Frequently Asked Questions

Airframe is a professional commercial drone operation based in Basingstoke, Hampshire. We provide aerial media production, infrastructure and asset inspections, photogrammetric mapping and surveying, thermal imaging, and animal search and rescue support across the UK.

All operations are conducted by fully certified pilots for commercial operations. Airframe is a trading division of Pineapple AVI Ltd.

We are based in Basingstoke and operate throughout the United Kingdom. We regularly work across Hampshire, Surrey, Berkshire, and the wider South East, and we travel nationally for project-based and managed drone service contracts.

Yes. All of our pilots are fully certified and qualified for commercial drone operations within the UK. We operate in line with current Civil Aviation Authority requirements and hold the necessary registrations and permissions to conduct commercial aerial work. Our team stays up to date with evolving regulations to ensure every deployment is carried out safely, legally, and to a professional standard.

Yes. We carry commercial drone liability insurance appropriate to the operations we undertake. Insurance documentation is available upon request prior to any engagement.

We work primarily with commercial clients. Typical sectors include construction and civil engineering, property and real estate, facilities management, energy and utilities, agriculture, emergency response support, and media production. We also work with local authorities, housing associations, and specialist consultancies where aerial data or imagery adds operational value.

Yes. We operate a Drone as a Service model which includes pilot and equipment hire for third parties. If you are a survey company, production company, or operator requiring additional resource, we are happy to discuss subcontracted or collaborative arrangements.

Our fleet is made up entirely of DJI platforms, each selected for a specific operational purpose. For enterprise work we operate the Matrice 4E for surveying, mapping, and asset inspections, and the Matrice 4T which adds integrated thermal imaging for inspections, solar PV surveys, and emergency response support.

For aerial photography and videography we use the Mavic 4 Pro, Mavic 3 Pro, Air 3S, and Mini 5 Pro, covering everything from flagship commercial content creation to lightweight, ultra-portable deployment.

We also operate the DJI Flip for rapid content capture and the Avata 2 for immersive FPV fly-throughs and cinematic footage. Platform selection is always matched to the specific requirements of each project. You can view our full fleet on the Our Drones page.

Yes, when appropriate authorisation has been obtained. We conduct pre-flight airspace assessments as standard and apply for the necessary permissions through the NATS or CAA systems where operations require access to controlled or restricted airspace.

We follow manufacturer wind speed limits and CAA operational guidance for each platform. Operations may be delayed or rescheduled in high wind, heavy rain, poor visibility, or icing conditions. We monitor weather forecasts ahead of all bookings and communicate early if conditions look unsuitable.

Yes. A pre-flight risk assessment is completed for every operation. For more complex sites, particularly those involving restricted airspace, proximity to people, or elevated risk factors, we may carry out a site survey in advance of the operational day.

BVLOS operations require specific CAA authorisation and are assessed on a case-by-case basis. If your project has requirements that go beyond standard VLOS operations, speak with us and we will advise on feasibility and the regulatory pathway involved.

Output resolution depends on the platform used. We routinely deliver stills up to 48MP and 4K video footage. For high-specification commercial productions, we discuss output requirements at the briefing stage to ensure the platform and settings are correctly configured.

Yes. We can deliver edited video content to a brief, including grading, music, titles, and output formats suited to your end platform. Editing requirements are scoped as part of the project brief and quoted accordingly. Raw footage delivery is also available for clients who have their own post-production process.

Yes. All media produced under a commercial contract is licensed for the agreed use. If you require content for broadcast, advertising, or editorial publication, please confirm intended usage at the outset so that any additional licensing or permissions can be factored in.

Standard deliverables are provided as JPEG or TIFF for stills, and MP4 for video. We can accommodate alternative format requests including RAW image files and ProRes video where this is specified. Delivery is typically via secure download link.

Turnaround depends on the scope of work. Straightforward aerial photography is typically delivered within a few working days of the flight. Edited video, mapping outputs, or inspection reports take longer and timescales are agreed at the briefing stage. We do not publish fixed turnaround commitments as every project differs.

We regularly conduct inspections of roofs and building envelopes, chimneys, solar PV arrays, telecommunications infrastructure, industrial plant and structures, bridges, retaining walls, reservoirs, and other assets where visual access from the ground is limited or where working at height would present a risk. If you have a specific asset type, contact us to discuss suitability.

