Feedback
&
frequently Asked Questions
Previous Course Feedback
We have been providing CAA drone training directly to our own clients as well as drone training organisations throughout the UK since 2014. Here is a small snapshot of feedback from just a few of the 1,500 clients trained during that period.
Latest Feedback
June 2023
Just like to say a Massive Thank You to Rich and Spectrum Drone Services. I struggle with learning stuff and find it difficult most of the time and I wanted to do my A2CofC, so contacted Rich to see if he could help me accomplish getting my A2CofC.
Rich booked me in and I went this Saturday to do it (edit 3rd June 2023). I was a tad nervous about doing it to be honest, but there was no need to be nervous or worried, because from the moment I met up with Rich he was very Professional and at the same time put me at ease he of course didn’t know how I was feeling but the whole day was very interesting and Rich made the whole experience fun and at the same time very serious. Rich knows a lot of stuff and a very clever bloke and I didn’t just learn what was needed to pass the exam I learnt a lot of other things to and I will definitely include in the future.
I would like to say again Thank You to Rich and Spectrum Drone Services for helping me get my A2CofC and I will definitely use Rich and Spectrum Drone Services again when I am ready to further my Drone qualifications.
So if you are reading this and Thinking about doing your A2CofC or any other drone qualifications Look No Further you won’t go wrong give Rich and Spectrum Drone Services a call.
Safe and Enjoyable Flying Everyone
Gerry (Fairford, Gloucestershire)
Frequently Asked Questions
Drone regulation and what you need to to be able to operate a drone as part of a business can be confusing, let alone what is the best course to take.
We want to provide you with all the information you need, so you can decide which course option is the best one for you. Whether its an online eLearning training package or an instructor led classroom environment, you can decide which one works best for you.
One thing that wont change is the training quality. With our qualified and experienced instructors you will receive the best CAA approved drone training available, at a cost effective price, with a company that cares.
We have put together some of the most frequently asked questions below. If your question is not answered or you have a question about our training courses, please free you give us a call on 07961 771418, or email us at info@spectrum-drone-services.co.uk.
+ Why train with Spectrum Drone Services?
Spectrum Drone Services have a vast amount of experience in aviation training and in the operation of commercial drones. We offer a range of training options, from online eLearning where you can ‘Learn at your own pace’, to our instructor led courses where you will learn from an experienced instructor and have any questions answered there and then. An instructor led course is probably the quickest route to gat qualified in as little as 1 or 2 days. We have trained over 1,500 clients over a 8 year period, including, 8 Police forces, Fire Brigades, Military and many other high profile clients.
Feel free you give us a call on 07961 771418, or email us at info@spectrum-drone-services.co.uk.
+ Which is best, online or instructor courses?
That’s a difficult question and only one you can answer, but we can maybe help you make your mind up.
Online eLearning
The growing trend has been swinging towards eLearning for some time. It has the benefits of you being able to learn remotely at a time that suits you. The main drawbacks are you don’t have an instructor on had to answer any of your questions or to go deeper into a subject.
Instructor led
In the learning process, nothing can truly replace the interactive experience with a live instructor. Instructor led training, whether delivered virtually or in a classroom, enables the instructor to personalise the training and provide immediate feedback as well as being able to go into greater depth. An instructor led course will provide the quickest route to become qualified and we believe you will be better prepared for your drone operations.
+ Do you hold residential courses?
Yes, we do hold A2 CofC and GVC residential courses at our South West Reginal Drone Training Centre approximately 6 miles south of Bristol.
There are multiple accommodation options within a 15min drive of our training facility. From county pubs to well known hotel chains, the choice it yours.
For those who require transportation, this can be arranged when using one of our recommended accommodation options.
Please contact us for more information.
Please note accommodation is not included in our course prices.
+ Is there any extra help provided?
The answer to that is absolutely. On our residential and remote courses our instructor will be available in the evenings if needed to go over any aspect of the syllabus, or just to talk drones. We want you to go away felling you have all information and knowledge you need.
Additional flight training can also be provided for those that feel they want some extra flying with a qualified instructor.
+ Do you offer training in my area or workplace?
We can provide the same high quality training antwhere in the UK. We regulary provide training in the Midlands, Kent, Scotland and Wales.
Feel free you give us a call on 07961 771418, or email us at info@spectrum-drone-services.co.uk to discuss your training requirements.
+ Are your courses COVID safe?
Safety is our highest priority at all times.
Our classroom numbers are kept low for yours and the instructors safety. There will be hand sanitisers and antibacterial cleaning products to ensure all areas you come in contact with are clean and safe.
Face protection will be worn at all times and your instructor will also have a face shield.
+ I would like an online course, how quickly can I start?
On receipt of payment, typically you will receive your login details within the hour.
+ What is an A2 CofC?
The CAA A2 Certificate of Competency (A2 CofC) is a drone qualification that permits you to fly small drones, or Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) “close to people” and within congested areas where you wouldn’t otherwise be able to fly.
The A2 Certificate of Competency (A2 CofC) is now the first building block of a drone pilot training for anyone wishing to start a drone business or for organisations with a requirement to operate drones commercially as part of their ongoing strategy.
You will be able fly older 'Legacy drones’ that weigh less than 2kg such as the DJI Mavic series, DJI Phantom series and Parrot Anafi can be flown under your A2 Certificate of Competency (A2 CofC).
Fly in congested areas up to 50m horizontally from uninvolved persons, the A2 Certificate of Competency (A2 CofC) is a very advantageous qualification.
