Safety Equipment

When taking your Operational Evaluation your examiner will want to see that you have the appropriate safety equipment to undertake the flight safely.

Not only will you need this equipment for your exam, but you will also need it when you undertake jobs. This equipment will protect you and any third parties. This will give your company a professional edge over the person who shows up with a drone, a couple of spare propellers and batteries in a plastic bag.

The following items are a guide as to what you may need. Your examiner may want to see other items included, so it is best to talk to him/her before your examination.

Items to add to your kit:

  • Wind Anemometer: Used to measure wind speed
  • Spectrum Analyser: Detects electromagnetic or radio interference
  • Aviation Charts: Great for knowing the airspace in the areas where you will be working (there are online versions available on the Resources page)
  • First Aid Kit: Make sure its contents are appropriate for the applications it may be needed for
  • Safety Signs: To warn third parties that a drone flight is currently taking place in the vicinity
  • Hi-Viz Vest/Jacket: You can get these printed with your company’s logo and role (e.g. pilot or spotter)
  • Fire Extinguisher: Drone fires will come under Class D; make sure you source a fire extinguisher that is capable
  • Fire Blanket: Used to suppress any fires
  • LiPo Bags: You should store and charge your LiPo batteries in LiPo safe bags or containers. LiPo Bags are made from fire retardant materials and will withstand high temperatures for a reasonable amount of time
  • Take Off/Landing Matting: You can get ones printed with your company’s name and logo on. Alternatively you can use interlocking foam matting that will be gentle on your knees if you use it to set your equipment up on too
  • Cones: You should use these to cordon off your Take Off/Landing Area and to warn any third parties of the flight
  • Safety Tape: You can use this to help cordon off your Take Off/Landing Area
  • Chest For Equipment: Keeping everything organised will save time when packing for a job and when on a job site
  • Walkie Talkie/Two Way Radio: Useful for staying in contact with your spotters or any other personnel
  • Hard Hat: You will need one of these if you plan on working within the construction industry
  • Safety Glasses: You will need these if you plan on working within the construction industry