Fabricating Feedback? Is the CAA consultation based on a LIE?

[@Oaks_Drones]

Many thanks, Sean, Graham and Angus for digging into this. I'm only a hobbyist pilot, but I can see the importance of the CAA getting it right for all of us, not least in helping rather than hindering the industry. A serious thought that might get this issue more into the mainstream, especially if you want to lobby for a public inquiry: This is the kind of thing the Private Eye magazine would investigate and follow up on. Can I suggest you contact them and invite them to watch your CAA-related videos? Anything that highlights incompetency in a government agency and promotes good and safe practice can only be to everyone's advantage.

[@greggsmith3964]

Thanks for the excellent journalism here guys. The CAA really do need to be held responsible for this nonsense. I, like many operators have not renewed my PDRA01 because it offers nothing that I cannot do with an a2CofC in the Open Category with smaller aircraft. And the idea of needing an open cheque book in order to produce a functioning OSC is just ludicrous. I really do hope those responsible for this farce can be pulled into the spotlight and replaced so that the industry can grow accordingly. It seems the CAA have inherited drones by default with little or no consideration as to whether they are qualified or competent to manage this industry. Keep up the great work and I look forward to see how this develops.

[@Geeksvana]

Thank you! Really appreciate the support. Hopefully, we can at least get the industry voice to the right people.

[@bensonblair]

Just for clarity, Mark Wharry was indeed at this meeting. In recent years I felt there was only one person fighting our corner, and it was Mark! He is definitely one of the good guys!

[@fire_stick]

Surely there is no point fighting a clueless organisation as they are incapable of fixing any issues. Do we need to write to our MP to get this sorted out?? what other options are there ?

[@Geeksvana]

The MP letter writing campaign will start very soon. That will hopefully bring a Parliamentary Inquiry. That could give us a genuine chance for change.

[@StitchSurveying]

@@Geeksvanareally appreciate all your hard work Sean and the team…. …one thing I know that will definitely create a rapid overhaul in the drone department is an ammeter drone flyer not following the regs and colliding with an aircraft. The press will hound the CAA until they’re forced to do something fundamental to the department. I hope however this doesn’t happen and change happens diplomatically 😵‍💫

[@pdfp24]

Thank you for all your work on this. As an operator who has no choice but to hold a non PDRA OA and renew it every year I’m really hoping all of this leads to positive change.

[@jeremymurfitt1512]

It was great to hear Angus's views. I met him many years ago at (I think) an ARPAS event. I probably asked him too many basic numpty questions and he was so helpful. When people of his experience are completely frustrated by the CAA is it of great concern.

[@mullbydrone]

It's 5 years since I did my PFCO training in Paisley, and I've held my OA ever since. I've been seriously considering letting it lapse this year, and this has convinced me further. I'd rather continue, but as a small-time operator it's just not worth the hassle.

[@y_i_fly6256]

This is a sad situation because this should be an industry where it’s a global collaboration. It’s great to have ideas but if certain countries become restrictive it slows the innovation even further.

[@Geeksvana]

Well said. Thank you for taking the time to comment.

[@cheekyoscar1353]

if I'm being honest this is all too complicated for me but I appreciate the time and effort you guys are putting into this . ❤.

[@jeremymurfitt1512]

I am into my tenth year of flying drones. I was looking at an OSC a couple of years ago and two RAE's suggested better off not doing it in light of uncertainty of the outcome and cost which could be ££ or £££. Disappointing.

[@StitchSurveying]

Indeed. I’ve also been told by two RAEs to avoid OSCs at all cost. Too much time, complexity and money. I have actively based my business model and the future growth on my business to not use them.

[@WebbedFootage]

Great work with the digging guys. I’ve held a PFAW/PFCO/OA since 2014. The admin’s been getting progressively more complicated, and unnecessarily difficult to understand at every step, not to mention more expensive. I’m close to giving up on renewing it, as it’s barely worth my time and money, especially as I only use the larger drones a handful of times a year. Pretty poor show from the CAA.

[@paradoxicalcat7173]

Rule #1: regulators do not care about safety, only regulation Rule #2: everything must now make a profit, no matter how ludicrous Rule #3: See Rule 1.

[@Geeksvana]

The objectives of the regulated change be achieved in addition to the regulator, in this instance. That is why it is so frustrating to watch it happen.