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The iRed Academy are running a specialised course for drone operators wishing to obtain an Operating Safety Case from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Having an Operating Safety Case (OSC) enables drone operators to conduct aerial work more easily and gives them a commercial advantage over their competitors who don’t have one.

Having an Operating Safety Case makes industrial inspections feasible.

Operating Safety Cases can be gained for working beyond the limitations of a Standard Permission for Commercial Operation (PfCO).

Operating Safety Cases are required for:

  • A reduced safety cordon within congested areas
  • Altitude extension for flying higher than 400ft
  • Extended visual line of sight operations
  • Beyond visual line of sight operations

Operating Safety Cases are awarded by the Civil Aviation Authority based upon the submission of 3 comprehensive volumes:

  • Volume 1: Operations Manual
  • Volume 2: Systems
  • Volume 3: Safety Assessment

For those already operating with standard permissions (PfCO), Volume 1 will already be partially completed in the form of your Operations Manual.

Writing the 3 volumes can be a daunting task, take over a month to write and will usually end up being more than 200 pages long. Much of the time taken writing the Operating Safety Case is spent working out what information the CAA are looking for in each section and ensuring that it is as comprehensive as possible.

Currently the CAA have no service agreement or timescale targets in which to look at submissions for an Operating Safety Case. It may take 3 months, it may take longer. If further information is requested, delays will be likely.

Industrial inspections are a challenge in congested areas with a Standard PfCO.

Ensuring the application is correctly represented upon initial submission will reduce the likelihood of any delays or additional fees, meaning you can start using your Operating Safety Case sooner.

The aim of the Operating Safety Case course is to guide drone operators through the minefield of writing the 3 comprehensive volumes required for the application process. It will provide the tools and knowledge for a drone operator to successfully apply for an Operating Safety Case.

The iRed Operating Safety Case course instructors are experienced at successfully applying for and using Operating Safety Cases. They will guide you through each volume section by section to clarify the entire application process. They will also show you ways to improve your operation procedures, drone system and risk management for use with an OSC.

Enrolling on this course counts towards the evidence required for Volume 3 to prove you are a responsible drone operator capable of carrying out OSC flights safely.

The comprehensive 3 day course is classroom based with practical exercises to expand your understanding of risk and managing Operating Safety Case UAV operations. Delegates will be provided with an Operating Safety Case work-book for their notes. It is expected that students will complete the course and then write their Operating Safety Case application in their own time, for submission to the CAA.

The next Operating Safety Case Training Course is on the 11th – 13th July 2018 in Emsworth, Hampshire. The course fee includes a work-book, course certificate, lunch, tea and coffee. Places are limited, so book today.

To book online, visit https://ired.ac.uk/courses/operating-safety-case-training-course/

To learn more, get in touch on +44 (0)1243 370 296 or send an email to [email protected]

It should be noted that iRed are not affiliated to the CAA in any way and we cannot guarantee the CAA will grant applicants an Operating Safety Case as there are many variables to consider. However, if you are reasonable with your request, and realistic with your expectations, then there should be no reason why you will not be awarded an Operating Safety Case.

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