So.. After some serious consideration on purchasing a drone and doing a ton of research into obtaining the PFAW from the CAA I think I might have found a lower cost method to get the PFAW rather than splashing thousands going the NQE route. Any input about what I have found so far, if you already did it this way or have any extra information that would help would be bloody fantastic.
Looking at the Pilot Competency Critical Elements from the CAA's Acceptable Alternative Evidence:
Section 6 BMFA 'A' or 'B' Certificates
The only requirement for the PFAW including this certificate is the 2 hours logged flight time, completing your Operations Manual, getting insurance and finally applying for the PFAW.
On a side note to the BMFA achievement, it states Helicopter certificate accepted for multi-rotors, however, they also now offer a multi-rotor BMFA 'A' and 'B' achievement. It appears to be the same BMFA 'A' or 'B' achievement except you take the test using your multi-rotor machine but get the same certificate, this is something I need to find out.
So, when I get my phantom, I fly it recreationally and within the regulations set out by the CAA to gain my two hours+ flight time then book myself in for the BMFA 'A' Achievement. I have emailed the BMFA to find out how much it costs for the BMFA A tests and to find out if the multi-rotor BMFA A is the same cert as the helicopter one, I'll update when I find out.
For the Operations Manual I think this might be where it gets a little tricky, its obviously something that you need to get right so it would either be nice to be able to talk with someone who has already done one or see someones completed manual for reference, the latter being almost impossible as its a personal thing. Understandable. Maybe there's provision for a business for someone who has experience in creating the Ops Manual's to offer a proofing service for a small charge.
This is something I can work on while Im gaining my flying experience and from what I'm reading around the internet its almost self explanatory to complete with information available online for parts that might be difficult to do.
For insurance, I found the BMFA offer members insurance and also another company, fpvuk.org offering public liability for £15 per year. Does anyone know if the cover they offer meets the CAA requirements?
Finally the application, i noticed in the form there is a company name and number section, as I am going to register as an individual but I'm guessing I might have to register a business name. A quick search shows prices from about £15 but I could do with some clarification on this part.
So far I'm looking at £30~ for the insurance and company name, £112 for the CAA permission and whatever the cost for the BMFA 'A' test.
Links:
Insurance
FPV UK Store, Membership
Members Insurance
BMFA 'A' & 'B'
Standards & Guidelines
Looking at the Pilot Competency Critical Elements from the CAA's Acceptable Alternative Evidence:
Section 6 BMFA 'A' or 'B' Certificates
The only requirement for the PFAW including this certificate is the 2 hours logged flight time, completing your Operations Manual, getting insurance and finally applying for the PFAW.
On a side note to the BMFA achievement, it states Helicopter certificate accepted for multi-rotors, however, they also now offer a multi-rotor BMFA 'A' and 'B' achievement. It appears to be the same BMFA 'A' or 'B' achievement except you take the test using your multi-rotor machine but get the same certificate, this is something I need to find out.
So, when I get my phantom, I fly it recreationally and within the regulations set out by the CAA to gain my two hours+ flight time then book myself in for the BMFA 'A' Achievement. I have emailed the BMFA to find out how much it costs for the BMFA A tests and to find out if the multi-rotor BMFA A is the same cert as the helicopter one, I'll update when I find out.
For the Operations Manual I think this might be where it gets a little tricky, its obviously something that you need to get right so it would either be nice to be able to talk with someone who has already done one or see someones completed manual for reference, the latter being almost impossible as its a personal thing. Understandable. Maybe there's provision for a business for someone who has experience in creating the Ops Manual's to offer a proofing service for a small charge.
This is something I can work on while Im gaining my flying experience and from what I'm reading around the internet its almost self explanatory to complete with information available online for parts that might be difficult to do.
For insurance, I found the BMFA offer members insurance and also another company, fpvuk.org offering public liability for £15 per year. Does anyone know if the cover they offer meets the CAA requirements?
Finally the application, i noticed in the form there is a company name and number section, as I am going to register as an individual but I'm guessing I might have to register a business name. A quick search shows prices from about £15 but I could do with some clarification on this part.
So far I'm looking at £30~ for the insurance and company name, £112 for the CAA permission and whatever the cost for the BMFA 'A' test.
Links:
Insurance
FPV UK Store, Membership
Members Insurance
BMFA 'A' & 'B'
Standards & Guidelines