New to drones and drone training ...here we go again.

[Nike55]

OK so thinking of PFCO training in January - currently not currently a drone pilot, but thought it would be a useful tool in the box when I do get one (probably in January - a DJI Mavic - not sure if going for '2 ' or a 'zoom' - as a keen stills photographer I'm leaning toward a '2').

I'm in no rush but I have received a request to take some aerial snaps at work - max height 50ft, a commercial environment and within 2km of an active aerodrome. I have written to the aerodrome ATC in order to liaise with them - there is no commercial gain for me - its a freebie. Maybe a PFCO will be useful...

I am aware of the July 2020 regs - and the need to replace a non-category drone in 2022, plus the fact that if using a non-EASA category drone in the interim operations might be a) complicated b) compromised.

Presumably closer to the time DJI will need to produce a new series, or modify the current generation to comply with the revised regulations - what will this do to the 'refurbished market' prices.

Will some manufacturers think about using a current model (which could be made to comply simply) then re-branding and adding £££ to the price?

Anyone have a crystal ball?

 

[The Editor]

OK so thinking of PFCO training in January - currently not currently a drone pilot, but thought it would be a useful tool in the box when I do get one (probably in January - a DJI Mavic - not sure if going for '2 ' or a 'zoom' - as a keen stills photographer I'm leaning toward a '2').

I'm in no rush but I have received a request to take some aerial snaps at work - max height 50ft, a commercial environment and within 2km of an active aerodrome. I have written to the aerodrome ATC in order to liaise with them - there is no commercial gain for me - its a freebie. Maybe a PFCO will be useful...

I am aware of the July 2020 regs - and the need to replace a non-category drone in 2022, plus the fact that if using a non-EASA category drone in the interim operations might be a) complicated b) compromised.

Presumably closer to the time DJI will need to produce a new series, or modify the current generation to comply with the revised regulations - what will this do to the 'refurbished market' prices.

Will some manufacturers think about using a current model (which could be made to comply simply) then re-branding and adding £££ to the price?

Anyone have a crystal ball?

I’m afraid it has nothing to do with upcoming regulations (which can be dropped or altered at anytime) and may never see the light of day post Brexit.
Legally and technically, EASA will cease to ‘control’ the game after January 31st since the UK will not be a member state.
In reality of course, it will be much more complex than that.

The scenario you describe falls firmly with the CAA remit and will require a PfCO to undertake.

Even if no money changes hands it is still a commercial mission/operation and will be seen as such.

Whoever asked you at work should not even be contemplating asking a non certified UAV operator to undertake any aerial work. Although I would guess they are ignorant of what is required.

Obviously you can do exactly as you like but you will not be insured to carry out the work, nor I doubt will you be able to undertake a suitable risk assessment and site survey to comply with CAA conditions which have to be completed before every job.

It would be best if you go ahead and take your PfCO which will give you a full understanding of what is involved. You would then be 100% legal, and if you choose to still do the job free of charge it’s entirely up to you but you will be on the right side of the law.

 

[Nike55]

Thank you for your comments.

 

[johnbirt]

This video The PfCO is dead! is one of many made by Mr MPW relevant to the proposed changes which are supposedly going to remove the commercial aspects - at least as far as I understand it. Anyway there is plenty of info for UK fliers available for example by this guys regular videos on this topic which seem authoritative and very good IMO.

 

[old man mavic]

if the PFCO is dead then you can bet there will be some other form of permission to allow for commercial operations, either that or it will mean that everyone who flies a drone will have to have liability insurance and keep records and fly as a PFCO holder does now ,unless there is going to be a distinction between anything M2P size or below none commercial, and anything bigger or perhaps heavier than a mavic would be classed as commercial regardless of use it is going to be totally different to what is now the norm

 

[Nike55]

Thanks for all the comments.

'Mr MPW' at Icarus has provided some insight into the future.

Think I'll just go renew my PPL and put a (small) telephoto on my DSLR ....