In many cases, yes. Drone inspection can provide high-resolution visual data of surfaces and structures that would otherwise require significant access arrangements. For condition surveys, defect identification, or progress checks, drone data is frequently sufficient as a primary assessment method. Where physical intervention is required following initial inspection, drone data can also help scope and prioritise that work.

Deliverables are agreed as part of the project brief and typically include annotated high-resolution imagery, a structured inspection report with findings and locations referenced, and where applicable, thermal overlays or 3D models. Reports are produced in a format suitable for facilities management, maintenance scheduling, or insurance purposes.

Yes. Drone-based solar PV inspection combines visual and thermal imaging to identify underperforming panels, hot spots, soiling, mechanical damage, and installation faults. This is particularly effective for large ground-mounted arrays or commercial rooftop installations where panel-by-panel visual access would be time-consuming and costly.

We provide visual and thermal inspection data accompanied by structured reports. We are not chartered surveyors or structural engineers, and our outputs are provided as visual evidence rather than professional engineering assessments. We are able to work alongside surveyors or engineers where a combined approach is required.

Yes. We offer managed inspection contracts for clients who require regular monitoring of assets over time. This is particularly relevant for construction sites, solar farms, large estates, and infrastructure portfolios where periodic aerial data provides ongoing operational value.

An orthomosaic is a geometrically corrected aerial image assembled from hundreds or thousands of individual drone photographs. Unlike a standard aerial photograph, it is spatially accurate and can be used for measurement, area calculation, and integration with GIS platforms. It is commonly used in construction, land development, agriculture, environmental monitoring, and estate management.

Ground sampling distance and positional accuracy depend on flight altitude, platform, and workflow. We use RTK-enabled workflows and can place ground control points where higher absolute accuracy is required. Accuracy specifications are agreed prior to each survey based on the intended use of the data.

Yes. Using photogrammetric processing, we can produce digital surface models, digital terrain models, point clouds, and 3D mesh models from drone data. These outputs are used for volumetric calculations, site planning, cut and fill analysis, and detailed structural documentation.

Standard mapping deliverables include GeoTIFF for orthomosaics, LAS or LAZ for point clouds, and OBJ or FBX for 3D models. We can also export data compatible with common GIS platforms. Format requirements are confirmed at the briefing stage.

For most surveys, minimal preparation is required. Where ground control points are being used, we will advise on placement in advance. We ask that site contacts are available to assist with access and that any temporary obstructions such as vehicles or materials in key areas are noted prior to the flight day. We provide a pre-survey brief for all mapping engagements.

Thermal cameras detect infrared radiation rather than visible light, which means they reveal temperature differences invisible to the human eye. This is useful for identifying moisture ingress behind surfaces, heat loss through building envelopes, hot spots in electrical and mechanical systems, underperforming solar panels, and heat signatures from people or animals in low visibility conditions.

Optimal timing depends on the application. For building envelope surveys, early morning or late evening flights are typically most effective, as the temperature differential between the structure and ambient air is greatest at those times. For solar panels, midday surveys during peak irradiance are preferred. We advise on timing as part of the project briefing.

Thermal imaging can identify temperature anomalies that are consistent with moisture retention in roofing materials and building envelopes. These anomalies appear as cooler areas where moisture is evaporating, or warmer areas where heat transfer is altered. Thermal data provides a useful indicator but is not a substitute for invasive investigation where moisture is confirmed or suspected as a significant issue.

Yes. Where radiometric thermal imagery is required, we can provide RJPEG or TIFF output containing embedded temperature data for each pixel. This is particularly valuable for solar PV analysis and detailed engineering applications where precise temperature values are needed rather than visual representation alone.

Yes. Thermal cameras operate independently of visible light and function at any time of day. However, direct solar loading on surfaces during daylight can mask certain thermal signatures, which is why timing recommendations vary by application.

We provide aerial thermal search support for missing or injured pets and domestic animals, livestock searches across rural and agricultural land, and wildlife monitoring operations. We use thermal imaging to detect heat signatures across open fields, woodland edges, scrubland, and areas of dense vegetation where ground-level searching is difficult.

