A Up to 31/12/2020, only drone operators who hold a Permission for Commercial Operations with the Civil Aviation Authority can offer drone services commercially. After this date, any drone pilot can sell their footage, but must have suitable insurance to work commercially. Recreational pilots may have very little flight experience, may not have any working knowledge of aviation law or the Air Navigation Order, and may not conduct risk assessments to keep people at work or the public safe. If you are going to use an unqualified operator, it is your responsibility to make sure they: 

 

 

Using an unqualified operator is allowed from 31/12/2020, but should something go wrong which results in property damage personal injury, you could find yourself being asked some very difficult questions or facing legal action

A This depends on the aircraft being used, but all the drones I use can record video in 4K resolution. Some are able to record video in DLOG colour profiles for maximum editing possibilities, especially important for TV and film work. Most of my drones can photograph 21MP RAW photos for incredible clarity and detail, while some of the smaller ones can shoot in 12mp RAW. The choice of aircraft used depends on the requirements and the location, and will be discussed with you.

A Drones can be flown in airspace over most parts of the UK. In order to fly a drone legally, the operator must obtain permission from the land owner or manager for the location used for take off and landing. Airspace is split up into different classes, and it is the responsibility the operator will know what type of airspace the flight will take place in. Sometimes, extra permissions may be required if flying in areas near airports or other restricted or sensitive zones, and sometimes these permissions come at an extra cost. The drone MUST be kept in clear sight of the pilot at all times, and not flown at a height of more than 400 feet from the ground, unless extra permissions have been obtained.

A Yes! Although the aircraft and pilot won’t have the benefit of GPS to hold position or to return back to the starting point automatically, most drones have varying degrees of ‘awareness’ of their surrounding to assist with indoor flying. At the very least, most drones above toy grade will have optical flow sensors under the aircraft, which act like cameras looking at the floor to detect changes in position. They will also have sensors like a gyroscope, a compass and altimeter to assist with stability. Larger and more advances aircraft also use cameras located around the airframe to help detect and avoid obstructions in all directions. Choice of aircraft for flying indoors depends a lot on the space available, the risk posed by the different types of aircraft, and the requirements of the final product.