Using your Drone for Paid Work - Commercial Work & Selling Your Pictures & Videos

[@IaninLondon]

So hopefully some useful info for selling yourself and making money. And hands up who remembers this track? Cheers everyone!

[@typxxilps]

yes, congratulations to the 40 K ... unfortunatelly i can not press the subscribe button or only two times cause I have subscribed quite long ago before you even had lost you drone around dover or so at the coastline.

[@IaninLondon]

@@typxxilps Ah, one of my original subs! Thank you so much for the good words! Cheers and take care! Ian

[@whitesnake329]

I am old, i remember 2 tribes by frankie goes to hollywood ! Did those scousers ever learn to play those instruments.! lol Seems Holly lived of those 2 songs all his life ! Bit like Slade with merry xmas ...........

[@whitesnake329]

sent you £5 for a drink , its very expensive in London ! keep up the great work !

[@tobybeale6963]

Any recommendations for UK insurers who will insure a DJI Mini 2 for commercial use (liability insurance)??? I've been quoted over £1,000 for the year for commercial insurance. Or £38 for recreational use. I am still confused - so sorry...

[@ukqwerty999]

Nice video mate :) Love the bit of Frankie's Pleasure Dome, amazing band❤

[@ukqwerty999]

more Frankie at the End :) you spoilt me :) I think it is my favorite track ever made 13 minutes of a journey full of memories... a great gym song.

[@lindsayheyes925]

Thanks Ian, that's very useful for everyone who finds themselves on the blurred lines.

[@LeroyZee]

Thanks, man, that cleared everything up.

[@Jay-sd1kf]

Just purchased a new drone, Dji mini 3, I’m in the uk…. Handy explanation of new rules 👌🏻🇬🇧🫡 thanks mate just subscribed to check out your other videos

[@IaninLondon]

Great stuff 👍🏻👍🏻

[@gazdeavall6221]

Amazing to know. I was looking at doing my GVC so I could use my mini 2 commercially so this has saved me a tonne of money. Thanks Ian, love your videos. Very informative

[@IaninLondon]

Great to hear!

[@Rogar0]

Once again Ian, your slant on Drone flying and the rules is very useful! Thanks matey and from Lake Balaton in Hungary, nagyszerű, és köszönöm szépen! Oh yea & egészségedre! 🦉👍🍷😎

[@IaninLondon]

Need to visit Hungary.....😀👍🏻👍🏻

[@Wilki2708]

Great video. Saved me wasting a lot of money. Thanks

[@Geeksvana]

Excellent video! Thank you Ian! Appreciate the link in the description to my video too! (Also loving the intro/outro music)

[@IaninLondon]

Cheers Sean! Having fun with some different music!

[@blackcountrydroner1814]

@@IaninLondon FGH welcome to the pleasuredome..great track..x

[@theoutdoordogphotographer]

Had this happen yesterday at Swanage where I was flying for my own pleasure when I was asked to get some footage of a shop on the pier, so as I understand it, I can buy a short term (one day) commercial insurance.

[@anyusernamewilldonow]

Wow, the skills of the guys that work that field, are amazing

[@mattstrickland1015]

Great explanation as always. Looks like 🇬🇧 has awesome new rules. They actually sound completely understandable and easy to grasp and remember

[@malcolm-ggmu]

Thanks for the clarity Ian 😉

[@aephix73]

Thanks for leaving info for us Yankees. Good vid.

[@davemart6834]

Great info thanks ian, just bought mini 2 drone today awesome tips

[@stephendavies3356]

Thanks for the information 😊 keep up your brilliant video

[@Ionut.Ciocan87]

Thank you very much for your informations, very clear very simple!

[@lynsmith1096]

Good video Ian

[@IaninLondon]

Thanks Lyn!

[@neilbarnesphotographer]

Very useful thank you, you also made me dig out my Frankie Goes to Hollywood album!

[@IaninLondon]

I thought this would stir a few memories....... :)

[@shortyspoolstream6419]

Great information look forward to more mini 2 tips

[@simond4593]

Thanks as always for keeping it simple. For once, it looks like a rule change is an improvement!

[@craigholland2647]

Cheers Ian.. great informative video again 👍🏼

[@Calmac_]

Thanks Ian! Are you thinking of doing another video for the 2022 rules?

