You will need this licence if you intend to use a remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) that weighs more than 2 kg for commercial purposes, including events or festivals. An RPA includes a drone or similarly unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system. A UAV system may include:
- the vehicle itself
- the controllers
- the pilot stations
- command and control links
- ground support equipment
- components that have been specified in the type design
- any other associated devices or operational personnel.
Some commercial purposes this certificate covers include:
- weather monitoring
- photography and filming
- delivery
- agricultural spraying or monitoring.
You can operate a remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) beyond visual line of sight without passing an examination, but the operation must be conducted in accordance with the documented practices and procedures of the person certified as the RPA operator of the RPA, and under the supervision and direction of another remote pilot who has passed the examination.
