Commercial Drone Pilots online test

Reminder. ALL PfCO holders have to take online test and register their drone before November 30, 2019

The compulsory online Drone Registration and test for UAV operators and pilots comes into force on November 30, 2019, with a £1,000 fine if you do not comply.

The online test and Register My Drone will be available from October 1, 2019. The regulations apply to UAVs weighing between 250g and 20kg that are used outdoors.

Although commercial UAV operators and pilots have spent thousands of pounds on CAA fees, ground schools and flight tests, undertaken specialist training such as mapping, inspection and thermal imagery, submitted an Operations Manual heavily weighted towards safety, and are insured, you still have to register and take the online test. There are no exemptions for PfCO holders.

There are three main requirements. You must:-

Pass an online test to get a flyer ID if you want to fly a drone.

Label all drones you are responsible for with your operator ID.

Flyer ID

Anyone who wants to fly must pass an online theory test on flying safely and legally.

The test has 40 multiple choice questions and the pass mark is 16. You can retake the test as many times as you need.

All of the knowledge needed to pass the test is in the new Drone Code.

When you pass the test, you will receive a flyer ID, which acts as your acknowledgement of competency as a remote pilot from the CAA.

There is no charge for the test or flyer ID and the test will have to be retaken every three years.

Operator ID

Anyone responsible for an UAV must register as an operator; so that is everyone holding a PfCO.

When you register, you will receive an operator ID with your certificate of registration. You must display your operator ID on your UAV. You can use the same operator ID for all your UAVs.

You must be aged 18 or over to be an operator. The registration will have to be renewed annually. The expected fee is 16.50 but has yet to be confirmed.

Remember, this is in addition to your PfCO. You will still have to renew your PfCO annually and pay the renewal fee. Also, make sure your Operations Manual is updated to show you have complied with the new test and registration requirements.