Things only an RPAS operator can do

There are plenty of drone and model aircraft enthusiasts out there! It does not surprise us, since drone technology is a fascinating, innovative and revolutionary field in many sectors, as we have seen on several occasions.

But there are things that only an ENAC-recognised RPAS operator can do. Let's discover the essential ones:

But first, you might be interested in the article "How to go from model aircraft hobbyist to professional drone pilot".

But who decides to become a SAPR pilot, and why?

There are several "categories" of people and professionals who decide to invest their time, and also money, to enter the world of drones and become experts. We can group them into 5 main types:

• People who have studied and work in the agricultural sector and have understood the importance of smart farming, in which quadcopters are an essential element.
• Architects, surveyors and engineers working in building surveys and mapping who cannot afford to fall behind, or who want to always stay ahead.
• Photographers, audio-video technicians and film shooting operators,
• Very young people who, even before starting university, decide to gain an additional technical qualification in a hugely growing sector,
• People who start from model aircraft as a personal hobby at home and want to turn their passion into a profitable profession.
  
  

The reasons are varied and understandable; all these categories have understood that there are, and in the future will be, a number of activities that can only be carried out by those who have a recognized drone and recognition as a pilot.

Activities such as:

Mapping, surveys, rescue.

To carry out complex services such as surveys, mapping, rescue operations and many other complex activities in which drones have brought a true revolution, professional drones are required that also have all the technical features (video camera and installed software) that set them apart from hobby ones, as per the new ENAC regulation.

Only those holding proper recognition from the Civil Aviation Authority can carry out mapping and surveys and cooperate with law enforcement, the army and civil protection for rescue operations in the event of floods and earthquakes.

Contracts (and earning money)

Perhaps the most interesting point: only those with a SAPR pilot licence can enter into commercial agreements for surveys, videos and professional services.

Regardless of the type of service, every commercial agreement related to the use of a drone can only be made with drone pilots holding a valid certification and with a recognized and insured drone.

In short, only those with a licence can earn money from their activity as a drone pilot.

Guaranteeing a safe service to the customer

Any service offered by a recognized professional, whether video shooting or mapping, offers the customer insurance as well as legal and professional guarantees that a non-professional amateur cannot provide by law; in case of accidents, they also risk civil and criminal consequences.

It is therefore important, before requesting a professional service, to make sure of the pilot's SUPERPOWERS and that they are certified by ENAC.