Question 1

Is Martech Surveys Registed with the Civil Aviation Authority ?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Martech Surveys is fully registered for Permission for Commercial Operations (PfCO) by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).    This allows us to carry out a wide scope of commercial tasks within our license remit.

Question 2

Is Martech Surveys insured ?

Accepted Answer

Martech Surveys is fully insured for injury and damages with our Public Liabilty cover up to £5 million.

Question 3

How high can you fly ?

Accepted Answer

We can fly up to a height of 400ft & a distance of 500m within line of sight of the UAV pilot.    This is set out by law governed by the Civil Aviation authority.

Question 4

Can you fly in wind & rain ?

Accepted Answer

We can fly in winds up to a maximum of 22mph, our aircraft are piloted by competent and qualified UAV pilots who will judge weather conditions on the day.    We can fly in rain with some of our industrial UAV's which are water resistant - however water on the lenses may reduce the quality of image deliverably for our clients.    If you wish to know more please contact us.

Question 5

How long can you fly for ?

Accepted Answer

We can typically fly between 18 - 30 minutes depending on a number of variables including weather , payload (the camera the drone is carrying) and the nature of the flight itself.

Question 6

What if the weather is too bad to fly ?

Accepted Answer

We monitor the weather forecast 5 days in advance of any project. We will keep in close contact with the client if it is evident weather may be an issue.    If it is deemed the chosen day is a go and there is a sudden change in weather while on site, our pilots will wait on site as long as possible in the hope of a break in the weather.   If we have to re-schedule a date because of weather the booking deposit is transferred to the new date.   Weather is known business risk in the UK so we are as flexible as possible to ensure that bookings can be rearranged.

Question 7

Can you Fly Indoors ?

Accepted Answer

Yes – We can fly indoors but we need suitable space for our aircraft.    Our drones are battery powered with electric motors so there is no worry about polluting the environment.    Most of the time there are no issues with flying indoors but safety is our number one priority. Only a short flight test can give us the final answer.

Question 8

Can I have a go with the UAV when your pilots on site ?

Accepted Answer

No    Each of our UAV’s (unmanned aerial vehicles) are registered with the CAA and each pilot needs to be certified and licensed by the CAA.

Question 9

What restrictions are there when you are flying ?

Accepted Answer

Our CAA approval clearly defines where and how we can fly. The main operational conditions for a small unmanned aircraft SUA are:
• Maintaining a distance of 50m from people and property not in control of the pilot.
• During take off and landing maintain a distance of 30m from people and property not in control of the pilot.
• Permission of the landowner to take off and land.
• Directly overhead or within a minimum distance of 150m from an open air assembly of over 1000 people.
• Maximum height of 400ft above ground level. 
• Maintain visual line of sight of the SUA to a maximum distance of 500m.
• During daylight hours, so that you can clearly see the SUA and take avoiding action from other air users if required.
• Outside of controlled airspace.
• Restrictions apply to certain areas of Central London and additional permissions to fly in these areas need to be sought from the CAA.
• Restrictions and rules apply to flying near an airport and aerodrome.   We can fly close to buildings and people when we have consent of the owner and the people in close proximity have been briefed and are under the control of the pilot.   This allows us to do close survey work of building, roofs, building sites, hotels and golf courses.   Generally a pre-assessment of the site is carried out beforehand to assess the suitability and ensure there are no difficulties

Question 10

What about Privacy ?

Accepted Answer

UAVs are covered by the Data Protection Act and as such, all privacy laws can be applied to their use. For more information visit https://ico.org.uk/for-the-public/drones/. In addition, commercial drone use is governed by the ICO's Data Protection Code of Practice for Surveillance Cameras. This code provides detail on the Privacy Impact Assessments and other measures we take prior to undertaking drone surveillance work. We comply fully with both codes and encourage everyone to review both pieces of guidance.