Drone advice please?

[Zombie]

I've been looking at buying a drone for a while now. I'd settled on a DJI Mavic Pro but I can't justify the expense and it's been sat in my wish list for literally years.

Happily though I've been approach by my Boss recently, after they had to hire a drone and operator to document a development site, who asked me to investigate acquiring one.

I'm inclined to stick with a mavic pro rather than a magic pro 2 - is the newer model worth the extra cost? Are there any other drones worthy of consideration?

Is there a professional certification course or scheme available? - There is a small airport nearby that prevents the flight of drones and would hamper a business case to buy one, so I'd be looking at a certification that enables the 5km rule to be circumvented.

What about insurance? This would also be a key consideration as my employer would certainly be accountable should anything happen?

TIA.

[StevieBee]

The MVP2 is a stunning bit of kit. But it's worth looking at it more as a flying camera rather than a Drone - it's the only reason you'd pay the premium. And to get the very best from it, you need to have a good grasp of the more technical aspects of photography and video as well as have the software capable of processing RAW files and high-spec video.

If you're just looking to use whatever comes off the card, then I wouldn't pay the premium for the MVP2.

You will need register and take the CAA drone test (£9) - very easy and all on line. Do be aware though that if you are using the drone commercially, you need to take the advanced test and get the proper accreditation which IIRC is around £1000.

Start here: https://www.caa.co.uk/Consumers/Unmanned-aircraft/...

DJi do a Drone Care policy for insurance which includes up to three replacements per year (but you need to send the damaged one to them so if it lands in the drink, get swimming!). Plenty of other insurers out there.

As for the airport, regardless of the class of license you have, you would still need their permission to fly the drone. There's an App called Drone Assist (from NATS) that provides a map showing no-fly zones, caution zones, etc.

Join some of the Drone groups on Facebook - there's a fair few who've gone for the MVP2 and not realised what's needed on the photo / video front and get frustrated so quite a few get sold having barely been used.

HTH

Edited by StevieBee on Wednesday 9th September 12:55

[_Hoppers]

You can do an A2 CofC course which are ‘dirt cheap’ compared the the PFCO course which is now pretty much obselete. Heliguy do the course for £250

https://www.heliguy.com/a2-cofc-certificate-of-com...

Have a look at Mr MPW on YouTube for more info

[StevieBee]

Just re-read your question about insurance. My reply related to cover for the drone itself.

Your employer 'should' be covered by their existing public liability insurance but this shouldn't be taken as read. They will need to check with the provider as some view drone usage as being outside of normal business operation unless it 'is' the business' operation.

[Zombie]

Thanks for the advice guys, much appreciated.

[Phunk]

You'll need a PfCO or A2 CofC course. Both of which are less than £400 + an application fee to the CAA.

For flying within the 5km airport boundary you'll need to give the local control tower a bell prior to each flight and seek permission.