Right now under the CAA’s Transitional Arrangements, with a drone that is less than 2kg, drone pilots are able fly effectively to the same separation distances as a current CAA Operational Authorisation holder with a GVC, this is huge.
Your A2 CofC lasts for 5 years.
You can become A2 Certificate of Competency (A2 CofC) qualified from only £99 for our online course. Our instructor led course is only £159 and you can become qualified in 1 day!
Current ‘Transitional Arrangements’
Once you have completed Spectrum Drone Services A2 CofC drone course you will be able to:
Fly drones that weigh less than 500g in congested area as close as you feel is safe from uninvolved persons, but flight above uninvolved is not permitted.
Fly drones that weigh between 500g - 2kg within congested areas to a horizontal distance of 50m from uninvolved persons.
It should be noted that is a person/s are ‘under your control’, you can fly as close as you feel is safe.
This provides greater flexibility when flying your drone (UAS) in congested areas allowing you to maximise potential earnings.
There currently is no requirement for a flight assessment but you must be competent in the operation of your drone. This can be dome in a sterile non complex environment before you move into congested areas.
You can become A2 Certificate of Competency (A2 CofC) qualified from only £99 for our online course. Our instructor led course is only £159 and you can become qualified in 1 day!
If you have any questions or want to book your course, please contact Rich on 07961 771418.
+ What are the benefits of an A2 CofC?
Current ‘Transitional Arrangements’
Once you have completed Spectrum Drone Services A2 CofC drone course you will be able to:
- Fly drones that weigh less than 500g in congested area as close as you feel is safe from uninvolved persons, but flight above uninvolved is not permitted.
- Fly drones that weigh between 500g - 2kg within congested areas to a horizontal distance of 50m from uninvolved persons.
It should be noted that is a person/s are ‘under your control’, you can fly as close as you feel is safe.
This provides greater flexibility when flying your drone (UAS) in congested areas allowing you to maximise potential earnings. There currently is no requirement for a flight assessment but you must be competent in the operation of your drone. This can be dome in a sterile non complex environment before you move into congested areas.
+ What is a GVC?
The GVC is a remote pilot competency certificate which provides a single qualification that is suitable for VLOS (Visual Line of Sight) operations within the Specific Category of the legislation.
The GVC is acceptable for all VLOS operations conducted under a published STS (Standard Scenario) or PDRA (Pre-Defined Risk Assessment) and, in most circumstances, it will be considered an acceptable level of remote pilot competency within an operational risk assessment for any other VLOS operation.
On successful completion of our GVC course, you can apply to the CAA for an Operational Authorisation to operate drones commercially.
+ What drone can be flown where?
Drones under 250g can be flown in the A1 sub category (there are also some exceptions for drones up to 500g too).
Drones less than 2kg can be flown in A2 sub category, but you must keep at least 50 meters away from people and pass the A2 theory exam (A2 Certificate of Competency or ‘A2 CofC’). If you have not passed the A2 theory exam, you may only fly these drones in the A3 subcategory.
Drones of 2kg or greater may only be flown in the A3 subcategory.
+ Do you offer 1 on 1 training?
Yes we provide 1 on 1 training on request.
Feel free you give us a call on 07961 771418, or email us at info@spectrum-drone-services.co.uk to discuss your 1 on 1 training requirements.
+ How difficult is it to create an Operations Manual?
We will support you with all your Operations Manual requirements. We provide an Operations manual template that is comprehensive and straight forward to use.
We are also professional auditors for CAA documents so you can expect the best Operations Manual support.
+ Can you assist me with my CAA application?
Yes we can, we will provide you with all the information you need and if required guide you through the process.
+ I am new to drones, can I still come on a course?
Yes, you can attend any of our courses. For the A2 CofC there is a requirement for competency but we can provide the required flight training.
For our GVC courses we are able to take people with any level of previous experience. If you have never flown a drone before I would suggest some additional flight training where we will train you to a safe and competent standard.
Please feel free to call us on 07961 771418 if you are new to drones and would like to discuss training options.
+ What if I don't own a drone?
Not a problem, we have drones availble you can fly, including multirotor and fixed wing.
+ Do you provide custom drone training?
We can provide a variety of additional drone training services, please contact us on 07961 771418 or email us at info@spectrum-drone-services.co.uk to discuss your requirements.
+ I require a fixed wing qualification, can you help?
Yes, we are very experienced in fixed wing operations and training.
Your instructor/assessor is one of the countries most experienced fixed wing unmanned aircraft operators in the UK.
Whether you require a flight assessment or a full GVC fixed wing qualification we can help.
If you book one of our GVC courses please indicate you require fixed wing.
+ Can I pay a deposit and pay the balance later?
We accept a deposit of £150 on our GVC instructor led courses, the balance to be paid on completion of your course.
No certification will be issued until the balance is paid in full.
+ I'm nervous about signing up, are you a big company?
Spectrum Drone Services is a small company with a large amount of experience and capability in the world of drones and aviation.
Spectrum Drone Services is run by Richard (with admin support from his wife) and we pride ourselves in providing a friendly, personal and professional service.
We want to provide top quality training at a competitive price and go that extra mile to ensure you not only your drone qualifications, but have a good experience in the process.
What we provide isn’t just our job, it’s our passion and we would like to share that with you during your training with us.
Your instructor is not only a fully qualified multirotor and fixed wing drone pilot and a CAA drone operator, he holds the following qualifications;
- Commercial Pilot’s Licence
- Flight Instructor
- Air Traffic Controller (FISO)
- Private Pilot’s Licence
- Glider Pilot’s Licence
- Teaching/instructor
- BMFA Area Chief Examiner