Drone Training
courses in the UK
CAA approved drone training in the UK.
Train with professional pilots at locations across the UK. Our prices start at £600 for already qualified pilots from manned aviation, to £990 to qualify for your Permission for Commercial Operations (PFCO). Flyby have a combined total of 144,000 flying hours and a cumulative 644 years of flying experience. With our unparalleled experience, you can be assured of success with Flyby.
Drone Training to gain your Permission for Commercial Operation
To operate a drone commercially in UK airspace you need to gain a Permission for Commercial Operations (PfCO) from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
We offer a CAA approved, comprehensive course that covers all the training you need to gain your PfCO.
Our courses teach you not only the theory required to operate safely as a drone pilot, but go above and beyond by teaching you intangible pilot skills like communications, briefing and leadership to help you reach your full potential as a professional drone pilot and give you the best start possible.
All our courses include
- A pre-course study guide
- 2 days of Groundschool with our experts
- A multiple-choice theory test
- Help completing your operations manual
- A practical flight skills test
You’ll leave us as a confident drone pilot, ready to succeed.
We also offer flight skills training with an expert to give you the skills to operate confidently in your role as a drone pilot. Our flexible course options include 3 day, 5 day and weekend courses.
GREAT COURSE OPTIONS
We offer 2 main course options:
Our PLATINUM drone training course covers everything you need to qualify for your Permission for Commercial Operations and costs just £1450 +VAT. We also have Finance options available from just £28 a month! So you can now access our top quality training for less. If you don’t feel ready to take your flight skills test or would just like to brush up on your flying skills, then you can enjoy 2 days of flight skills training with an expert instructor as part of this course.
PLATINUM courses either run over a 5 day week or over 2 consecutive weekends as a 4 day course. The 5 days gives you the extra time for flight skills training.
Our GOLD drone training course also covers everything you need to qualify for your Permission for Commercial Operations and costs just £990 +VAT. This course does not include flight skills training. This course is perfect for experienced drone pilots who can confidently take their Flight Skills Test with no further flight skills training from us.
Still not sure which course to pick?
YOU'RE IN CONTROL, WEEK DAYS OR WEEKENDS
Our courses are completely flexible. If you can’t spare 3 days in a row for GOLD course, then you can opt to come along for 2 days to learn the theory, then come back at a later date to take your flight skills test, all for the same price. We also offer a Weekender course for those who can't spare time off work during the week. There is limited availability for these at the moment but you can see available locations and dates on our Weekend Drone Course page here >
Just give us a call if you need a solution tailored to your needs on FREEPHONE 08081680626
EXPERIENCED PILOTS
If you are a manned-aviation pilot, you may qualify for a reduced version of our course. You can read more about this on our manned-aviation page here, or give us a ring on FREEPHONE 08081680626 to discuss your options.
Why Flyby is the right choice for you
TOP QUALITY
Flyby Drone Training offer the highest quality of drone training available, delivered by experts. You will be proud to be a Flyby Graduate, knowing you’ve had the best training available.
EXPERT INSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES
The course is designed to give you the confidence to operate your drone safely and within the rules. Our 40 years experience teaching pilots means the science behind our training techniques helps you retain the information that will serve you for many years to come as a professional drone pilot. We will teach you to think like a pilot, our instructors are all professional pilots themselves, and this will give you the edge in the industry. With our reputation and network of contacts, being a Flyby Graduate is already a benefit in the drone industry
Check out this video filmed at one of our 5 day drone training courses...
How much will it cost?
Our prices are competitive - you won’t find training like this anywhere else! You can pay upfront via our secure online payment option, or over the phone. We also offer finance options so you can spread the cost of your training. Think of it as an investment in your future!
“The information given was clear and easy to learn. More importantly it was relevant to Drones and interesting. The location of the course was impressive and gave a welcoming atmosphere. It really felt like I was joining the flying fraternity.”
