Article
So, you’ve taken the plunge and successfully completed either the A2 Certificate of Competency (A2 C of C) or the General VLOS Certificate (GVC) course offered by RUAS. The certificate is now in hand, and the sky, quite literally, is the limit. But how do you transition from being a certified pilot to a successful commercial drone pilot in the UK?
Here’s a roadmap to guide you.
Understanding and abiding by the UK’s drone regulations is paramount. The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) regularly updates its rules, so ensure you’re always in compliance. Regularly check their website and attend industry conferences to stay informed.
Your drone and its associated equipment are the tools of your trade. Investing in a high-quality drone and maintaining it well will not only allow you to provide superior services but also reduce the chances of accidents and malfunctions.
The drone industry has multiple niches, such as aerial photography, mapping, agricultural monitoring, and inspections. Find a niche that aligns with your interests and develop expertise in that area.
Just like any other profession, a portfolio showcasing your best work can help you attract clients. Include videos, photographs, and other deliverables from your projects. Ensure you have permission from clients before sharing any materials.
Join drone pilot networks, local business groups, or online forums. Engage with peers, share experiences, and seek opportunities for collaboration. Building relationships can open doors to new ventures and clients.
This is a non-negotiable for commercial drone pilots. Having the right insurance not only protects you from potential liabilities but also instills confidence in potential clients.
Research what other commercial drone pilots are charging in your niche and area. While it might be tempting to undercut the competition, it’s essential to ensure you’re being compensated fairly for your time, skill, and equipment usage.
The drone industry is evolving rapidly. Consider taking advanced courses, workshops, or webinars to stay updated with the latest technologies and techniques.
Having a strong online presence can help attract potential clients. Regularly post your work, share industry news, and engage with followers on platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, X and TikTok.
Last but certainly not least, always strive for excellence. Delivering projects on time, maintaining open communication with clients, and exceeding their expectations will ensure repeat business and positive word-of-mouth referrals.
In conclusion, becoming a successful commercial drone pilot in the UK requires a blend of technical skills, business acumen, and continuous learning. As you embark on this exciting journey, always remember that your reputation is your biggest asset.
£1150
Ofqual-regulated GVC, A2 CofC, Flight Training and Assessment Drone Training Course.
£795
RUAS Aerial Data Processing course is the next step in data capture for image processing of GIS data product generation through Agisoft Metashape.
£599
The General Visual Line Of Sight Certificate (GVC) has been developed for the operation of a drone with a MTOM of <25kg within the Specific Category.
£649
This Learning Plan includes both the A2 Certificate of Competency and the General VLOS Certificate combined at a reduced price.
£400
The GVC Transition is specifically aimed at individuals who are already operating under the legacy PFCO or NQE prior to December 2020 and who need to re-qualify.
£150
This course has been specifically designed for those who need guidance in preparing their Operations Manual in order to apply for an Operational Authorisation from the CAA.
Jessica Garrard-Chick
October 16
There is an undeniable value in the use of drones for all kinds of construction, development, mapping and surveying purposes. The main thing to remember is that this is an aircraft and it needs to be treated as such. It doesn’t matter how large or how small a drone might be, it can still cause serious damage if it hits structures, other vehicles, aircrafts or people.
Yes, drones can be used for more than cool aerial footage in social media videos today. UK drones are actually being leveraged at a rapid pace for construction work, data collection, and picture-taking, completely revolutionising the industry as we once knew it. Providing more accurate intel in a fraction of the normal time without endangering any lives, the potential for construction drones knows no limits at this time.