Hi guys. Newbie here.
I’ve not yet bought a drone but I plan to carry out roof inspections as a sideline business.
My question is that if I bought a drone that weighs 900g for instance that is compatible with mapping software, how can I carry out roof inspections when the law says I mustn’t fly a drone that heavy in residential and industrial areas? I’m not planning on pleasure flying at all. Is there an allowance for commercial work?
I could get a small drone but from what I’ve seen they done use automated flying missions like hammer missions use.
Cheers, I still can’t find any specific info. Companies carry out roof inspections and fly closer than 150m. Basically right above buildings. Is there specific rules that allow this?
If you do the A2 CofC (roughly £100 and all self-taught / online) then you can fly within the residential areas.
You MUST however remain >50m from uninvolved persons.
If however, you need to fly closer than 50m from uninvolved persons, you will need to do the GVC (aprox £500 and in person exam) and also submit an Operational Assessment (unsure of that cost) which will allow you to fly in the ‘specific’ category.
Point to note: this is a transitional rule, and as of right now this expires 1 Jan 2026 after which point you would no longer be permitted to fly close to buildings unless new rules or extensions come in.
This applies to drones up to 2kg in MTOM (max take off mass) which includes most consumer level drones you are thinking of.
If you get a drone <500g then there are slightly different (less restrictive rules) you can abide by under the transitional rules.
It’s a minefield of info, because these rules have changed so much recently.
Legend. So, after 2026 I’m presuming that the rules will have to change to allow commercial operations to carry on?
I’m looking at setting up a business as currently I’m an engineer and my knees are shot. (Sideline business hopefully making a bit to cover costs)
If you went the GVC and OA route (which I suppose would be the reasonably expected option for a commercial operator to take) then as far as I understand it, nothing would change at all come 2026 as this would be entirely separate to any other rules.
As I understand it, you would essentially be writing your OWN rules which you agree to abide by, and then the CAA either approve them or deny them.
So you would write something like: I intend to fly only drone(s) of xxx weight, over industrial buildings, and I intend to keep xxx distance from uninvolved people and I’m going to do x y z to minimise the risks, and here are my risk assessments. Or something like that.
But I don’t see any reason why you couldn’t do the A2 for now, and provided you keep the prescribed distance from uninvolved people AND of course have the required insurance (required for any commercial drone work regardless) and abide by GDPR etc. and wait to see how the rules change between now and 2026. Fair chance however you would need to buy a new drone that has a class marking at some point.
Also worth checking which drones are considered ‘transitional’ - I believe there’s a limit about when they came to market.
ALSO - worth completing feedback for the CAA review of the rules (deadline is today, so not sure if it will still let you). That way you can have your say about how they’re changing the rules.
The latest CAA consultation mentioned above proposes and extension to the transitional end date of 2 years i.e. 1 Jan 2028 - its a proposal so no guarantees. This could make the A2 CofC a more viable route but one thing to remember is you must maintain a minimum of 50 metres from any uninvolved people - that means a 100 metre circle around the position of the drone. That is quite a large area and, if you are operating in a residential area, it could well involve a significant number of adjacent properties - people can exit a property at any time and encroach within your 50 metre limit.
if you are considering domestic roof inspections - your best bet is a sub 250 gram drone and fly any where you want except over crowds or within FRZs. If you are considering thermal inspections - the lightest would be the Parrot Anafi thermal at 500 grams - with an A2 CofC you have relaxed restrictions and can fly almost anywhere but should avoid any intentional flying over un-involved people. Problem with this option is that the Parrot Anafi Thermal - the original version - is now out of production with little to no support from the French manufacturer. The other alternative is the Parrot Anafi USA but you’re talking north of £7k - not really a side line option - serious money. Good luck
Hey, many thanks for your time and the response.
My thinking was to get a larger drone to use drone missions via hammer missions. All automated.
Currently they dont support the mini series.
What I might do is buy a small drone for domestic use like u say and then a larger one that the automated software is compatible with. Best of both worlds so to speak.
With domestic properties it will be more of pictures and a video of small roofs.
Industrial will be full reports etc- and higher bills
Won’t have to worry about that because it will probably crash itself - has a known battery problem where indicated battery level is a lot higher than actual level - eventually causes significant battery damage and they fall out of the sky Every time I fly the one I’ve got I make sure its on the ground by the time it indicates 50% battery remaining
I wouldn’t go for a bigger drone for all the reasons already given. Going the GVC and OA route will take time and cost a fair ammount. Getting the OA approval from the CAA is now getting to be a bit hit and miss with all the various requirements and red tape they now look for. My advice would be get a Mini 3 Pro which you can use with mapping software, get the correct commercial insurance (legal requirement) and see how you get on before splashing big money.
Thought I would just add… Roof inspections would be with a customer… Therefore they are involved and with an A2 Cofc you can fly close to the roof and the people in the building… They’re involved if they know what’s gonna happen…
Obviously if there are neighbours… Just get them informed… Else you should be good
Every time I fly the one I’ve got I make sure its on the ground by the time it indicates 50% battery remaining 
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