“What a journey! Having booked Flyby Technology for my drone training I can now safely say it was 100% the right choice. From the very first phone call right through to passing my flight skill test (FST) yesterday it was fantastic. The course material, level of delivery and quality were excellent. Both Jon & Graham were a pleasure to train with and were able to teach a very technical subject in a way that you can understand quickly and efficiently. The course I chose was the 5 day fast track, which as it suggests is a course designed to get you through both ground school the FST and submission to the CAA for the PfCO. As long as you accept that this course requires you to work hard then you will be fine and will have loads of fun!”
“This is the best money I have spent. This course is the one to pick. The groundschool was well presented and the team helped me write an Operations Manual I could only have dreamed of. I even enjoyed the time spent with the examiner on the Flight Skills Test. Incredible course, by incredible people.”
Course Elements
Choose from a range of options to suit your budget and timescale.
OUR 3 DAY COURSE WITH 2 DAY FLIGHT SKILLS OPTION
If you are a beginner and need to learn the theory and flight skills then choose the 3 Day Course and add 2 Days of Flight Skills to bring you up to scratch for your flight skills test. The 3 Day Course includes the learning element, completion of your Ops manual and Flight Skills test if you are ready. If you need extra flight training, stay for an extra 2 days and train with our experts, then take your flight skills at the end of the the 2nd day.
3 Day Commercial Drone Training Course + 2 Days Flight Skills >
EXPERIENCED?
If you are an experienced Drone Pilot with over 10 hours of flying time, confident that you can pass the flight skills test, then you can opt for our 3 Day Course. This covers the required CAA syllabus, a multiple choice exam, completion of your operations manual and your flight skills test.
MANNED-AVIATION PILOTS
If you are a Manned-Aviation Pilot we have a course tailored for you. You don't have to physically attend a course at all, we will just guide you through the various elements required for your PfCO and arrange your Flight Skills Test. Just contact us to check your elegibility on FREEPHONE 08081 680626.
Read more about the Manned-Aviation Pilot's drone course >
If you can't find what you are looking for, please call us on FREEPHONE 08081680626
GOLD 3 Day Drone Training Course £990 + VAT
- 2 day groundschool presented by a specialist instructor
- A theoretical examination
- Completion of your Operations Manual
- Flight skills test with an independent examiner
- Ongoing regulatory support for the year
- Access to our Safety Management System (SMS) to help you through mishaps
PLATINUM 3 Day Course + 2 Days Flight Skills £1450 + VAT
- 2 day groundschool presented by a specialist instructor
- A theoretical examination on day 2
- Operations Manual template filled out on day 3
- Flight skills training on day 4 and 5 with qualified and experienced instructors
- Flight skills test with an independent examiner on day 5
- Ongoing regulatory support for the year
- Access to our Safety Management System (SMS) to help you through mishaps
Manned-Aviation Pilots Drone Training Course £600 + VAT
- Previous experience required
- Receive a hard-copy of our Student Study Guide (SSG)
- Operations manual template with easy to follow instructions to fill out at home
- OM review and guidance
- Flight skills test guide
- Flight skills test with an independent examiner arranged at your mutual convenience
- Ongoing regulatory support for the year
- Access to our Safety Management System (SMS) to help you through mishaps
- 3 day fast-track option available
Weekender Courses
Our weekender courses offer the same great training delivered on our week day courses, spread over a couple of weekends. Those with experience who wish to take the 3 day course (with no flight skills training) can complete the 2 day ground school on the first weekend, then come back the following weekend for 1 day and take their flight skills test.
Those who need flight skills training in order to pass the flight skills test can come back for another 2 day weekend to take some additional flight skills training with our fantastic instructors. Click on the button below to find out more.
WEEKENDER COURSESSucceed with us!
Whether you want to learn the basics or brush up your skills with some more advanced training, Flyby Drone Training can offer you the support to succeed.
You can achieve so much in such a short amount of time to give you the confidence to operate your drone safely and within the rules. Ultimately we can help you to gain your Permission for Commercial Operations (PfCO) and complete your Initial Drone Pilot Standard (IDPS). Holding the IDPS will be an indicator of the high standard that you have achieved and of the professionalism with which you approach your flying.
We pride ourselves on the support network we offer our graduates. We can continue to assist and guide you as you take your new skills out in to the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hopefully the following will answer any questions you may have. If you can't find what you are looking for, please call us on FREEPHONE 08081680626
Which course should I choose?
