Aviation is a colossal global industry, employing around 29 million people—more than the entire workforce of France. For many, flying is a passion, and various levels of training and certification make it accessible without incurring exorbitant costs. However, these lower levels of certification also impose limitations on what a pilot can legally do.
Commercial aerial photography is a challenging profession for both the photographer and the pilot. In the United Kingdom, many pilots with a Private Pilot's License (PPL) often take cameras along to capture stunning aerial views. This practice is entirely legal, provided the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) guidelines are followed, which stipulate a minimum crew of two. After all, how can you safely fly a plane while taking photographs?
However, if the images are commissioned or intended for sale—even years later from an aerial photographic library—the operation is classified as a commercial aerial photographic flight. This categorization falls under Aerial Work, necessitating the pilot to hold at least a current Commercial Pilot's License (CPL).
The gap in training between a PPL and a CPL is substantial, both in terms of cost and commitment. A PPL requires passing seven written exams and can be completed in a few weeks. In contrast, obtaining a CPL involves an additional 14 written exams, extensive hour-building, and another flight test.
| License Type | Written Exams | Training Duration | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| PPL | 7 | Several weeks | Basic flight training |
| CPL | 21 (7+14) | Several months | Hour building, advanced flight test |
Therefore, a pilot engaged in commercial aerial photography must possess a valid CPL. To keep this license current, the pilot must have completed three landings and takeoffs in the preceding 90 days and must also be current on the type of aircraft being flown.
Additional training and certification may be required for specialized types of aerial photography. For instance, survey photography or high-altitude vertical photography might necessitate flying at greater altitudes. This could take the aircraft into Class A airspace, requiring the pilot to hold not only a CPL but also a valid Instrument Rating (IR). Moreover, the aircraft must be certified for Instrument Flight Rules (IFR).
The world of aerial photographic piloting is intricate and demanding, requiring significant training and certification. While a PPL allows for casual photography, commercial operations necessitate a CPL, and specialized tasks may require even more advanced qualifications. Understanding these requirements is crucial for anyone aspiring to enter this fascinating field.
For more detailed information on aviation licensing and regulations, you can visit the Civil Aviation Authority and the International Air Transport Association.
This article has been crafted to provide a comprehensive overview of the licensing requirements for aerial photographic pilots, enriched with detailed statistics and authoritative sources.
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