UK PDRA-01 ONGOIN SUPPORT SERVICE

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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We receive many enquiries and questions about the services we offer.  We always welcome  enquiries but hopefully the following FAQs will answer some of your immediate questions:

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The new DiSCO PDRA-01 Application Process

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Under DiSCO it will be “declarative”, i.e. the Accountable Manager and owner of the OPERATOR ID will complete the application form on behalf of the organisation or the individual.

 

No supporting documentation, such as Operations Manual, flight logs, etc. will be required.

 

You’ll only be able to apply for a new PDRA-01 only 30 days before the expiry of the existing one.

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The new PDRA-01 will run for 12 months from the moment the existing PDRA-01 runs out, 00:00 hours on the following day (dates on consecutive PDRA-01s will not overlap) or from the date the new PDRA-01 is issued

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You will declare:

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• The business sectors you’ll be working in such as the creative industries 

• The drone activity such as photography

• The drones you’ll be using

• The number of hours each drone has been flown in the last 12 months

• Confirm you have an up to date and valid operations manual

• Confirm each pilot:

  • Has a valid UK FLYER ID and valid UK GVC

  • Has currency with a compatible drone, i.e. has flown 2 hours in the last 3 months

  • Keeps their flight log up to date

  • Is fit and safe to fly

• Confirm that you’ll have EC Directive 785/2004 type insurance in place whenever you fly under the PDRA-01

• Confirm you’ll meet the specified OPERATOR requirements

 

You will pay the fee - £234

 

Note: there is no distinction between initial applications and renewals.  This means an application can be delayed until the OA is actually needed without penalty.

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Within 24-hours (supposedly) the new PDRA-01 will be available to download when you re-login to your OPERATOR ID.

 

CAA PDRA-01 Audits

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As much as no documentation is required at time of application, the CAA will be upping their audit activity.  An Operator holding a PDRA-01 can expect a ‘request’ to supply the following documentation package at some point during the12 months of the OA.  These packages will include:

 

• Operations Manual Volumes 1 and 2 – a new template for both Volumes is being issued by the CAA shortly

• Documentation on the 3 previous flights under the PDRA-01 including:

  • The signed off On Site Survey

  • The Remote Pilot’s Flight Log

  • The Remote Pilot’s GVC

  • Proof of the Remote Pilot’s currency at the time of the flight

  • The Remote Pilot’s FLYER ID

  • The insurance in place at the time of the flight

  • The Maintenance Log of the drone used

  • Details of the OPERATOR ID as of the date of the flight 

 

You’ll have 28 days to respond or the PDRA-01 will be suspended.

 

The inference of this is that your documentation, records and logs have to be kept up to date and in addition to this the auditors may backtrack on your Flight Log to ensure you have remained current throughout the period in question, i.e. back to the date of the PDRA-01, to ensure you are maintaining the 2 hours air time on a rolling 3 month basis. 

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What service do you provide?

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DroneRenewal's subscription-based On-Going PDRA-01 Support Service provides:

 

• Every quarter the Operations Manual is reviewed and updated as necessary

• Every quarter the Pilot, Aircraft and Aircraft Maintenance Logs checked, verified and brought up to date, if required

• Every quarter the documentation from a recent operation under the PDRA-01 will be reviewed and recommendations will be made on the risk identification and risk assessment plus any other improvements, so that it should be accepted by the CAA auditors, should that operation be put forward as part of the audit documentation package 

• Support during the preparation of the documentation package in response to a CAA audit request, if requested

• Conducting the next PDRA-01 application on a live link, if requested

 

Subscribers would also have access to additional services such as:

 

• Conversion to the new CAA PDRA-01 Operations Manual and Systems Manual (2 Volumes) template when the CAA eventually releases it

• Pre-Site Survey Risk Assessments and Flight Planning for a specific planned operation, including definition of the Flight Volume and the Contingency Buffer Zone

• Consultation on Operational Issues

• On Site Support during UAS Operations

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How do I subscribe and access this service?

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DroneRenewals is operating an invitation-only scheme.  It's primary responsibility and role is to support existing DroneRenewals' clients who hold a current PDRA-01.

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DroneRenewals will consider new subscriptions but only a limited number of new subscribers will be accepted.

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You can email DroneRenewals on admin@dronerenewals.com or ring 02089793895.

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