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OUR SAFETY
Our Safety Goals
It is the goal of NE Drones – Aerial Photography to operate aircraft without harm, injury or damage to any persons or property.
NE Drones – Aerial Photography pilot -In-Command will comply with all of the safety requirements which are mentioned in CAP 393 and CAP 722 also the limitations of the Permission for Aerial Work issued by the UK CAA or the ISL CAA.
Safety Assurance
NE Drones – Aerial Photography is committed to maintaining the highest standards of flight safety and aims to minimise harm to any persons or property by undertaking thorough risk assessments, site surveys, crew briefings, weather checks; crew training; and ensuring aircraft are in operational condition through regular inspection and maintenance regimes. By these processes NE Drones – Aerial Photography assures safety at all times whilst carrying out flight operations.
Below is a basic safety conduct of work NE Drones – Aerial Photography follows.
Please feel free ask to see our Operation manual for a more in depth statements of work practices.
NE Drones – Aerial Photography staff will use the Risk Assessment form to record Hazards which affect normal flight operations. Potential mitigating factors will also be recorded. To limit risk, whenever feasible, the aircraft is to be flown as close to the crew as possible. If the task requires the aircraft to fly close to the 500 metres boundary the ground crew is to be briefed prior and the observer to positioned where any hazards, whether airborne or stationary, can be alerted to the pilot in command quickly.
All NE Drones – Aerial Photography Pilots are fully CAA qualified and approved, please see CAA Permission for Aerial work
.
NE Drones – Aerial Photography has Public Liability Insurance of £5,000,000
which covers all of the NE Drones – Aerial Photography. We can increase our level of cover if a client requires a higher Public Liability Cover.
On-Site Assessment Survey
Upon arrival at the operating site location, NE Drones – Aerial Photography Pilot-In-Command will carry out an On-Site Assessment Survey to familiarise themselves with the local geography of the site. This is completed by physically walking around the site to assess any unanticipated hazards marked on the Pre-Site Assessment Form.
This procedure will be carried out with the Observer and client so that all issues can be discussed as
they are found. All findings WILL be recorded using the On-Site Assessment Form. The mobile application GPS Test will be used to ascertain satellite coverage, a minimum of six satellites over a good spread will be required for all flight operations.
Selection of Operating Areas and Alternative Landing Zones
NE Drones – Aerial Photography Pilot-In-Command should select an Operating or Take-Off area based on the following criteria:
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Full visual coverage of the operating site.
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Position in relation to the sun to avoid visual impairment.
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Physical obstacles such as overhanging trees, rocks, buildings, power lines etc.
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Terrain topography, avoid steep slopes or uneven ground.
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Consider effects such as wind shear from nearby trees, buildings etc.
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All buildings and persons not under the control of the Pilot-In-Command must remain 30 metres away from the aircraft for Take-Off and 50 metres in flight.
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Must not fly within 150 metres of a congested area or an open-air assembly of more than 1000 persons.
Weather Checks
The Pilot-In-Command for the operation will assess the local weather conditions to check that all
conditions are suitable to carry out the flight operation. Wind speed and outside air temperature will
be obtained by using a hand held anemometer.
The Pilot-In-Command is to monitor the Weather, especially wind speed and possible precipitation.
If the wind unexpectedly goes out of limits i.e. above 20kts or precipitation is encountered then any crewmate can call TERMINATE and the operation will cease!
All weather data will be recorded on the briefing form with the time in case the information is needed at a later date.
Cordon Procedure
The Pre-Site Assessment will have identified if a cordon is required but NE Drones – Aerial Photography Pilot-In-Command will confirm if a cordon is required. If large numbers of the public are expected then a cordon will be established fifty metres around the planned flight path. This cordon should be set out using cones and safety tape. Signs should be placed every ten metres advising members of the public that UAS flight operations are in progress. Extra spotters may be required to be positioned at gates or on public footpaths to advise members of the public about the dangers of entering the area.
Gates may be closed, access may be restricted but spotters may not detain any members of the
public or prevent them from accessing public rights of way. The spotters are there to advise on the
dangers of entering restricted areas and to advise the Observer about public encroachments.
Pre-Flight and Post-Flight Checks
NE Drones – Aerial Photography Pilot-In-Command on the day will complete the following checklists as required:
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The Embarkation Checklist must be completed before the equipment is loaded and brought to site
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The Arrival Checklist must be completed as soon as the Pilot-In-Command reaches the intended flight operation location.
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The Pre-flight Checklist must be completed immediately prior to any flight operation.
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The Post-flight Checklist must be completed immediately after landing.
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It is the Pilot-In-Command responsibility to run the pre-flight checks. It is to be run from the checklist with either the Payload operator or observer giving the challenge with the Pilot-In-Command giving the response. Once the Pilot-In-Command is happy with the condition of the aircraft the operation will commence