You’ve probably all had the email, but here is the latest info on PfCO submissions:
Updated requirements for UAS PfCO applications
Introduced earlier this year as part of our assessment process applicants for Permission for Commercial Operations (PfCOs) are no longer required to upload insurance documentation as part of the application process. Applicants are still required to obtain insurance in the same way as stated in the Civil Aviation (Insurance) Regulations 2005 and EC Regulation 785/2004, but will only have to declare at the time of application that insurance will be in place at the time of operations.
A rejection/assessment fee of £124.00 for PfCO applications which do not meet a certain level of standard will be introduced from 1 October 2019. This was first announced in the CAA Charges and Consultation document CAP 1720 (November 2018) and CAA Board Response document CAP 1755 (March 2019). The fee will come into force in line with the CAA Refunds & Waivers Policy. Information on what determines an error and why your application may be placed on hold or rejected can be found on our website.
On 30 July 2019 a new edition of CAP 722 was published, with a subsequent amendment following on 4 September 2019. CAP 722 is intended to assist those who are involved in all aspects of the development and operation of UAS to identify the necessary requirements to operate within the UK. As part of our assessment process we will now be looking for specific reference to the latest version of this CAP document within applicants Operations Manuals.
Key changes:
The introduction of a rejection/assessment fee is necessary due to the volume of applications currently placed on hold/rejected at the point of assessment (circa 50% of applications). Since January 2019 approximately 900 applications were placed on hold for 3 or more errors. The level of rework required to reassess these applications has a negative impact on application Service Level Agreements.
If you are unsure on any of the points on our website you may wish to contact an NQE.
Any updates to our assessment process, will be advised on our website, through mailshots to existing PfCO holders (subject to GDPR limitations) and through Skywise.
Any applications received before the self-declaration section of the online application was implemented will still adhere to our previous requirements for submitting insurance.
Updated requirements for UAS PfCO applications
Introduced earlier this year as part of our assessment process applicants for Permission for Commercial Operations (PfCOs) are no longer required to upload insurance documentation as part of the application process. Applicants are still required to obtain insurance in the same way as stated in the Civil Aviation (Insurance) Regulations 2005 and EC Regulation 785/2004, but will only have to declare at the time of application that insurance will be in place at the time of operations.
A rejection/assessment fee of £124.00 for PfCO applications which do not meet a certain level of standard will be introduced from 1 October 2019. This was first announced in the CAA Charges and Consultation document CAP 1720 (November 2018) and CAA Board Response document CAP 1755 (March 2019). The fee will come into force in line with the CAA Refunds & Waivers Policy. Information on what determines an error and why your application may be placed on hold or rejected can be found on our website.
On 30 July 2019 a new edition of CAP 722 was published, with a subsequent amendment following on 4 September 2019. CAP 722 is intended to assist those who are involved in all aspects of the development and operation of UAS to identify the necessary requirements to operate within the UK. As part of our assessment process we will now be looking for specific reference to the latest version of this CAP document within applicants Operations Manuals.
Key changes:
- Insurance no longer submitted as part of the application process
- Applicants will still be required to obtain insurance in the same way.
- If PfCO holders are audited they may be required to present evidence of compliant insurance for the appropriate flights they have undertaken.
- Amendments have been made to the online application form to include a self-declaration box for insurance.
- Introducing Rejection/Assessment fee for incorrect applications
- If the application has 3 or more errors and is rejected, the rejection fee may be deducted from any refund you receive.
- Operations Manuals will require reference to the latest version of CAP 722
- CAP 722 can be featured in a referenced document table or-
- A statement within the manual can state the operator/remote pilot will acknowledge the information provided in CAP 722.
The introduction of a rejection/assessment fee is necessary due to the volume of applications currently placed on hold/rejected at the point of assessment (circa 50% of applications). Since January 2019 approximately 900 applications were placed on hold for 3 or more errors. The level of rework required to reassess these applications has a negative impact on application Service Level Agreements.
If you are unsure on any of the points on our website you may wish to contact an NQE.
Any updates to our assessment process, will be advised on our website, through mailshots to existing PfCO holders (subject to GDPR limitations) and through Skywise.
Any applications received before the self-declaration section of the online application was implemented will still adhere to our previous requirements for submitting insurance.