[@IaninLondon]

Not much changing until the end of 2022, so let's see if anything suddenly gets announced during the year 👍🏻

[@jamesmountain3571]

Great Video! Thanks for the info!

[@davesandico4272]

Thanks Ian !! 👍

[@karenmouselady]

Thanks Ian for another very helpful video, really looking forward to your mavic mini videos that you have coming up. Keep up the great work.

[@IaninLondon]

Thanks Karen! Yes, fret not, plenty of Mini & Mini 2 vids on the cards.... :)

[@blackcountrydroner1814]

Fab end video of turbines and combines mate.. :)

[@jasonharryphotog]

Good video cheers

[@stevekaboobiroo1479]

Good clear explanation and some superb aerials.

[@Coaster_Crazy]

Brilliant information and has cleared up some questions for me !! I have a Mini 2 and use my drone to get footage over amusement parks here in the U.K. and I am constantly told what I can and can’t do from the typical “drone police” that haven’t got a clue

[@IaninLondon]

It's all about crowds now, and I'm guessing most roller coasters aren't crowded at the moment! :)

[@Coaster_Crazy]

@@IaninLondon well not the ones I’ve flown over recently, all the theme parks and fun fairs reopen on the 12th April !! Tbh I won’t being flying over most theme parks once they reopen as they will be too busy

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Thanks for sharing Ian 👍

[@IaninLondon]

No problem 👍

[@aviewthroughthelens]

Great video Ian

[@jimmartins3073]

Once again Ian, clear and precise information, thank you again.

[@KevLaj]

FYI for anyone planning to visit the Channel Islands with their drones in the near future: The CI operates its own airspace and the regulators have not yet adopted the new European framework. It is in discussion though. The old UK rules effectively still apply for the time being so please be mindful that we are behind the curve!!

[@TravelswithRosie]

Such helpful coverage as usual.

[@landroverlover1662]

The FPV club third party liability insurance in the description (19 quid per year) is that only for recreational flights or commercial as well (it doesn't say anything about commercial insurance on the website)

[@IaninLondon]

Recreational only.... 👍🏻

[@johngodfrey3427]

thanks lan

[@StephanieVDW]

Ian i was actually curios about the part of posting on YT when u r monetized, thanks for providing that info, in Holland though we still need to register our drone to get a number even if our drone is below 250g as of 2021

[@IaninLondon]

Yes, we too need to register the mIni or Mini 2 as it has a camera.... Cheers

[@markockwell]

Thanks Ian - I am going to stick with the mini 2, at least for now.....

[@SilveriusPurbaDocsilHistory]

thank you

[@FireFlySamson]

Thanks for the informative video once again. I have a question regarding the Mini 2 battery. Am i correct in thinking that if the battery is inside the drone or charging case then they DONT automatically discharge and can thus damage battery?

[@IaninLondon]

Correct. I will be mentioning that in my next video, but the Mini 2 batteries only auto-discharge when they are not connected to anything....

[@Aztech_Drones_UK]

Love that track it is a pleasure 👍

[@SkaiXmask]

Thank so damn much. I thought I had to go through so much studying just to start working as a drone pilot with my Dji Mini 3 pro. But from the looks of it I only need to commercial insurance and also just follow the rules for the sub drones. Again thank you so much for this extremely helpful video I do have a question though. I read for any drone that has a camera attached to it. Even if it’s under 250g. It needs to have an operator ID. Is that true?

[@IaninLondon]

Yes. That's correct. And to be honest, get the flyer ID too as that's free, lasts 5 years and you have to answer the 50 questions online test to get it, so it's good free training.👍🏻👍🏻

[@SkaiXmask]

@@IaninLondon Is the flyer id needed for the dji mini 3 pro commercial use? I wouldn’t mind doing it. It’s just if it’s needed by law. Then I will 100% get that before even starting my drone business

[@DimmyV]

Amazing thanks for the clarification. Also have you found it hard to fly downtown London. I have a mini 2 and getting approval from NTAS for restricted zones has actually be simple and straight forward. I’m struggling to find a suitable place to take off from. Any suggestions?

