Introducing the UK’s Only PfCO Drone Training Course for Surveying and Construction

Professional drone training is an essential part of incorporating drones into any business and courses vary depending on the provider. Here at COPTRZ, we’ve been providing drone training at the highest level since the PfCO (Permission for Commercial Operations) was first made mandatory for commercial drone users. A four-day course, the standard PfCO course covers everything you need to know about flying a drone safely and within current CAA regulations to make sure that you and your business remain compliant and insured as your carry out your job. But as much as the PfCO covers compliance, flight planning and best practice, course material is generic whether you are a videographer, estate agent or surveyor.

As an Enterprise level drone specialist, COPTRZ has worked with many large companies to incorporate drones into their current workflow and it’s obvious that each sector has different needs when it comes to the level of technical drone training required by their operators. That’s why we’ve developed the UK’s only PfCO drone training course designed specifically for the Construction and Surveying sectors.

What’s the difference?

In addition to the standard 4-days, our CAA PfCO for Surveying & Construction includes an additional day packed full of modules covering survey-specific technologies and processing methodologies such as laser scanning and Photogrammetry. Our new upscaled PfCO has been designed following consultation with some of the country’s largest surveying and construction businesses such as Costain, Jacobs, Murphy’s and the Mclaren Group.

Our CAA PfCO for Surveying and Construction is also taught by professionals who have real, hands-on industry experience when it comes to using drones for surveys and inspections so you know that the practical experience you will gain will be fit for purpose when you’re out in the field.

What’s included?

Both the environment and challenges of drone surveying differ greatly compared to simple, image-based drone applications. That’s why, in addition to the standard modules included in our CAA approved PfCO drone training course, we’ve included some industry accepted CPD modules which will cover:

• Best practise for using drones in surveying
• Survey mission planning
• Troubleshooting and mitigating errors in flight and processing
• The theory of Photogrammetry for Surveying
• Processing data in Pix4D

You’ll also have the chance to test out industry-leading technologies such as UAV LiDAR systems, automated Ground Control solutions and advanced software which aren’t available as a part of any other PfCO training course. By the time you’ve finished the course, you’ll not only have gained all the knowledge and experience required to apply for your PfCO, you’ll also be survey mission ready!

There’s also the ability to receive an academically accredited qualification under OFQUAL, at Level 4. This qualification is recognised by employers across all sectors which can help with insurances, funding and further advancement in the field of drones and surveying.

Who should attend?

This course is useful for anyone who is involved in your UAV strategy, from Site Engineers, Project Managers, Surveyors and Survey Engineers to Site Managers and Health & Safety operatives. It can also be helpful for those who are responsible for processing or utilising survey data such as planning teams, analysts and other office-based staff.

Who’s the brains behind it all?

Drone specialist James Pick has spent over 10 years working in the fields of geomatics and surveying. With practical experience in remote sensing, GIS Theory and Application and Advanced Survey Methodologies, Jim joined COPTRZ to help survey businesses leverage drone technology to streamline workflows and improve survey outcomes. Jim has worked with dozens of companies within the construction and surveying sectors and has an in-depth understanding of both traditional and contemporary mapping methods.

We believe that any drone training course should be fit for the purpose you intend to carry out. We’ve worked with Severn Trent Water, Costain and other blue-chip businesses to incorporate a meaningful drone strategy into their businesses without using a ‘one size fits all approach’. You can find out more about our work with surveying and construction businesses here on our blog.

To find out more about how the CAA PfCO for Surveying and Construction drone training course can be made to fit your business needs, contact the COPTRZ team on 0330 111 7177 or emal info@coptrz.com