Why do I need to take a drone training course?
If you're a hobbyist flying your drone at very low altitude in your back garden, then it's unlikely you need any kind of licence or qualification to use your UAV. However, the CAA has published guidelines as to when a drone pilot may need to hold a Permission for Commercial Operations (PfCO) before flying:If you want to use a small unmanned aircraft or drone outside of the operating limits set out in the Air Navigation Order then you will need Permission from the CAA, even if your activity is non-commercial.If you're running a business and using your UAV as a way to generate income, in any way, shape or form, you'll need a PfCO to ensure that you're flying your drone legally and safely.
The Pathway to Permissions
What will I learn on the course?
We've covered this in detail in our other blog posts relating to our CAA courses. At our Manchester venue, The Shrigley Hall Hotel, things won't be any different. Here is an overview of how the 3-day course will progress, from introducing important concepts, right through to planning a commercial drone flight and taking a theory exam.
By the end of day one, you’ll know your IMU from your EMCs, the difference between Course Lock and Home Lock, which drone suits you and how to fly it correctly and safely. You’ll also learn the importance of airspace and aviation charts as well as being provided with an explanation of Air Law and airspace. There are also in-depth sessions on Airmanship and the Human Factors of aviation.
After taking a look at human factors, we move onto the Operations Manual, a document that every commercial drone business needs. It contains health and safety information as well as managerial and technical procedures specific to how you plan to operate. This is followed by risk assessments as well as pre-flight and on-site surveys and procedures.
We begin with a planning exercise and a discussion about weather patterns before moving on to the theory exam (75% pass mark). Should you fail, re-sits are free but you must wait for ten days. Once you've passed the Ground School, you take the Pilot Practical Assessment before completing the Ops Manual. You will then be able to secure a PfCO from the CAA as a form of drone licence.
Where is The Shrigley Hall Hotel?
Heliguy has secured a fantastic training venue for our Manchester drone training courses. Our training takes place in the beautiful Shrigley Hall Hotel, specifically in the comfortable Stafford Suite. The location is very simple to access from Manchester, with accessibility from Macclesfield train station, the M6 motorway and Manchester Airport.
Set in the glorious surroundings of the Peak District, it's a wonderful place to train. The venue also provides free WiFi, free refreshments all day and unlimited fruit! All of which will help make the course more enjoyable.
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