We’re one of the UK’s longest established and specialised UAV-operating services provider.

Based in the North East of England yet operating nationally with a permission from the CAA to commercially operate sub-25kg drones since 2015, ARC Aerial Imaging has been uninterruptedly providing a complete service in high resolution UAV aerial imaging acquisitions with various airborne sensing forms, in-house geospatial processing, imagery analysis, consulting and delivering an industry-leading ‘Phase 2’ business development training course in aerial imaging for commercial mapping, surveying and photogrammetry applications with drones for other UAV operators and operating entities.

We’re in the business of producing ‘Intelligence from Imaging’ with UAV Aerial Sensing.

ARC Aerial Imaging is a complete professional and specialised service which all stem from decades of accredited subject matter knowledge and expertise with many forms of aerial imaging and processed geodata.

Trusted by some award winning organisations…

We’re also THE leading national training provider in commercial UAV aerial imaging for mapping, surveying and photogrammetry applications…

ARC Aerial Imaging has been providing an industry-leading ‘Phase 2’ UAV course in aerial imaging for mapping, surveying and photogrammetry applications with UAVs training other commercial UAV operators and operating entities.

This UAV business development course is professionally delivered by a tutor with 30 years of accredited subject matter expertise and who is also a highly-experienced commercial practitioner in the field of topographic mapping and surveying with UAVs. Through a combination of understanding the important fundamentals of aerial imaging, knowing how to accurately plan to autonomously collate high quality aerial imaging and spatial data along with the importance of gathering precise point positioning information with RTK GNSS equipment in order to produce survey-compliant geospatial datasets, this second to none course prepares its attendees to apply their UAV platforms and their sensing more efficiently, effectively and precisely in commercial mapping, surveying and photogrammetry applications.

For more details about the course click here including reviewing some of its testimonials that have been given from past course alumni.

We’re also part of the RICS Tech Partner Programme.

As a forward-thinking company we’re a member of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) ‘Tech Partner Programme’ that offer and provide clients agile, innovative and creative solutions by utilising UAV technology and remote sensing whilst adhering to the RICS Code of Conduct and Standards.

The RICS Tech Partner Partner Programme allows RICS professionals who are not informed about certain technologies including UAVs and their associated sensing and to access them through collaboration with RICS Tech Partners thus taking advantage of the benefits and efficiencies they would provide without having to heavily invest in equipment and training which may distract away from their core commercial and business services.

The Company and our Drone Commercial Operating Compliances

ARC Aerial Imaging is one of the longest established professional commercial drone operating businesses in the UK and it has a wealth of knowledge and experience which is collectively formed from over 20 years in the Royal Air Force and 10 years as a commercial practitioner in various types of UAV-borne aerial imaging and geospatial data.

Some Statistics

Previously known as a ‘Permission for Commercial Operations’ and, before that, a ‘Permission for Aerial Work’ which it was also a holder of both in the past, the ‘Operational Authorisation’ permits ARC Aerial Imaging to commercially and legally operate sub-25kg multi-rotor UAVs in both Open and Specific Categories and thereby continuing to deliver its specialist UAV-related imaging services with various platforms and aerial sensing.

All its operatives are qualified to Civil Aviation Authority standards and are fully insured.  As we are dedicated to the highest professional conduct and safety standards there are, it fully complies with all UK CAA legislation in regard to the commercial and safe use of Small Unmanned Aerial Systems encompassing:

• Qualified UAV Pilot/Operator by a CAA certified RAE Training Provider;

• UK Civil Aviation Authority ‘Operational Authorisation’ (OA No: 685);

• £10M Public Liability Insurance from a Specialist UAV Provider;

• CAA approved Company Operations Manual including prepared UAV Risk Assessments & Method Statements (RAMS) documentation;

• Company Health & Safety Policies and UAV/Site/Personnel Operating Procedures;

• ECITB CCNSG Site Safety Passport

Advantages to hiring a UAS Remote Pilot with Drone Certification

Being an A2 Certificate of Competency (A2 CofC) and General Visual Line-of-Sight Certificate (GVC) holding Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) operating company provides clients several critical advantages over an entity who doesn’t have these certifications:

• Legal Compliance: A2 CofC and GVC certifications demonstrate that we’ve undergone proper training and have the necessary knowledge to operate drones safely and legally within UK airspace. Flying drones commercially without adequate certification or insurance is illegal. 

• Safety: We’ve received comprehensive training on flight safety, airspace regulations, emergency procedures and risk assessments which ensures we can safely operate drones, minimizing the risk of accidents or injuries to people and property. Additionally, we’re trained to conduct pre-flight checks and maintain our drones properly, reducing the likelihood of equipment failures during flights. 

• Quality Assurance: A2 CofC and GVC certifications signify proficiency in piloting drones and capturing high-quality aerial photography, video and data. You can expect professional-grade results from certified UAS pilots. 

• Insurance Requirements: Many insurance policies for commercial drone operations require remote pilots to hold A2 CofC or GVC certifications. Commisioning us ensures that your project is covered by insurance in case of accidents, property damage or liability claims arising from drone operations. Coverage may be invalidated without proper certification, leaving you vulnerable to financial risks.

• Reputation and Trust:  Working with a certified remote pilot enhances your credibility of using a certified and professional supplier. It demonstrates our commitment to compliance with regulations, safety standards and industry best practices. You can reassure your stakeholders, customers and partners that our operations are conducted professionally and responsibly.