Training by professional drone pilots, giving you a head start in the drone industry
Our courses are delivered by experienced drone pilots who make a living from their commercial drone operations. The use of drones is growing year on year, we would like to pass on our knowledge to ensure that drone pilots new to commercial operation are given the best training possible.
How to get your Permission For Commercial Operation (PFCO)
In order to gain your PFCO (Permission for commercial operation) the following needs to be completed;
Proof of theoretical knowledge – Attend one of our CAA approved NQE ( National Qualified Entity) ground schools and pass a theory exam. There are alternative methods to prove theoretical knowledge such as a PPL (Private Pilots Licence)
Operations Manual – This is the document that sets out how you are going to conduct your business safely, detailing your operating procedures, safety measures and more. You are guided through this process with UAV Trade Craft. On our 5 day Fast Track course we aim to complete this on site by day 4, on our 3 day courses you are introduced to the Operations Manual to complete this from home with support via email and phone.
Flight Test – You are assessed against your operations manual using your drone, this is as much a test of your operating procedures as your flying skills.
Submitting your application to the CAA – with the above completed you are ready to submit the application to the CAA, the application process is now online. To accompany your application you need the following;
- Recommendation certificates from UAV TradeCraft, and any other supporting documents.
- at least 2 hours logged flights in the last 3 months for each pilot named.
- The Fee
- Valid Insurance (must conform to the CAA requirements and be valid from the time of the application)
- Operations manual as a PDF
CAA Approved – PFCO Courses We Offer
CAA PFCO 5 Day Fast Track
Course completed in 5 Days
Theory course and exam
Operations Manual completed by day 4
Flight Test on day 5
Apply to the CAA online once the course is complete.
CAA PFCO 3 Day Course
Attend the 3 day theory and exam
Complete the Operations Manual from home with assistance via email and phone
Flight Test at your convenience when you are ready
Apply to the CAA online once the course is complete.
Existing qualification short course
If you have proof of existing theoretical knowledge such as PPL
We offer abbreviated courses to bridge the gap between your current knowledge, what is required and what will make you a better equipped to be a commercial drone pilot / operator.
Flight test included
Operations manual assistance
Apply to the CAA online once the course is complete.
Flight Tests
A Flight test is included with our 3 and 5 day courses
Flight tests can be carried out for extra categories such as;
Multi-Rotor 0-20kg
Fixed-Wing 0-20kg
Additional courses and services
Corporate / Company Training
Need training for your company and staff, we can offer training at our facilities or yours.
Greater assistance in producing your company Operations Manual.
Suitable for SME’s, large corporations and Educational establishments.
Contact us for a bespoke quote and more information.
Additional Pilots
Adding drone pilots to your business?
we offer training for pilots who will be using your PFCO
3 Day course with theory and flight test.
Operational Safety Case
Assistance in preparing an Operational Safety Case (OSC).
As a company with their own OSC we can help with the submission of yours.
Bespoke service.
1 on 1 Flight Skills
1 on 1 flight training.
Build hours and confidence.
Multi-Rotor and Fixed-Wing.
From basic to advanced.
Tailored to your needs.