[@izoyt]

Yes, this how open category drone rules in EU should be after December 31, 2020. But sadly, they are not, as different EU member state still managing their drone regulations partially or completely disregarding universal easa rules/directive (in excuse of local geographical zones etc), which should be same within whole eu/easa region. For ex. here in Slovenia, you are not obligated to have insurance in open category for drones under 20kg (but it is "recommended" for commercial work), but on the other hand, all drones over 500g are banned in urban (that includes every road or pavement etc) areas, and only max 50m AGL, no night flights and special permission of land owner is required for drones under 500g. No matter if you are A2 certificate holder or not (which i am), so no sense having it here. In Croatia, they actually have some implementation of older legalisation, which bans you fly or better to say take footage in the sky as non commercial user, so they're basically shot down the hobby for users in open category. Also, as far as I know, countries like Poland etc the actually didn't implemented easa directive yet, also as i was looking, in Germany for ex. i think it's actually forbidden to fly over buildings etc in open category etc. There are some speculations, that drone certifications, that you obtain in one EU state, is not truly accepted in other etc, universal EU archive of drone pilot certifications (as this was one of the biggest mantras of that easa representations) is not running yet and probably never be. So, all things considered so far, this easa thing looks more as a joke to me and it is still far away from what it should be. An i don't' think this is not attentional, there is clearly agenda put "hobby" drones to the ground. As in EU, as in States and the rest of "western" hemisphere. Which i don't think would happen, if DJI was a company, coming from that regions. Simple as that..

[@alwaystravelling100]

Over "crowds". 2 people could be a crowd according to CAA rules I've been told. The ability to escape (or not) defines the word "crowd".

[@IaninLondon]

Yes, as explained fully in my UK Rules video. A more likely example is say 20 people in a small back garden......

[@alwaystravelling100]

@@IaninLondon fair call. Thanks

[@christopherjohnston4411]

Great clear info so I can now fly from my garden any advice on that as I fly a Mavic mini many thanks chris

[@jasondonavich2758]

What about if you fly and take photos of landscapes or cliffs and the like away from people and then you sell those photos as prints, is that classed as commercial? The general public are to blame for all these regulations.

[@IaninLondon]

That would not be a commercial flight. 👍🏻

[@VitaliD]

Useful and to the point as usual - thank you Ian. Can you do a video about the commercial insurance providers, available in the UK? I tried to find insurance for filming weddings and didn’t find much choice.

[@IaninLondon]

There's links in the notes 👍🏻👍🏻

[@whitesnake329]

Just bought the mini 2 ! phew ! A drone-aholic friend of mine, put me onto your videos and I am very impressed. (depressed from covid!). A daft question, as you are the oracle on drones, IF i go to Thailand at the end of year (covid permitting of course) are there any specific rules if I took my drone as hand luggage on the plane? and are there any restrictions in other countries? P.S. With reference to your other videos I have taken the batteries out the charger & my mini 2, imagine it catching fire on a plane ! Claiming on the dji 'care insurance' would be fun ! That's a good point is a mini 2 or any other drone covered on holiday insurance !? Food for thought........could be worth making a video on the options !

[@whitesnake329]

I remember you went to Malta so how was your insurance covered ?

[@IaninLondon]

Batteries must be in hand luggage, not hold suitcases. Check online for rules in other countries. Unsure about Thailand but it also depends on law enforcement. Travel insurance may exclude drones or model aircraft. Again, check! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@IaninLondon]

I don't insure my drones these days, but I do have Personal Possessions cover by my home insurance with all risks when away from home, so I could claim on home insurance if necessary. I think bottom line, think about what you might hit and where the drone will fall to if you do hit something, and you should be good...👍🏻👍🏻

[@IaninLondon]

And just been notified of a beer!!! Cheers for that fella! 😀😀😀👍🏻 Much appreciated. Ian

[@whohardy07]

Could you recommend an insurance company for using a mini 2 please, so informative 👌🏼

[@IaninLondon]

Check out last week's video on Dronescene. It mentions insurance with all the links 👍🏻👍🏻

[@whohardy07]

@@IaninLondon had a look on drone scene, great website! It it doesn’t give any info on commercial insurance. Any ideas where I might find that info?

