dronetraining.co.uk
get trained… get certified…
school of drones
As a CAA-approved full NQE, we specialise in drone flight training as well as offering full unmanned aviation theoretical training and examination.
drone training from the professionals
dronetraining.co.uk (formerly The Aerial Academy) is a commercial drone training school for all drone pilots, whether complete novices or those with previous flying experience.
As a CAA-approved full NQE, we specialise in drone flight training as well as offering full unmanned aviation theory training and examination whilst helping you to develop commercial operations procedures to work towards your PfCO.
With a wealth of experience in flying drones, our team firmly believe education is the best way to maximise the potential of drone technology and to ensure that the UK drone industry can develop safely and professionally alongside manned aviation.
support
Already a remote pilot and looking for help and support?
regulation
Confused about drone regulations?
contact us
Have questions about drones? Get in touch!
pricing
Want to know how much our training and courses cost?
pfco
Want to know more about a Permission for Commercial Operations (PfCO)?
open category
I’ve heard about a new Open Category. What is it?
drone training locations
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news
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what do you need to do to fly legally?
Confused by what you’ve heard about flying drones in the UK? It is not surprising… UK drone regulations have been constantly developing over the last few years and there have been 3 major changes over the last 12 months. At present, to operate a drone commercially in UK Airspace you need a CAA Permission for Commercial Operations (PfCO). Although regulations are going to change over the next few years to create consistent European drone rules, holding a remote pilot competence certification and a PfCO will assist with transition to higher categories of the European drone regulations.
what training does dronetraining.co.uk offer?
Our instructor team is carefully chosen and includes both unmanned and manned aviation specialists. The majority of our instructors are, or have been, commercial drone operators, so have a great understanding of the UK drone industry. Having manned pilots on the team ensures that we keep up to date with the latest developments in integrating drones into UK airspace.
dronetraining.co.uk offers practical flight training, theoretical competence courses and operational assessments.
Our most popular course is the Theoretical Competence Course and PfCO Support. This provides everything you need to get going and work towards your CAA PfCO.
If you are a remote pilot who is going to be working for an existing PfCO holder, you can access the course without support.
Remote pilots who are exempt from the theory element of the course (generally because they hold a manned aviation licence such as a PPL or ATPL) can progress straight to the Operational Assessment, but still have full access to our PfCO Support process.
If you are changing aircraft category, for example adding a fixed-wing certification, then you may simply need to do an Operational Assessment.
If you are not sure which option is right for you, please feel free to contact us for assistance.
CAA approved competence courses:
Pilot Competence Course without PfCO Support
Includes VAT- Two day theoretical competence course and examination
- Candidate materials
- Sandwich lunch and refreshments on the theory days
- Public liability insurance for the Operational Assessment
- Operational Assessment
- Access to our online Operations Manual assistance
- Access to our library of Quick Reference Handbook for most common aircraft
- Assistance with initial application to the CAA including a recommendation, and assistance at first renewal
- Access to our closed Facebook group for support and networking
- Access to our online training portal, School of Drones, for the first twelve months, providing training resources and useful information for remote pilots
- 10% discount code for Airdata UAV (airdata.com)
- Access to discounted drone equipment
Pilot Competence Course with PfCO Support
Includes VAT- Two day theoretical competence course and examination
- Candidate materials
- Sandwich lunch and refreshments on the theory days
- Public liability insurance for the Operational Assessment
- Operational Assessment
- Access to our online Operations Manual assistance
- Access to our library of Quick Reference Handbook for most common aircraft
- Assistance with initial application to the CAA including a recommendation, and assistance at first renewal
- Access to our closed Facebook group for support and networking
- Access to our online training portal, School of Drones, for the first twelve months, providing training resources and useful information for remote pilots
- 10% discount code for Airdata UAV (airdata.com)
- Access to discounted drone equipment
Operational Assessment with PfCO Support
Includes VAT- Access to current UK legislation updates
- Public liability insurance for the Operational Assessment
- Operational Assessment
- Access to our online Operations Manual assistance
- Access to our library of Quick Reference Handbook for most common aircraft
- Assistance with initial application to the CAA including a recommendation, and assistance at first renewal
- Access to our closed Facebook group for support and networking
- Access to our online training portal, School of Drones, for the first twelve months, providing training resources and useful information for remote pilots
- 10% discount code for Airdata UAV (airdata.com)
- Access to discounted drone equipment
Operational Assessment without PfCO Support
Includes VAT- Access to current UK legislation updates
- Public liability insurance for the Operational Assessment
- Operational Assessment
- 10% discount code for Airdata UAV (airdata.com)
- Access to discounted drone equipment
practical flight training courses:
full day of practical flight training
Includes VAT- How to choose your drone
- Setting up your drone
- Understanding airspace
- Basic flight training
- Dealing with emergencies
- Additional flight training
- Automated flight
half day of practical flight training
Includes VAT- How to choose your drone
- Setting up your drone
- Understanding airspace
- Basic flight training
- Dealing with emergencies
- Additional flight training
- Automated flight
school of drones membership
The School of Drones is run by dronetraining.co.uk as a support portal for all candidates currently undertaking a course with dronetraining.co.uk and it also provides ongoing support for remote pilots, providing access to the latest training resources, email and telephone advice with your operations, and regulation updates. School of Drones facilitates the creation of an up-to-date Operations Manual incorporating dronetraining.co.uk’s comprehensive QRH library. If you have purchased PfCO support, it entitles you to the documentation check and preparation of your PfCO renewal.
Anyone who books on our Pilot Competence Course or Operational Assessment with PfCO support gets 12 months free access to School of Drones.
Recreational
For those flying just for fun!- News updates
- Help topics
Individual Membership
For those flying commercially- News and regulation updates
- Help topics and guides
- In-depth regulation explanations
- Exclusive drone discounts
- Access to QRH Library
- Up-to-date Operations Manual support
- PfCO application support
- Exclusive offers and discounts
- Support and advice from the dronetraining.co.uk team
Team Membership
For those flying as part of a team- News and regulation updates
- Help topics and guides
- In-depth regulation explanations
- Exclusive aircraft discounts
- Access to QRH Library
- Up-to-date Operations Manual & PfCO application support*
- Support and advice from the dronetraining.co.uk team
- *for the Authorised Representative