Red tape frustrating UK.

Hiwayman · Feb 7, 2022

I have been approached to assist looking for a lost animal. (UK) .Happy to assist and have been offered the use of Enterprise Advanced to use free of charge.
I won't charge for my service but insurer is saying this is classified as commercial

, which in turn means site risk assessments at any chosen site and landowners consent documents etc etc.
Flying over agricultural land, away from property feel like red tape is not my friend here.
Hoping for flexibility where it doesn't appear to exist

Thoughts.....

Don Testme · Feb 7, 2022

If they plan on documenting you as the pilot in their reports, you definitely need the proper authorizations. It's unlikely you would get caught unless someone who works for the company is really **** and finds out , then decides to report the infraction. On the other hand, being a good Samaritan and not asking for remuneration then sending maps and a report where you searched could be classified as recreational , if you in your heart of hearts really just think the idea of doing it would be fun. Add an addendum to the file or a pre-statement that you have been asked to fly a new drone that you have never used and are going to do so with the primary intent of just enjoying the use of the drone. Don't add any statements saying that you were asked or have the intent or had the intent to do a search or surveillance mission.

Hiwayman · Feb 7, 2022

Don Testme said:
If they plan on documenting you as the pilot in their reports, you definitely need the proper authorizations. It's unlikely you would get caught unless someone who works for the company is really **** and finds out , then decides to report the infraction. On the other hand, being a good Samaritan and not asking for remuneration then sending maps and a report where you searched could be classified as recreational , if you in your heart of hearts really just think the idea of doing it would be fun. Add an addendum to the file or a pre-statement that you have been asked to fly a new drone that you have never used and are going to do so with the primary intent of just enjoying the use of the drone. Don't add any statements saying that you were asked or have the intent or had the intent to do a search or surveillance mission.

Its probably not as involved as that.... simply being asked to check out a few locations to put the animal's owner's mind at rest that they have tried everything.
I wouldn't have considered this to be commercial, but my insurer thinks otherwise

Thank you for your thoughts...