Recent content by Mike Hulme

Hi, I have just spoken with the UAV enquiries team at Gatwick. They have apprently 'sorted' the issue with insurance and will now continue to issue permissions. They would not go into detail as to what the 'issue' was (although I only spoke to the reception so they may not actually have known...

Hi guys, I will speak with the UAV enquiries team again tomorrow (I now have their direct line!) to get some clarification. If they are not isuing Permissions for those asking for renewals I assume those with current Permissions are not covered either? Big impact stuff - will keep you...

I contacted the CAA (UAV enquiries) again today chasing my PfCO renewal that I sent in before Christmas.... Having been given various excuses ('could not open the attachment' - 'oh, we can now' etc...), today I was told that 'the CAA are no longer issuing permissions at this time as there is a...

The Met Film Unit has a very useful flow diagram that you follow to ascertain if you need local permissions etc. I think it is more to do with the production of commercial film productions (roads being cordond off, actors firing guns etc... etc.). It sounds like you are within a private area -...

Thanks Ed - Yep makes sense. It was a very usful excersise to fly in central London and jump the hoops placed before you. However I must say all I came into contact with were positive. 'How can we make this work' as opposed to 'How can we stop him'. Operators should be confident to liase with...

No I was lucky! I had control over the central garden of the museum (sole access with security guards covering the entrenace doors) as I flew before it was open to the public. NATS gave authority to fly a certain distance from the garden which gave me enough angle at 300" to look down onto...

It went well. had to film the V&A on Cromwell road. Note that you must call the Met (DPG) beforehand to get their authority. With R157 they have the final say (over and above NATS) due to diplomatic air movements etc. I flew first thing so had to call in the middle of the night (you cannot...

You need to give people a chance to reply... I would always give 24hrs and when the client says 'I need this this afternoon' I simply say 'No' and give my rationale and explain my Ops manual (site survey and letter drops). That gives them confidence. If they then don't want my services...

No, not at all, I aways knock to try and engage also - people are fasinated and as I have said I have picked up work as a result of the face to face / letter drop. Being as transperant as you can will alay fears. FYI I also wear my company logo top with hi-viz for the letter drop - appears...

I echo The Editor's comments re a single sheet for a Risk Assessment. You can get too tied down to try and cover 'every eventuality' (which you cannot cover by the way). Look at it as 'what if....' In fact there are only a few 'what if' occasions - there just happens to be many thousands of...

Many thanks for the detailed response - I will let you know via this means how I get on! Mike

Cheers Chris - Appricate the fast response and details. Along with The Editor's answer I feel confident all will be well. Mike

I have been given authority to fly within the London Restricted area (R157 - Hyde Park area) by NATS and also submitted, at their request, the necessary NOTAM. My requirements were very specific re height, time, LAT / LONG etc. and naturally had to provide evidence of PfAW (or is it now PfCO...