Drone RAMS
This general Risk Assessment and Method Statement sets out how Project Bedford approaches drone-based aerial imagery under a zero-footprint safety model, with operations planned to be discreet, non-intrusive, and aligned with applicable UK Civil Aviation Authority requirements.
Statement of Professional Intent
Project Bedford provides high-resolution aerial imaging under a strict zero-footprint safety framework. Operations are designed to minimise risk to people, property, and the surrounding environment while remaining discreet and operationally efficient.
Flights are conducted in line with applicable UK CAA rules, including the Drone Code, the Open Category where the aircraft and flight conditions allow, and relevant guidance contained within CAP 722. Each operation remains subject to a live flight-specific assessment before launch.
Insurance and Operating Model
Project Bedford maintains commercial public liability insurance. Cover is subject to the active policy wording, limits, conditions, and exclusions in force at the time of flight.
- Operating model: discreet deployment with zero ground-based obstructions
- Launch profile: isolated or low-interference launch points where reasonably possible
- Core principle: no unnecessary equipment or trip hazards left on the ground
Risk Assessment Summary
| ID | Risk Factor | Mitigation | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| A-01 | Airspace | Constant scan of the operating area with immediate yield to manned aircraft. | Low |
| A-02 | Technical | Pre-flight stress checks with GPS verification and return-to-home failsafes. | Low |
| P-01 | Public | Default avoidance of uninvolved persons, with any closer operation dependent on aircraft class, weight, and the legal conditions applying to the specific flight. Isolated launch points used where possible. | Low |
| S-01 | Interaction | Stable hover at 30m+ during engagement to maintain focus and aircraft separation. | Low |
| O-01 | Obstruction | Zero-footprint operating model with no cables or support gear on the ground. | None |
Method Statement
Phase 1: Pre-Flight
Airspace survey for restrictions and Flight Restriction Zones, together with weather verification and aircraft readiness checks.
Phase 2: On-Site
Dynamic risk assessment on arrival, with identification of a discreet and secluded launch point suitable for zero-footprint deployment.
Phase 3: Flight
Initial 15-second safety hover at approximately 2 metres, followed by offset filming techniques to maintain separation from property and the public.
Phase 4: Recovery
Precision landing or hand-catch where safe and appropriate, with the site left in its original state and no equipment remaining behind.
General Control Measures
- Pre-flight review of legal operating constraints before every mission
- Continuous visual scanning and immediate priority given to manned aircraft
- Operations suspended where conditions become unsafe or unsuitable
- Flight aborted immediately if the public enters the operating area unexpectedly
- Separation from uninvolved persons is determined by the drone type and the applicable UK CAA operating rules for that flight
- Offset positioning used to avoid unnecessary close-proximity flight near buildings or people
- Site left clear, unobstructed, and unchanged after recovery
This document is a general framework only and should be read alongside a flight-specific dynamic assessment carried out on the day of any operation.