Foundation Certificate In Commercial Drone Operations

Who Should attend this course

Whether you intend to progress your hobby, become a pilot for an existing drone company, start a new business or add drones to your existing one, this course has been specifically designed for people looking to fly drones for commercial purposes.

This is the first level of training for commercial drone pilots and is aimed at beginners who either have little or no prior experience with drones. Therefore, there is no requirement for any pre-existing knowledge or qualifications.

Course Objectives

To provide sufficient knowledge to pass theory and flight assessments. To provide a framework for operations through scenario based experiential teaching and the development of the operations manual template. To teach you to be self-sufficient (learn how to find the information rather than memorise it).

Course Outcomes

Once you have submitted an approved operations manual and are successful in passing both the theory and flight assessments, you will receive a certificate for each assessment along with a Certificate of Recommendation. This can be used in the application process for a PfCO or allow you to be added to an existing operations manual. You can then operate under a company’s existing PfCO.

Course Content

The following areas of knowledge will be covered: Airmanship Air Law Airspace Meteorology Human Factors Aircraft Knowledge This syllabus is mandated by the CAA for all NQE’s. By the end of this course you will understand and be able to apply the knowledge required to make you a competent and safe drone pilot.

Course Prerequisites

No prior knowledge or experience is required prior to booking onto this course, although if you do have experience it will be beneficial. The minimum age for attendance is 16 for pilots flying for a company with an existing PfCO. The minimum age for applying for a PfCO is 18 years of age. Two hours of logged flying time is a requirement of the CAA and it must be on the drone that you are looking to apply for a PfCO with (Multirotor or Fixed wing).

You will be required to bring a laptop that is reliable and fast and be competent at using it. Anything less will compromise your experience and ability to learn which can impact on others in the classroom.

We recommend a minimum of 10 hours practice flying prior to booking a flight assessment, and our additional practical flight trainingoptions can help save a lot of time and money along the learning and development process.