Why Profressionals are the Safer Choice for Construction Site Drone Photography

Drones have revolutionised the way we capture images and data on construction sites. Their ability to provide detailed aerial views makes them invaluable for progress tracking, inspections, and safety assessments. While drones weighing less than 250 grams, such as the DJI Mini series, are subject to fewer restrictions, it’s important to understand why hiring a professional like Immersive Vision 360 remains the safer and more effective solution for construction site drone photography.

Understanding the Rules for Sub-250g Drones

Drones under 250 grams, like the DJI Mini series, are attractive options because they are subject to less stringent regulations. Here’s a breakdown of the key rules:

• No A2 CofC or GVC Required: For drones under 250g, operators are not required to hold an A2 Certificate of Competency (A2 CofC) or a General Visual Line of Sight Certificate (GVC) to conduct operations, including commercial tasks such as site photography. However, this does not negate the need for safe flying practices and thorough knowledge of UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) regulations.
• Closer Proximity to People: These drones can be flown closer to people compared to heavier models. The regulations allow for operations near uninvolved individuals, provided that care is taken to avoid flying directly over them. This flexibility is particularly useful in environments like construction sites where maintaining a safe distance from workers is crucial but not always easy with larger drones.
• Insurance: Despite the lighter regulatory load, it is mandatory to have drone-specific third-party insurance for commercial tasks, even for drones under 250g. This insurance covers potential liabilities and ensures that the operator is protected in the event of an incident.
• Airspace Awareness: Even though sub-250g drones enjoy fewer restrictions, operators must still comply with airspace regulations. This includes checking for any restricted or controlled airspace and obtaining permission if necessary. It’s also essential to be aware of nearby aircraft to avoid any potential conflicts.

The Importance of Professional Expertise

While it’s technically permissible to take photos of construction sites with a sub-250g drone without an A2 CofC or GVC, there are compelling reasons to hire a professional team like Immersive Vision 360:

1. Safety First: At Immersive Vision 360, safety is our top priority. Our team holds both A2 CofC and GVC licences, ensuring that we are fully qualified to operate drones in more restrictive environments. In addition, our operators carry Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) cards, meaning we are well-versed in the safety protocols specific to construction sites.
2. Comprehensive Risk Management: We don’t just fly our drones—we ensure that every aspect of the operation is conducted safely. This includes producing detailed risk assessments and conducting toolbox talks on-site to inform all personnel of our activities. These proactive measures help to minimise risks and ensure everyone on site is aware of the drone operations.
3. Flight and Maintenance Logs: Our commitment to professionalism extends to meticulous record-keeping. We maintain full flight logs and detailed maintenance logs for our drones, ensuring that our equipment is always in top condition and that every flight is accounted for.
4. Optimal Operating Conditions: Weather can have a significant impact on drone operations. At Immersive Vision 360, we only operate in conditions that are safe, ensuring that our work is both effective and risk-free.
5. Insurance Compliance: Even for drones under 250 grams, holding drone-specific third-party insurance is a legal requirement for commerical tasks. Our operations are fully insured, protecting both our clients and the public in the unlikely event of an incident.
6. Airspace and Traffic Monitoring: Before every flight, we carefully assess airspace restrictions to ensure compliance with all relevant regulations. We also monitor nearby air traffic to avoid any potential conflicts, making our operations not just legal but also safe for everyone involved.

Why We Use DJI Mini Pro’s on Construction Sites

At Immersive Vision 360, we often use DJI Mini Pro’s for construction site photography because, while it is sometimes perceived as a cheaper, hobbyist drone, it is actually a high-spec, professional tool. Its flexibility and ability to operate with fewer restrictions make it a great addition to our drone fleet, allowing us to capture top-quality images and data while staying fully compliant with regulations. Even if someone on-site owns a DJI Mini Pro, hiring our professional team provides distinct advantages. While the DJI Mini Pro benefits from a lighter regulatory burden, we maintain the same rigorous safety standards for its operation as we do with our heavier drones. Our expertise ensures that every aspect of drone use, including safety protocols, risk assessments, and insurance coverage, is handled to the highest professional standards.

The Professional Difference

While it’s possible to use a sub-250g drone on construction sites without advanced certifications, the expertise and comprehensive safety measures offered by Immersive Vision 360 ensure that your project is handled with the utmost professionalism. From rigorous safety protocols and risk assessments to detailed record-keeping and insurance compliance, we provide a level of service that guarantees not just high-quality results but peace of mind.

By choosing Immersive Vision 360, you’re opting for a team that prioritises safety, efficiency, and excellence in every aspect of drone operation. Let us help you capture your construction site from a new perspective, all while ensuring the highest standards of safety and compliance.

For more information on how we can assist you with construction site drone photography or any of our other services, contact us today.