Yes. Thermal drones are effective for locating cats, dogs, and other domestic animals in fields, gardens, woodland, and low-light environments. Success depends on the size of the search area, vegetation cover, ambient temperature, and how long the animal has been missing. We advise on suitability when you contact us.

Most searches cover their target area within 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the size of the site, vegetation density, and environmental conditions. We do not guarantee a fixed duration as every search environment is different. We work systematically and keep you informed throughout the operation.

No. Airframe provides aerial search and location support only. Once an animal is detected, we provide GPS coordinates and visual guidance to help you or your ground team reach the location. Physical recovery is the responsibility of the owner or handler.

Thermal searches are most effective after sunset, when the ambient temperature has dropped and animal heat signatures contrast more clearly against the background. Early morning before sunrise is also effective. Midday searches are possible but reduced ambient contrast can make detection more challenging in warm conditions.

No. Where emergency services are the lead agency at an incident, we do not attend independently. We are not an emergency service and do not operate in that capacity. Our animal search service is for situations where professional search support is sought by an owner or handler outside of an emergency services-led operation.

No. Where an animal presents a public safety risk, the appropriate authority is the police or local authority, and this falls outside the scope of Airframe’s services. We focus on domestic and livestock search in controlled, privately arranged scenarios.

Drone as a Service (DaaS) is a managed model in which Airframe provides ongoing drone operations as part of a retained arrangement rather than on a per-project basis. This suits clients who need regular aerial data collection, recurring inspections, or a standing aerial resource without the cost and complexity of building an internal capability.

Managed arrangements are well suited to construction companies requiring regular site monitoring, facilities management teams with ongoing inspection programmes, agriculture and land management operations, and media or production companies that need a reliable aerial operator on a retained basis. If you have a recurring need for drone data, a managed service is likely more cost-effective than booking individual flights.

Yes. We offer qualified CAA-approved pilot hire for operators and organisations that have their own aircraft but require additional certified resource. All pilots are CAA-qualified and hold appropriate commercial authorisation.

Yes. We work with surveyors, engineering consultancies, facilities managers, and other operators who deliver drone data to their own clients. We are comfortable operating in the background and can provide data and reports to your preferred format and branding where appropriate. Contact us to discuss the arrangement.

Yes. We carry out a site-specific risk assessment and produce a method statement for every operation before flying. These documents identify hazards, control measures, and the safe operating procedure for the task, and are shared with the client ahead of the operational day where required for health and safety compliance.

Data and media captured during a commissioned flight is owned by the client upon full payment. Our standard terms cover permitted use and any restrictions applicable to third-party content captured incidentally. This is addressed in the project agreement prior to commencement.

Yes. For sensitive commercial operations, particularly site inspections, construction monitoring, or asset intelligence work, we are happy to operate under a mutual NDA or project-specific confidentiality agreement. Please raise this at the outset and we will accommodate it within the project terms.

Yes. We can provide our insurance certificate, CAA credentials, risk assessment methodology documentation, and operational statements for inclusion in your contractor approval or health and safety management system. Contact us ahead of the project if you have specific documentation requirements.

Contact us with a brief description of the work required, the location, and your preferred timeframe. For most requests we can provide an indicative quote within one working day. More complex projects may require a short discovery call to scope the work accurately before a formal quotation is issued.

Travel is included within a standard radius of our Basingstoke base. For projects beyond this, mileage is charged at a fixed rate of 0.50p per mile and is itemised transparently in the quotation. Accommodation costs for multi-day projects away from base are agreed in advance.

Where a flight is cancelled due to unsafe weather conditions, we will rearrange at the earliest mutually convenient date at no additional cost. We monitor forecasts in the days preceding each booking and aim to give as much notice as possible if conditions look problematic. Our cancellation and rescheduling terms are set out in the project agreement.

For standard bookings, a deposit is required to secure the date. The amount and payment terms are specified in the quotation. Managed service and retained arrangements are invoiced under agreed commercial terms.

We accommodate urgent requests where operationally possible. Short-notice bookings are subject to availability and any additional mobilisation costs are discussed transparently before confirmation. Contact us directly for time-sensitive enquiries.