When you choose a professional drone operator/ pilot, you’re not just hiring an amateur with a drone — you’re working with fully certified, insured, and competent CAA-qualified drone pilots who meet the UK’s highest standards for aerial operations.
What Does It Mean to Be a CAA Drone Pilot?
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is the UK’s governing body for aviation safety and regulation. To legally operate drones for commercial purposes in the UK, pilots must adhere to strict training and operational requirements.
Qualifications & Certifications
Drone pilots in the UK may hold a range of recognised certifications, including:
- Flyer ID & Operator ID – Required for any legal drone flight in the UK.
- A2 Certificate of Competency (A2 CofC) – Allows safe operation close to people in low-risk environments.
- General Visual Line of Sight Certificate (GVC) – Required for more complex or higher-risk operations within the specific category.
- Article 16 Authorisation – Enables (non commercial) flights within specific geographical zones under specific rules. Enables training flights with more flexibility.
- EASA A1/A3 Certification – For operations in European countries adhering to EASA rules (particularly valuable for work abroad).
- CSCS Card – For operations on or close to construction sites.
- Other recognised qualifications related to the use of drones, such as the Level 4 Award For Unmanned Aircraft Systems, or Level 5 Drone Operations Manager Course.
Skillset & Capabilities
Drone pilots are more than just qualified — they’re skilled professionals trained to handle a variety of aerial missions:
- Surveying & Mapping
- Building and Roof Inspections
- Construction Monitoring & Site Logistics
- Promotional Video and Photography
- Thermal Imaging and Asset Inspections
- Search and Safety-Oriented Flights
Overall, they are trained in aspects such as mission planning, risk assessment, visual line-of-sight navigation, flight planning, principles of flight, navigation, meteorology, GPS and geospatial systems, payload handling, and post-processing of aerial data.
Insured and Compliant
We operate with full EC 785/2004 compliant insurance up to £5 million, ensuring peace of mind for operations.
Why Choose a Professional Drone Pilot?
- Professional & Courteous Service
- Comprehensive Legal Cover
- National Coverage
- Safety-First Approach to All Operations
- Up-to-Date Training & Ongoing Competency Checks
Contact us today to discuss your project.
T-Hathaway Aerial Photograpy
Professional Drone Services across Yorkshire
T-Hathaway Aerial Photograpy 