If you are considering engaging the services of a UAS Service provider in UK either as a commercial or as a domestic customer, you may wish to read on.
A service provider delivering a service in UK that utilises small unmanned aircraft systems for collecting data and imagery commercially, are legally required to apply to the CAA to allow them to operate. They will also require other policies, certificates and documents to support CAA certificate. This is similar to engaging other support services such as gas fitters (Gas Safe).
This article is aimed to be a brief explanation of the minimum evidence that you should expect to see as a customer from the sUAS (In our case an airvehicle less than 20 kgs) service provider in UK. It is not complicated, although some commercial organisations are making money from complicating it.
There are 3 main areas of documentary evidence relevant to a customer:
- CAA Approval certificate – The operator should have a CAA certificate (Or copy) which clearly states the limitations and boundaries for operation. This typically is on a single page with who, where, when and how the operator is allowed to operate.
- Pilot / Crew certification – As stipulated in the CAA certificate above, a pilot/crew member should have evidence to align with the requirements.
- Insurance certificate – A valid certificate of insurance for a minimum of 3rd party damage, is required by law.
The above are the basic legal requirements that we at A J S would suggest you ask for. Seeing these will give you a warm feeling that the operator is on the right track for safe legal operation. Our further advice when selecting the provider, is not to be drawn in by and sold solely on a glossy certificate, there are many other signs that a service provider operates safely. As with other service providers you use, look for recommended providers or dig a little deeper.
READERS PLEASE BE AWARE - There is not one size fits all for the pilot certification. There are a whole range of aviation professionals including professional pilots and professional UAV pilots that are commercially operating sUAS in UK legally, and they are doing so under evidence to the CAA based on combinations of experience and/or qualifications. Contrary to some sales pitches, these are often the most professional that you will find in the country to deliver the service to you.
The CAA references applicable are:
CAP 393 – AIR NAVIGATION: THE ORDER AND THE REGULATIONS – http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/33/CAP393.pdf
CAP 722 – UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM OPERATIONS IN UK AIRSPACE – GUIDANCE – http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/33/CAP722.pdf
For up to date and authoritative information just visit the CAA website at http://www.caa.co.uk/uas