FAQ
- 3D Tours
- Roof Surveys
- Event Coverage
- 4K Aerial Photography
- Press Coverage
- Construction Surveys
- Corporate Event Recording
- Agricultural & Environmental Surveys
- Inspections of :
- Solar Panels
- Parapets
- Gutters
- Flat Roofs
- Skylights
- Lead Flashing
- Pointing
- Windows
- DJI Phantom Vision 2 Plus
- DJI Phantom 3 Advanced
- DJI Inspire 1 (equipped with a 4K resolution camera system)
- Before any task is carried out a desktop survey must be completed in addition to a onsite survey
- The pilot works strictly in accordance with an approved Operations Manual, and Risk Assessment.
- If required, a letter drop may be carried out to inform people that a UAV/Drone could be flying over or close by to inform them to stay at least 50m away for safety and Risk Assessment purposes.
- Police may be informed of the task being carried out with a reference No of the task obtained
The Remote Pilot Certificate SUAS (RPCS) course is CAA approved and offers training and assessment to SUAS, UAV or drone operators that wish to obtain PfCO (Permission for Commercial Operations) from the CAA. Operators require Permission for Commercial Operations if they wish to fly their aircraft on a commercial basis (conducting ‘aerial work’ for payment or valuable consideration), or fly a camera/surveillance fitted aircraft within congested areas or close to people and properties that are not under their control. This course ensures operators fly safely and legally in the UK The RPCS course is made up of two phases, which can be broken down into three main components; Theory, Ops Manual Assessment and Practical Assessment. Phase One consists of classroom theory, with Phase Two containing the Ops Manual Assessment and Practical Assessment.
Theory
The theory component consists of two and a half days in the classroom, supported by eLearning, and covers the following modules:
- Air Law
- Theory of Flight
- Meteorology
- Civil Aviation Procedures (CAPS)
- Navigation
- Lithium Polymer Batteries
- Emergency Procedures
- Human Factors
- Flight Planning Exercise, and
- Operations Manual Guidance
- On the third day candidates complete a Theory Exam, which once passed, awards them with the Remote Pilot Certificate Theory (RPCT). This is a pre-requisite to completing the practical component.
Ops Manual
After successful completion of the RPCT, candidates are given 15 working days to complete and submit their Ops Manual for approval by a highly qualified expert. This is completed in the candidate’s own time and requires them to produce a manual detailing the way in which they operate their SUAS to conform to regulations and safety standards. The theory course is structured so that guidance on the Ops Manual is received from day one of the course, giving candidates the knowledge and confidence necessary to fulfil this task without undue delay.
Practical Assessment
Once the Ops Manual is deemed and ratified satisfactory by our experts, you will be assigned an evaluator. The evaluator will give candidates a practical scenario that reflects a normal task that he/she can expect in the future. The candidate will plan the mission and carry out the practical task at an approved operational sites. Successful completion of the practical task gives students the RPCS award and ability to apply for PfCO (Permission for Commercial Operations) from the CAA. Practical Assessment details
Permission for Commerical Operations
What is PfCO? Permission for Commercial Operations is a CAA requirement if you wish to fly Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (SUAS), small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or drones on a commercial basis (conducting ‘aerial work’ for payment or valuable consideration), or fly a camera/surveillance fitted aircraft within congested areas or close to people and properties that are not under your control.
How do I apply for PfCO?
Each training academy will be recognised by the CAA as a National Qualified Entity (NQE). This allows the academy to deliver courses that train and assess candidates on their overall airmanship skills, knowledge and operating capabilities. On successful completion pilots can operate safely, in strict accordance with CAA regulations, and can obtain PfCO to fly legally in the UK. To apply for PFCO, candidates are required to complete RUSTA’s UAV Training Course (Remote Pilot Certificate SUAS) successfully.