Hi all, I’m an event photographer who has recently purchased a Mini 2 drone initially, for pleasure but have been asked by a number of people if I can photograph their home/farm for which payment will be given. I have a Flyer and Operator ID through the CAA. Any advice would be welcome. Thanking you in advance. Paul
2 Likes
You’ll need an A2 as a bare minimum, and I’d get some insurance.
Ned
4 Likes
Actually, could someone confirm that?
The OP is describing activity which I believe would fall under the A1 subcategory.
I’m also aware that there is no differentiation between ‘leisure’ and ‘commercial’ drone flights.
However, I think the CAA want to see a level of pilot competence for any commercial work…
Ned
2 Likes
Thank you Ned
Though the classes and categories are still the same, insurance is still required for commercial operations. 3rd party cover to a minimum of ~£750k and has to be EC785/2004 compliant.
I honestly don’t know how easy or difficult it will be to get valid insurance for commercial flights without some kind of certification, and if you do need certification I don’t know if the A2 CofC is going to cut it with the insurers. I’d guess they’ll want to see proof of competency even if the CAA doesn’t.
2 Likes
Paul
I have come into drone working through a similar route, commercial and event photographer, What sort of events do you shoot?
a couple of years ago did my pfco and renewed once , probably going to renew again in April when it is due. I am still unsure of how the new regs effect me and especially new professionals but you will definitely need some form of certification if you are earning from flights and imagery.
Also insurance is a must at least 5 million 3rd party. Last year when I was working a lot I had annual insurance through drone cover but since covid just paying when I fly through flock.
Sorry can’t be more help.
Good luck
1 Like
Pretty sure Flock will cover it without an A2 CofC.
3 Likes
Hi Lee, you’ve been very helpful, thank you
Thank you
If you are new to flying drones, would permission to fly on their land be payment enough? (Until you have the proper requirements for charging a fee).
There is a drone membership club where you are covered by £5 million insurance for £20 per year.
1 Like
No need, as commercial insurance is possible with the mini 2 without this.
Obviously if @PaulBee decided to add a larger drone to his company then he would.
1 Like
@Ned Apols Ned; I wasn’t calling you out, just giving a technical answer to Paul! 
CAP2012 is the easiest place to find this stuff out as it’s just 1 page. The additional training can either be the online test you do at flyer registration (DMARES) or the A2CofC depending on what class of drone and what type of flight you’re doing.
It’s one of the rare documents from the CAA that’s simple, clear and makes sense!
Cheers
Ian
http://publicapps.caa.co.uk/modalapplication.aspx?appid=11&mode=detail&id=9954
4 Likes
Ha - you should, I need it sometimes!
Thanks for the link 
Ned
2 Likes
As long as the drone remains sub 250g and you have the OP I’d affixed (DMARES) and you have relevant / sufficient insurance in place prior to the flight (it doesn’t need to be EC785/2004 compliant in this instance) your good to go…
The moment you add anything to the drone and take it to 250g or above you will require A2CofC…
1 Like
No need, as commercial insurance is possible with the mini 2 without this.
It would be great to clarify this.
I’m in a similar position to the OP (planning to use a mini 2 for work).
I’ve been trying to get a straight answer from Flock about this. I think their current position is they do need at least the A2CofC - though they say they’re reviewing their policies.
I’ve actually gone ahead and got my A2CofC so hopefully I won’t have any problems getting commercial insurance - but would be useful to know the situation.
1 Like
What have they said when you’ve asked?
Have you got some info on that? Might help some folk here.
Ned
coverdrone do this. Just to double check I did a new quote. They do not ask about any specific qualifications such as A2 CofC.
They ask…
Are you a member of any Industry Associations?
ARPAS-UK / AUD Established Operator / Drone Safe Register / Unmanned Aircraft Association of Ireland (UAAI) / Other
Have you passed a Ground School/Theory course?
Have you received appropriate training? / Have you passed a Flight Test?
Are you in possession of a ‘Permission to Fly’ from your national aviation authority?
I was able to say no to all and generate a commercial quote.
2 Likes
On the flock website it says:
"Flock’s insurance is EC785/2004 compliant and available to all commercial operators in the UK and Europe with the right permissions in place. This includes anyone completing the new A2 CofC and GVC training as well as existing PfCO holders.
As more information on new regulations becomes available we will update this page. If you have any queries in the meantime don’t hesitate to reach out to our team."
Make of that what you will.
Oh I thought you’d asked them to clarify…