Hiring a drone pilot – what you need to know?

If you’re looking to hire a drone pilot for the first time, it can feel a little confusing, but at Blue Whale Media, we have all the answers you need when getting quality drone footage Warrington.

It can be puzzling in terms of specialist language and acronyms, as well as the changes in the law, which can

leave you wondering whether it’s the right solution for you. Our drone footage Warrington team has got the guidelines you need to know about:

Commercial pilots only

Drone pilots are divided into two categories, commercial operators and amateur flyers. If you’re looking to hire a drone company to shoot drone footage Warrington, then you need to use a commercial operator by law. A Civil Aviation Authority Certified pilot is a necessity because they carry a certain level of publication liability insurance, but flying in certain areas may involve higher levels of insurance to cover and meet local authority requirements.

How do I know who is a legal pilot?

Commercial UAV operators have to pass a series of theoretical and practical exams as well as complete a detailed operations manual laying out all their productions for safe working. They then apply to the CAA (civil aviation authority), who inspects all this material and then grant permission fr commercial operation (PFCO), which is annually renewed. When hiring someone to create your drone footage Warrington you need to know the name they are registered with; we recommend you do this as it is an essential part of your due diligence.

Where can drones fly?

When you’ve found a drone pilot, there are questions of if they are able to safely and legally complete the work. When filming drone footage Warrington, there are specific rules that have to be followed:

  • They cannot fly higher than 400 feet or 120 metres.
  • They must remain 50 metres away from people or buildings, being under the control of the pilot means that you are aware of the flight, our drone footage Warrington team brief al safety procedures and follow them to the letter.
  • When there is a gathering of more than 100 people, the safe distance increases to 150 metres away.
  • A drone pilot must have permission from the landowner at the take-off and landing zone.

Remember to check the PFCO document to confirm that the flight plan is permitted to ensure that your drone footage Warrington is compliant.

Drones near airports

Following the law changes in January 2019, drones are not allowed to fly within 5km of an airport or airfield without permission. It is always best to discuss what you would like to achieve with your drone pilot and examine all the details when given a quote. Each project for drone footage Warrington will require the drone pilot to review legal requirements, location and risk assessment. 

Check the weather

You should be aware of the weather on your advised day of filming your drone footage W

Warrington. Your drone pilot should never fly unless they are satisfied; the flight is safe to be made and continue to check the weather before and throughout the day. UAV forecast is an online tool for UAV operators and drone pilots to monitor weather conditions, which also includes alerts and potential risks on the local map.

It is essential to take a moment to reassure you that drone footage Warrington can be an extremely affordable option in many areas, and the drone pilot you have hired will be able to guide you through the process from start to finish.