[@IaninLondon]

Try Flock or CoverDrone 👍🏻👍🏻

[@Matt_warren_photography]

Love your work. I'm hoping to find some wind turbines soon to shoot with my mini 1! So it's just the insurance that's required bfor All drones including the mini, to fly for reward, just making sure I got the jist of the video correct.

[@IaninLondon]

5:11 sums it up! :)

[@gonzoribbons]

So if the 'commercial' footage is defined as commissioned by a third party, how does stock video fit in a permissions/training/insurance sense? :) Just trying to clarify to see if a drone is financially viable. How does this relate to sub 250g and over 250g class? Also, if Skydio2 comes to UK, how are autonomous drones treated with relation to training as its operated not really piloted? Great channel BTW

[@IaninLondon]

Over here, the CAA tend to define commercial flight based on being asked to fly by a paying client. Social media revenue isn't counted here, but it is in the USA... Weight only dictates where you can fly. And we already have autonomous tracking models here; they can't fly more than 50 metres away from you...

[@gonzoribbons]

@@IaninLondon Thanks Ian. I'm in UK, so just the insurance needs to cover commercial, great :)

[@proairmedia]

Great video Ian. You mention that a DJI Mini 2 can be used to sell pictures without commercial insurance but I can’t find this in written form anywhere. Can you advise where I can find it in case someone questions me? Thanks

[@IaninLondon]

When you're flying, are you flying for a client or yourself? Who knows what your future intentions are?

[@d3m1tar]

Thanks matey

[@comedyhunter]

Thanks for that detailed video. So Im in the UK with my DJI Mini 2 making videos just for fun its OK to monetise it on KZbin? I've deliberately avoided monetising my min2 videos just in case.

[@IaninLondon]

Yep! Defo okay...

[@comedyhunter]

@@IaninLondon Thanks for confirming, Ive watched loads of videos about people getting fined for monetising drone footage, until your video I thought that applied to everyone, glad to hear in the UK we are safe from that. Thanks again for making such clear concise videos. Enjoy your weekend Ian.

[@f.i.b3027]

@@comedyhunter Wait what? You have to register for part 107 no matter what your drone's weight is. You have to register when you make money using the drone no matter how you make money.

[@simond4593]

@@f.i.b3027 That's only in the USA. He said he's in the UK which is where these new rules apply. Here we now only need to register for an Operator ID and a Flyer ID.

[@DroneFlyer]

Hi Ian have you any indication on how the new drone laws have affected drone flyers in the UK? I'm based in the Channel Islands and we have yet to change our laws inline with EASA guidelines?

[@IaninLondon]

I think more Mini owners are flying in towns! :)

[@KL89452]

In terms of using larger drones (like for eg: Mavic 2pro, or the new Mavic Air 2S) to get into commercial photography in Ireland (both in the UK in Northern Ireland, and in the EU in the Republic of Ireland), do both of the certifications apply there too, namely the A2 CofC, and the CVC? Or are these certifications only applicable to the UK do you happen to know? Would I have to apply for the certifications above to fly commercially in Northern Ireland, and then (an)other certification(s) to fly commercially in the Republic? I suppose I can ask the same question about commercial insurance while I'm here. Would insurance apply across both jurisdictions, or again would I need to get insured in both jurisdictions separately?

[@IaninLondon]

I'm not up in international rules, and NI often has different insurance rules too. You'd have to investigate whatever country you're heading to.

[@samselvey7780]

Hi Ian, thanks for the vid! Just one question.. You say you do not need the A2CofC if flying for a client. What if that client was asking to fly over a building site in a city?

[@IaninLondon]

If you 're flying a model >250 gms, then yes, you'll need the A2C0fC but that will only allow you to fly in cities maintaining the 50m horizontal separation from uninvolved people. So in every case, it's easier to use the Mini 3 Pro as that can be flown over uninvolved people and the A2CofC makes no difference.

[@jordi3_]

Under the Open Category rules, it specifically mentions flight over people in the A1 category but then shifts to only referring to horizontal distance from uninvolved people. Does this mean you can fly over people in an A2 flight or are we to respect the rule that horizontal and vertical distance scale evenly? Also, are you able to personally treat a flight as C2, for example, if you meet the mass/speed limits, on a drone that hasn't yet been certified or is it solely for new and officially certified drones? Many thanks.

