EC785/2004 is such a dry title for an exceedingly important regulation that applies to everyone in the aviation industry, yes everyone. Even you, out there just flying your hobby drone over the beach or in the park.
The objective of the regulation is to establish “minimum insurance requirements” for air carriers and operators in respect of passenger, baggage, cargo and third parties.
If you take a quick look at the regulations you might pause at Article 2. Scope “Model aircraft with an MTOM of less than 20 kg’ is exempt from the regulation. (MTOM meaning maximum take-off mass).” and draw the conclusion that it doesn’t apply to you.
The key, though, is the use of the word “Model” and this has been interpreted by the aviation authorities to mean “for sport or recreational use only”. By definition, therefore, any drone that is being used for commercial purposes needs to comply where “commercial” has been defined as “an operation for remuneration and/or hire”
Therefore, all commercial operators need to obtain aviation insurance before starting to conduct commercial services.
However, if your drone weighs less than 20kg and you ONLY fly it for recreational purposes, then you are not obliged to be insured. Although if you take your Drone abroad on holiday, you really need to check the legislation in the country of your planned destination, because different aviation authorities in different countries may have separate rules or laws covering recreational drone use and insurance.
Remember, if you are an uninsured hobbyist pilot and something goes awry whilst you are flying your drone, you are personally and financially responsible for anything that goes wrong.
How Much Insurance Do You need?
The minimum insurance a drone operator requires, is 3rd party insurance. Amounts of cover can be agreed with the Insurance company.
What Type Of Insurance Should You Have?
Your insurance needs to cover you and your drone for death, personal injury and damage to property caused by accidents which, for drone operators, translates into cover for Public and Aviation Liability
Insurance companies each have their own requirements before agreeing to insure a client. Some Insurance companies may not insure you unless you have received appropriate training from a CAA approved RAE (Recognised Assessment Entity) such as 3iC.
What Happens if you are Uninsured?
Any drone pilot not complying with EC785/2004 Regulations could lose all of their permissions to fly within the UK and European Union
If you visit our “Insurance” page you will find links to insurance companies that have been recommended by some of our clients and if you have any questions about drone training, please don’t hesitate to email or call 01980 881438 for further details on appropriate training courses.