We offer 1 course option, but still giving you complete control over the elements you need to study based on your experience and the flexibility to take the course on weekdays or weekends.
The question is, are you experienced or a beginner?
BEGINNERS
Even if have been flying a drone as a hobby for years, the chances are you would still be classed as a beginner for commercial drone flight requirements.
The 3 Day course covers everything you need to apply for your PfCO. Simple.
If you need to brush up on your flight skills to pass the flight skills test, then we advise adding 2 days of flight skills training.
If you can't spare 3 or 5 days then you can come along to the 2 day groundschool and compete the operations manual and flight skills test in your own time. Just let us know what you need.
Our weekender option allows you to complete the course over 2 consecutive weekends. Perfect if you have work commitments during the week. Find out more here Weekend Drone Course >
EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
By experienced, we mean do you hold a CAA recognised qualification as a manned-aviation pilot, or do you have advanced drone flying skills that will enable you to pass the flight test with no guidance from us? If you're unsure what the flight test will involve you can read about it here.
If the answer is yes, then you can choose our 3 day course option to qualify. If you are a manned-aviation pilot you can skip some of the elements, getting your qualification for less.
Manned-Aviation pilots should choose the Manned-Aviation Pilot's Drone Course - see what we did there?! Go to the page to find out more about the course or contact us to register now on FREEPHONE 08081680626
Hopefully that has helped you make the right choice on your drone training course. If you know which course you want to take, please visit our location and dates page to find the next available drone training courses in your area here >
If you need any further assistance, please call us on freephone 08081680626 or visit our Drone Course Comparison page here.
Where will the course take place?
We have drone training locations across the UK. We use specialist training facilities provided by Boeing, pilot training centres or prestige hotels. We aim to provide drone pilot training in a city close to you at a time that is convenient. Visit our location page for a list of our current course locations >
Do I need my own drone?
In some cases a drone can be loaned but there may be a requirement for insurance. You ideally need to take the flight skills test with the drone and associated screens you are planning to use on a regular basis. This must be loaded with the latest software and firmware before the start of the course as there will not be any time allocated to unpacking and setting up a new drone. You’ll need to make sure your drone is serviceable and ready to go. You will also need a laptop installed with MS Word. Again, these need to be in good working order as we cannot spend time remedying technical issues. If you need to buy a drone we can get you some great discounts with some of our partners! Get in touch once you have booked and we’ll see what we can do. So just to recap, you will need:
- A drone and the associated support elements
- A laptop with MS Word installed
- Insurance certificate. We can get you enrolled with a Coverdrone or Moonrock Policy
Do I need a license to fly my drone?
If you are flying your drone for fun you won’t need a license, but you may need permissions depending on where you plan to fly. The CAA website offers plenty of guidance on codes of practice and how to fly safely and legally. Booking on one of our courses will certainly set you above the standards necessary for amateur flying, but it may well open opportunities to you that you hadn’t dreamed of! Fancy a job flying a drone in the future?!
If you plan to fly your drone for commercial work you will need to gain your Permission for Commercial Operations (PfCO) which is what our course will qualify you for. The only course that doesn’t lead to qualification is the Drone Flight Skills Training Course, however we can upgrade you to a full professional course at any time.
How do I pay for my drone training course?
When you book a course on our website you will be taken to an online booking form where you will fill out your name, phone number and email address. You will be asked to pay a £50 deposit to using our secure online payment service from Worldpay. You can choose to pay in full too.
Alternatively, you may pay by calling us and using BACs payment or by debit or credit card over the phone. You will receive a confirmation email of your booking and in the following days we will send out everything you need before the start of the course so you can be well prepared.
We offer finance options from £28 a month too, so please get in touch if you wish to take advantage of this to pay for your course. Please note that our full course price of £1200 + VAT is applicable to all finance options. The lower price of £990 + VAT is a special offer while we celebrate our birthday, and applies to payments made in full at the time of booking.
Your place on the course is only allocated once full payment is made.
There is a separate CAA processing fee (payable direct to the CAA) of £247. Please note this amount is controlled by the CAA and subject to change.