[@diggerlenox]

So just to clarify if I wanted to fly my mini 2 for work purposes all I need is insurance and don't have to inform the CAA for authorisation and don't have to inform them of a flight plan?

[@IaninLondon]

Correct 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 As long as you're flying a standard flight in Open Category.

[@gward135]

Question - What about if you're purely doing some work for a business that is entirely unpaid or rewardless? So you will fly for them to be able to use some footage either on their website, or social media, and I may post the footage on my own instagram too? Is this still commerical, or can I fly just under recreational use? I'm using a Mini 2.

[@glyndate5150]

hi ian can you please tell me were i can download printable CAA rules so i can keep in bag [just incase ]thanks glyn

[@IaninLondon]

Cap 2012 is the best bet as that's 1 page. But TBH there's no simple printable version of all the rules..

[@pixusphotographic]

Hi Ian, will you be doing any more videos on the Air 2? It seems to have got lost with the mini 2 coming out and the release of the Air 2s being released later in April.

[@IaninLondon]

Yes! I'm trying to keep up with all the models... Last week's video on Smooth Gimbal Settings was for the Air 2 + Mini 2.. Cheers

[@tommycote1550]

Would it be possible to include Canada in future videos? I believe Canada rules resemble UK rules.

[@IaninLondon]

Yes, I should have mentioned our Canadian friends as the Mini ducks under many of your rules too! Will keep you guys in mind in future.... :)

[@tommycote1550]

Thank you

[@boatingsibbingandwandering3262]

Ian I am a surveyor who values construction work carried out. By my choice it includes photos in my report of the work done I don’t get paid as such for the photos but for the valuation. I previously took pics on my phone but recently I have been using my mini 2 again my choice I have not been asked for these pics. Would you think this is commercial use. I am also an employee so it is not actually me who charges for the report

[@IaninLondon]

I think the question remains "would you be flying reacreationally if you weren't being paid to do the particualr job". Admittedly it's grey but you could argue you take a personal interest in your work and no one has asked you for aerial pictures, so each flight is your own personal recreational flight....

[@boatingsibbingandwandering3262]

@@IaninLondon Thanks Ian. What you say is absolutely true. No one askes me for the pics and I do indeed take them because I have the interest in the work and the site and I tend to take my Mini 2 with me each time as it is so small and light.

[@PabloTBrave]

Are there any laws regarding individuals interfering with a drone or pilot whilst in flight . Mainly specking about people who are against drone flying and cause trouble making it impossible to continue flying or land safely.

[@lindsayheyes925]

You describe a criminal offence, in Britain, under CAP 393 Air Navigation Order 2017, Article 240. Offences against air law can be reported to the police. See also: CAP 722 paragraph 2.1.3, which clarifies the ANO in respect of drones; CAP 722C, which seeks to control administrative overreach by council officers in respect of airspace, which is a national asset controlled by the CAA alone. I keep links to the CAP 393, CAP 722 and CAP 722C on my phone on the same page as my other apps for drone flying. Those apps are arranged in the order I look them up to plan a flight, and my Notes app has files headed "UAV Pre-flight Checks" and "UAV Flight Planning Workflow". I also keep a paper copy of my Operator and Flyer Registration numbers, my A2 Cof C and some Icarus certificates. They live in my camera bag in a zip-up waterproof file pouch. Basically - for me - it's all about having documentary evidence of: My due diligence to counter undocumented assertions which may be made to the police; The law, because it is conceivable that the police may not know it well enough to be confident that an offence has been committed. I have never yet suffered interference during a flight, but The Seven "P"s of Wisdom apply. I hope this helps.

[@PabloTBrave]

@@lindsayheyes925 thanks that may come in handy at some point

[@lukereeves6202]

Hi Ian, great videos thanks 😀 I own a roofing company in the uk and I would love to buy a mini 2 for roof inspections and reports what do I need to do for this. I believe I still need insurance? Sorry if I sound silly haha Thanks Luke

[@IaninLondon]

Yes, you'll need commercial insurance under the rules......

[@landroverlover1662]

So if I posted photos from recreational flights on social media and people bought them then I don't need commercial insurance but I do need it if they ask me to fly?

