Inverness teen becomes youngest person in Scotland to secure commercial drone licence from the Civil Aviation Authority
AN Inverness teenager can now officially call himself a “fly guy” after becoming the youngest person in Scotland to secure a Civil Aviation Authority commercial drone licence.
Jack Michael (18) successfully completed the necessary course and examination to gain the licence and is now able to take aerial photographs of homes and properties on which his employer, Cairngorm Group, are doing work.
The homeowners are delighted to receive a unique photograph of their property while the drone’s pictures are also of value to Cairngorm in undertaking work.
“I underwent a four-day course in Edinburgh run by a training provider for the CAA and then I had to assemble a 135-page operations manual to send to them, to further prove my ability,” Mr Michael said.
“It’s an achievement to be the youngest in the country to gain a commercial licence and I see massive potential in using my drone for business applications.
“I was 18 last month, which is the legal minimum age for such a licence.
“I put my digital camera aerial shots on Cairngorm’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram sites to show what can be done and thus generate leads.”
Perhaps proving that being handy runs in the family Mr Michael is the grandson of former Inverness policeman Alan Michael, who runs the city’s Men’s Shed.
David Dowling, Cairngorm’s managing director, said: “We’re always looking for things to give us an extra edge commercially, which is why we’re delighted to employ Jack and his drone.
“He can take aerial photos of conservatories or glazed roofs and these are invaluable in the survey stage, allowing us to see exactly what’s required in a safe and legal manner.
“Every client receives a unique framed copy of a drone photograph of their property, an extra selling point.”
