Drone Pilot Qualifications

Xozzi Aerial Services has CAA PfCO which means, as a licensed commercial operator of UAVs we are governed and regulated by the CAA.

The PfCO is mandatory for anyone operating a commercial aerial photography drone business in the UK, along with adequate public liability insurance.

All of Xozzi’s pilots are very experienced and have passed the CAA approved exams and flight assessments. They all hold the established industry RPQs for multi-rotor aircraft under 7kg.

To fly an SUA in the UK, either commercially or recreationally, all pilots are required to comply with CAP393: Air Navigation Order unless otherwise approved by the CAA.

The main operational conditions for an SUA are:

• Fly a maximum of 400 feet above ground level.
• Fly a maximum of 500 metres from the operator and maintain a visual line of site.
• During take off and landing maintain a distance of 30m from people and property not in control of the pilot.
• Maintain a distance of 50m from people and property not in control of the pilot.
• Fly within a minimum distance of 150m from an open-air assembly of over 1000 people and not directly overhead.
• Obtain permission from the landowner for take off and landing.
• Observe air restrictions that are in place at or near the intended flight area.

We must respect any other persons or property which are near the flight area and obtain permission should it be necessary.

Xozzi Aerial Services are fully insured against injury and damage for each flight with £5million public liability to fly at altitudes of up to 400 feet.

The CAA Regulations for SUA – drones are extremely detailed. Our operations manual and procedures for each aircraft has been examined and approved for commercial use by the CAA.

Today, the CAA’s focus is increasingly on identifying the key risks facing consumers and the wider public, then acting alongside industry to minimise the threat of harm. They combine rule-making, enforcement action and influencing into a flexible and pro-active approach to ensure that industry is focused on addressing these risks.