March 2018

Drone Technology
WILL DRONE TECH TAKE OFF?
The National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) receives regular queries from
members on safety, legislation and technical advice. In this regular feature exclusively for
Total Contractor, the Association will share some of its most frequently asked questions
along with the advice given. This month, Mike Wharton, Head of Business Development,
answers questions on drones.
Q. I’ve seen a few of my competitors have
started using drones to help them with
site inspection, panoramic overviews and
inspection of structures at height. It seems like
a good idea but I’ve no idea how to get started.
Have you got any advice?
A. You are absolutely right to pinpoint that in our
industry, drones could be particularly useful and
that this technology is already proving immensely
popular for a range of activities including site
inspection, planning and health and safety.
But getting started is not as simple as going out
and purchasing the first drone you see.
And additionally, the mantra that “drones are not
toys” has been repeated by The Civil Aviation
Authority which writes the
guidebook here.
Flying for commercial use
requires their permission and
to get the go-ahead you will
have to show you are
“sufficiently competent”.
So, what does this mean?
“Getting started is not
as simple as going out
and purchasing the
first drone you see”
Left: Mike Wharton, Head of Business
Development at the NFRC
Here at the NFRC, we have
entered into an exclusive
partnership with The
Association of Remotely Piloted
Aircraft (ARPAS-UK), the
professional body and trade
association for the fast evolving Remotely Piloted
Aircraft Systems industry, to advise our members
of the latest legislation and ensure they operate
drones safely.
ARPAS-UK works closely with the CAA to ensure
that the regulatory framework for the safe and
professional operation of remotely piloted aircraft is
fit for purpose and it has been working with the