CAA Drone Training in Manchester - Earn your PfCO

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

If you plan on doing any commercial activity with your drone, you'll need to have undertaken some form of training and secured permissions before being able to fly legally.

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While most amateur drone pilots will be unlikely to be operating outside the Air Navigation Order limits, commercial drone pilots are much more likely to do so. That's where Heliguy comes in. Our CAA approved drone training will help prepare you to secure a PfCO. Don't put your business at risk! Make sure that anybody responsible for piloting drones in your business holds a PfCO before operating commercially.

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.

Day One

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.

Day Two

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.

Day Three

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?

When can I take this course?

Check out our CAA PfCO training page to find out the upcoming dates for this exciting course. Don't forget that with Heliguy you can also get 0% finance on any CAA training course through our Pay4Later system. As a business, this can help you manage your cashflow as you begin generating income from UAVs.

Any More Questions?

The Heliguy team are always happy to help with any questions you might have about our training courses. For more information, please don't hesitate to call 0191 296 1024 or email us at info@heliguy.com. Hopefully, we'll be seeing some of you in Manchester in the coming months!