Learning...
isn't always about the books...
As a child...
...we all dreamed of flying
Learning...
... can be fun
Learning to FLY
can be even more FUN!
Drones...
can also be fun
But..
...always fly safe

Drone Training - ( for CAA PFCO )

Learning is fun...

Learning to fly your drone should be equal fun!

We all love our toys and you can have a huge amount of fun flying your drone but you'd like to go one step further... You'd like to maybe gain your drone license (PFCO) and possibly even use your drone commercially too and get some drone training... If this sounds like you then read on...

Welcome to...

An Alternative Route to Commercial Remote / Drone Pilot Training 

PLEASE BE AWARE THAT FROM THE SUMMER THE PFCO will cease to exist. It will be replaced with several different categories. This method may well not be applicable after that time.  

Most people that want to gain a drone licence or more commonly referred to as a PFCO by the CAA go on a theory based course that is ran by around 35 different companies throughout the UK. The courses can be costly and our experience shows you that although they teach you a lot of the theory (which is important) they mostly really lack in the practical aspect of flying. I can teach you as much theory as you like but without the practical knowledge then all the theory really does go out of the window. 

The abbreviation of PFCO actually stands for Permission for Commercial Operations. It used to be called PFAW - Permission for Aerial Work - In real lifge, neither one of them make much sense so it wouldn't surprise me if they  changed the name of it again. Technically if you have a PFCO you become a 'remote pilot'

Maybe you would like to learn your new skill and obtain your 'license' in a slightly more relaxed environment at your own pace? And possibly more importantly for a fraction of the money!

Here is the answer :

The CAA accepts a different method to the usual NQE course that costs anything up to £1500. The prices of the NQE courses have reduced dramatically over the last few months but they are still a lot. You can also take a BMFA A Certificate Exam at your local British Model Flying Association's club. The exam it's self is free of charge. You may well get the benefit from joining a local model flying club. They are a great place to slowly practice your skills and many now accept 'multi rotors' as they call them.  Once you have this qualification you can then apply to The CAA with an 'Operational Manual'. This is a personalised document that in effect is your promise to the CAA of how you are going to operate your UAV (drone). It is a complex document that without guidance is close to impossible to write.

The BMFA A test is a fairly basic test that is accompanied by a few theory questions too. It is the opinion of the BMFA that the practical test is suitable but the theory side lacks. Remember that you are responsible at all times for your Small Unmanned Aircraft so if you cause any kind of accident you are legally responsible. Not understanding the regulations is no excuse for prosecution. Therefore with this in mind we have created a bridging course that sits between the NQE route and The BMFA Route. 

(these are our fees and don't include the annual fee to the CAA - Currently £253 for an Initial application and £190 for a renewal  (from April 2019) 

Beginners flight training - One to One!

A two hour flight session that includes a flight briefing, the basic theory for recreational or commercial flights. 

Price £179 

I encourage you to have a conversation with me regarding any of the above training before buying a voucher. They are not the right route for everybody to obtain your PFCO. 

We no longer offer any operations manual service... 

PLEASE BE AWARE THAT FROM THE SUMMER THE PFCO will cease to exist. It will be replaced with several different categories. This method may well not be applicable after that time.  

(The above fees don't include the annual fee to the CAA - Currently around £253 and £190 for renewal  as of April 2019) 

Type of Training

 

Please note : If you have purchased a drone from us to the value of £940 or more you can reduce the advanced flight training worth £395 or above gets reduced by £100 as a partial refund. 

All prices exclude the licence / permission fee that you have to pay to the CAA directly. It currently costs £185 for a renewal and £245 for a new annual permission as of April 2018. Prices increase yearly. You will also need insurance to get your permission too. Flock currently do this on a pay as you go basis or coverdrone, iclarus and last but not least Moonrock on an annual basis.

 

please note : We are authorised by The CAA to carry out this training. We are NOT an authorised NQE and do not carry out flight tests or recommendations.  It is important to know that  we have no affiliation with either the CAA or The BMFA. Any flight test through a BMFA examiner will be independent to us. There is absolutely no guarantee of passing.