Hello everyone.
OK, so I’ve been trying to find info on the ‘tinternet’ for a few weeks but there is so much information (and a lot of it is contradictory) that I feel a bout of migraine is just around the corner.
I would like to offer services to local folk for roof / building checks, video of their property and local surroundings, etc.
I suspect I need A2 C2C, is this correct or do i need other courses?
What level / type of insurance?
What is a good entry level drone that has live plus recorded video?
As you can tell, I have absolutely no idea so any help would be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks in advance.
Hello. Yes you will need an a2 CofC if the drone you choose is over 250 grams. I did my one through FPVUK they provide insurance but that won’t cover for professional work so you need to buy separate insurance. Depends on how much you want to spend for a drone. DJI mini series is good specially the mini 5 pro. Avata 2 or 360 is a good shout or if you have the money I have the Mavic 4 pro, It’s a beast and would be perfect for this. Hope this helps a little for you. Dreamdroneviews on TIKTOK look me up and message me if you want more info not in here much.
Hi @SteveNotlob .
I’m probably slightly biased but I just listed my Air 3S for sale in the classifieds section: For sale: DJI Air 3S Fly More
Whether you’re interested in that particular one or not, for the kind of work you’re describing I think the Air 3S would be a great fit, it has two cameras (a wide and a zoom), optical zoom, great wind stability (due to being larger than the minis) and solid flight time, plus the controller has a built-in screen for live view with both on-board and controller recording to SD card (in 4K for the on-board feed).
Perhaps the best part is it’s C1 class marked, so you can fly it in the open A1 category (over people), no A2 CoC needed.
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Not saying you are wrong that to A2 CofC is not needed but does not tally with my findings. I’m sure you would need it for paid flights but I think for leisure unless using Article 16 maybe
hiredronepilot - Looks interesting agency and I think free to join. I’m not sure but would guess you need to the A2 CofC - They usually want this just to reassure customers you know what you are doing - I’ve seen this A2 CofC test advertised very competitively
I’m a newbie but also considering using it for my work. It seems if you stay under 250g, buy some commercial insurance you just need the basis CofC. I have a mini 3 on the way and looking forward to trying this hobby! The rules are confusing to say the least! There are some sites that act as an agency for drone pilots you can pay to join (around 200 per year) these agencies require A2 CofC even though not mandatory for sub 250g. Doing the A2 CofC doesnt seem a big deal mind
A2 CofC has nothing to do with commercial / non-commercial, it’s purely about operating larger drones in the open A2 category (“near people”) rather than A3 (“far from people”).
You can find a table with the categories on this page and how they relate to commercial flying: Flying drones for work | UK Civil Aviation Authority
Since January, It’s not been relevant at all for C1 drones (like the Air 3S) since C1 is allowed to operate in open A1, even is over 250g. To fly C1 drones commercially you just need Op ID, flyer ID as usual, and relevant insurance.
Specific category flights (like the FPVUK article 16 authorisation) are an entirely different beast to open category, and each authorisation would have its own stipulations. The FPVUK one wouldn’t cover commercial flights at all, for example.
Wow! You’re on the ball I think! It’s crazy all these acronyms. So A2 just means near to people and A3 means further away!!! How daft is that!!! Thanks for this. So A1 is over people. So much better to say Over, Near or far from people!! It’s all changed since January, what a carry on!!! Looked at your flights on YouTube. Impressive control. Are they in the Air 3s? Out of interest what leads you to sell the Air 3S? If I get bitten by the mini 3 who knows I might be interested. I need to learn all these silly acronyms 
Some of these agencies insist on the A2 CofC but not necessary for Air 3S as you say.
It seems the Air 3S would handle wind better so probably a great recommendation for building surveys.
This might help a bit:
It does!!! Thanks Louis!!
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