If you’ve taken an interest in the many benefits of using drones in business, you may find hiring drone services the right solution. Perfect for those businesses which can substantially benefit but who don’t have the resources for the necessary investment in a UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) and subsequent training.

Whilst the advantages of using drones is clear, there are many considerations with regard to the rules and regulations involved.  However, it doesn’t mean that it is as complicated as you might think.

Regulations

In the United Kingdom, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is the governing body for airspace across the country.  They offer a plethora of information on the use of drones for both commercial pilots and the general public.  This information is a great reference point for both recreational and commercial drones.  However, this may prove unnecessary once you’ve taken the decision to hire a CAA compliant commercial drone service provider such as Monssi.

Certification

Although technically drone pilots don’t need CAA permission to fly commercially, without a Permission for Commercial Operations (PfCO), any service provider’s drone operations are significantly limited. Whilst an A2 Certificate of Competency (A2 CofC) will allow a pilot to fly in built up areas, perhaps the best testament for any would-be hire is their experience.

Insurance and Know How

Before hiring a commercial drone service provider, make sure you ask about insurances as well as certification.  Furthermore, it’s a useful exercise to ask for details on any compliance-based processes undertaken.  Whatever their specialism, any drone service provider should be able to give you confidence in their due diligence and flight planning.  Risk assessment; checking the weather; alerting the necessary agencies and mapping all form part of the necessary preparations.  Moreover, a process incorporating checks of all equipment is also essential.

Best Practice

It’s sensible to allocate a project manager to work with any commercial pilot.  Operations will run much more smoothly if the project manager representing your company has all the information at his or her fingertips.  Copies of flight plans and schedule will arm them with the necessary detail to successfully manage the relationship.

A full understanding of the responsibilities involved whether they be yours or your suppliers is essential. Good communication and a good relationship with your sub-contractor will ensure you have full confidence in their abilities.  Equally, you can learn from their previous work with other clients.

Another good practice is to develop an operational manual.  It makes sense to include standard operating procedures, roles, responsibilities, reporting methods and a risk management system.

The Right Provider

As with all industries, working with a specialist company will ensure you get the best service.  Whether your drone services provider is carrying out photography and videography on your behalf or building and site surveys, knowing it’s a specialism can allow you full confidence in both their capabilities and equipment.  Not all UAVs have the same capability.  Different shapes and sizes bring major differences to getting the job done as well as possible.  Equally, the cameras and technology available will make a huge difference.

Do your research, build a good rapport with your sub-contractor and hiring drone services may prove the best decision you’ve ever made!