What’s in a UK Commercial Drone Pilot Assessment?
There are a growing number of National Qualified Entities (NQE) and Restricted Category NQEs. All operate to a UK CAA minimum criteria standard set out in CAP 722.
We see and receive a number of queries about what to expect on a Drone Pilot Assessment. Our potential pilots that approach us for assessments are fully briefed in advance, but some are from pilots entering a short intense course with another NQE, often they wish to ensure they turn up prepared. Not all pilots require a ground school. If you are unsure of your options, then please get in touch and we will provide independent advice as to the evidence you should expect to provide to the UK CAA.
No matter how your chosen R-NQE/NQE deliver the service, the minimum UK CAA criteria in CAP 722 for a Commercial Drone Pilots Practical Assessment is:
Ensure that their students are able to satisfactorily demonstrate at least the following skills during the practical flight assessment:
§ Pre-flight actions including:
§ Mission planning, airspace considerations and site risk-assessment.
§ Aircraft pre-flight inspection and set-up (including flight controller modes and power-source hazards).
§ Knowledge of the basic actions to be taken in the event of an aircraft emergency or if a mid-air collision hazard arises during the flight.
§ In-flight procedures including:
§ Maintaining an effective look-out and keeping the aircraft within Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) at all times.
§ Performing accurate and controlled flight manoeuvres at representative heights and distances (including flight in ‘Atti’ (non-GPS assisted) mode or equivalent where fitted).
§ Real-time monitoring of aircraft status and endurance limitations.
§ Demonstration of the ‘return-to-home’ function following deliberate control-link transmission failure. Fixed-wing aircraft may demonstrate an equivalent procedure that results in a suitable automated, low-impact descent and landing.
§ Post flight actions including:
§ Shutting down/making-safe the aircraft.
§ Post-flight inspection and recording of any relevant data relating to aircraft general condition, aircraft systems, aircraft components and power-sources, controller functionality and crew health and fatigue.
Our process is explained on our Drone Pilot Assessments page of this website.
If you have any questions, please see CAP 722 in the first instance, and if you still need assistance, by all means get in touch; we are always happy to promote safe and professional Drone operations. Use our web chat or see our contact us page.