Middlesbrough based commercial operator DJM Aerial Solutions have recently added night operations to their business model after several discussions with security providers regarding surveillance using thermal sensors at night.
PfCO and Night Ops
As most people that use drones are aware of the drone code and the requirement for the permission for commercial operations or PfCO which is authority provided by the Civil Aviation Authority that provides the commercial drone pilot the permission to operate UAV’s for commercial gain.
Another string to the PfCO is adding night ops to the commercial drone pilot operations manual which is again another document written and developed by the commercial drone pilot which is issued to the civil aviation authority for their approval. This is the foundation on which all commercial drone pilot (s) operate and should be adhered to strictly.
Night Ops or night operations is an entirely different procedure with increased risk due to the low light levels and general reduced visual distance and lines of sight. Further mitigation must be adopted and with a huge amount of vigilance to boot.
DJM Aerial Solutions Commercial Drone Operation(s) Night Ops
Due to increased demand for commercial drone operation (s) in the autumn and winter months DJM Aerial Solutions decided to include night operations to their operations manual and add it to their PfCO or permission for commercial drone operation (s) essentially increasing our operational capacity and preventing us being caught short in the middle of a commercial drone operation
Risk Assessment and Mitigation
Assessing risk whilst planning for a commercial drone operation at night should be completed during the hours of daylight (as far as reasonably practicable) to allow the commercial drone operator to foresee any potential risk that may not be obvious after sunset. The commercial drone operator or pilot in command must be the risk assessor and endeavor to mitigate all risks with the mindset that it will be themselves carrying out the commercial drone operation.
Extra precautions must be taken to allow full control of the entire commercial drone operation. Extra lighting must be used where necessary to create a safe working environment and minimise loss of visuals with the drone during the commercial drone operation. Vigilance must be taken at all times and the operational flight path walked where practicable and a detailed map drawn up to increase the awareness of all involved.
Setting Out Operational Area
The commercial drone pilot must adhere to the company operations manual and PfCO. Intensive Risk Assessment must be in place and sketch plans, method statements and flight plans implemented with the entire team involved.
The operational area should be well lit with each member of the team wearing their own head torch and also carrying their own flashlight. The primary take-off area must be lit as must the emergency landing area.
Distance should be reduced depending on the scenario and consideration should be given to the installation of extra lighting on the aircraft to assist with anti-collision systems. All of this is a minimum requirement for operating during the night and should be looked at as a mandatory requirement.
Commercial Night Operations
If you would like to speak to a commercial drone operator about any of our commercial drone services then please either get in touch via this link to our contact page Or Call us on +44 (0) 1642 903779 We’d be more than happy to speak to you and go through the process.