-related question that hasn’t been covered in this article? Get in touch and we’ll be sure to get back to you with an answer. And don’t forget, now that Studio Lester has obtained its PfCO from the CAA, we’ll be sharing details on our all-new drone offering later this year. Stay tuned for more.