[@IaninLondon]

Correct. At the time of flight, you were not flying at the request of a client. 👍🏻

[@stephengibbons]

Nice video Ian, thanks. Just to complicate matters, do you know whether I would need commercial insurance if I am flying at the request of a charity. I am not being paid, but they might go on to use the material in any way they wish which might mean they make money, lets say selling prints as an example. Thanks

[@IaninLondon]

The rules are about if you're being asked to fly by a client including financial or other reward. So I do think if you're not being paid or gaining financially in any way, it can't be commercial. But equally, it's only hobbyist and recreational flights that are exempt from needing insurance, so you are right in the cracks here.........

[@badgerbalti]

I would take a look at all the factors and do a risk assessment. If anything occurred and you're liable, it doesn't matter that you were doing it for free. A claim could still be sought and you'd have no insurance to cover any liability. I could easily see a hobby drone insurer refusing a claim in these circumstances. If there's no or very minimal risk to person or property then you could chance it. E.g. country side with few or no people around. Many commercial insurers now do Flexi cover or single event cover and the prices are very affordable. I could easily see most charity's covering the cost for peace of mind and you'll come across as being more professional if your looking to engage in more projects or commercial work. I occasionally do projects for charity/good causes (non done related) for free, but don't see it any different to paid work and always have public liability in place and hope I'll never need to claim on it.

[@mobilefreelancer3831]

What about the Mavic mini? Can you still use this to post videos on KZbin? I renewed my Operator ID and it said insurer not sure what it is, as it wasn't there last year? All i want to know is can i monetize my video with drone videos in it? and can i use my Mavic mini anywhere as its under the 250g? I vaguely remember one of your video few months back saying you can use it even in your garden? Not that i will but do these rules still apply?

[@IaninLondon]

Yes. Mini is fine 👍🏻

[@mobilefreelancer3831]

@@IaninLondon Thank you Ian

[@WolftownSpirits]

Very helpful video. In the past, you were able to shoot promotional footage for your own company without insurance, or at least classifying it as commercial material if I remember rightly (I did the first part of the PfCo)? I have two companies - one video production and one drinks. Am I able to shoot promotional material for both without need for commercial insurance please, especially as it will be registered in my personal name and producing images for both of my one person limited companies? Thanks.

[@IaninLondon]

I think if a 3rd party client is asking you to shoot, you need the indsurance under the rules. If you're flying for yourself, for whatever reason, then you can always argue it's a recreational flight as no client involved.....

[@WolftownSpirits]

@@IaninLondon Thanks Ian.

[@allthingsplane8995]

Effectively they have made it easier to make money from drone work. However I still think people will ignore the rules anyway and continue using drones for commercial use without licenses

[@IaninLondon]

The £9 licence isn't much.... Hopefully we won't get too more rule changes..

[@freezingsorbet3454]

@@IaninLondon Its the mandatory £130+ annual insurance that really hurts commercial users.

[@IaninLondon]

@@freezingsorbet3454 you can get ad-hoc on-demand insurance if you're not too busy 👍🏻

[@nathanhassani5366]

I have a mavic 3 and want to start making money from it, now were in 2023, what license do i need exactly? Its complicated in the uk.

[@IaninLondon]

Same as per this video.....

[@LifeCapturesOnce]

So Is it okay to fly in your land with no crowds as a hobby not to making money....?

[@IaninLondon]

Yes!

[@BTScotty2002]

So I own a mini 2, does that mean like I don’t need anything to fly commercial, confused here

[@drybiscuit]

Nearly every client will ask for proof of liability insurance. Even though the Mini/Mini 2 is sub 250g it makes no difference when it comes to liability. If you were to injure someone (say it fell and injured someone’s eye), it makes no difference if it’s a Mini or a 3kg drone. You’ll get sued!

[@BTScotty2002]

@@drybiscuit so you would need just the insurance

[@drybiscuit]

@@BTScotty2002 EC785/2004 compliant yes. And fly legally obviously (within CAP722 rules).

[@BenWalkerPhotos]

Does this still apply today in summer 2022 ?

[@IaninLondon]

Yes! 👍🏻

[@videos40058]

this video is obsolete. should be deleted.

[@IaninLondon]

No. It's absolutely relevant today. The rules on commercial work are still the same