About HireDronePilot

Built By A Drone Pilot, For Drone Pilots

HireDronePilot is led by fully GVC licenced drone pilot Peter Leslie - nearly 10 years of commercial drone flying, former PfCO holder, and the CAA-authorised drone pilot behind the UK's most selective drone network.

  • CAA Operational Authorisation (GVC) - Dragon Air Training, Jun 2023
  • Nearly a decade flying commercial missions across the UK
  • A2 CofC & Flyer ID active for urban and sub-25kg operations
  • Platform that manually verifies and rejects 73% of drone pilot applications
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Peter Leslie - Director & CAA Authorised Drone Pilot

About HireDronePilot

HireDronePilot is a UK-based platform that connects clients needing drone services with CAA-certified, vetted drone pilots. The service works by having clients submit project details through a single form, which is then sent to relevant operators for them to provide quotes, making it a fast and efficient way for businesses and individuals to hire drone professionals for aerial photography, surveys, and inspections.

Rooted in Scotland

Based in Dundee with a young family, I wanted a way to serve national projects without living out of a suitcase. HireDronePilot keeps great work flowing while letting local experts lead on-site.

A True Drone Co-operative

The vision is a UK-first network of elite GVC pilots who share real jobs at fair rates. Pilots win better opportunities, clients get specialists matched to the brief.

Actionable Data, Not Hobbyist Imagery

Every mission must deliver usable datasets—survey accuracy, compliance evidence, decision-ready visuals. That focus keeps standards high and the industry trusted.

Civil Aviation Authority logo
CAA Approval

Operational Authorisation from the Civil Aviation Authority

We maintain an active CAA Operational Authorisation, the highest level of approval for commercial drone missions in the Specific Category. It is renewed annually with a full Operations Manual review and demonstrates that every project we deliver is flown under regulated procedures, qualified crew, and compliant equipment.

  • Built on nearly a decade of commercial flying across construction, infrastructure, and media sectors
  • Covers complex airspace, congested areas, and bespoke client risk assessments
  • Backed by detailed safety cases, maintenance logs, and mission documentation for every sortie
Verified Licences

I Am A Fully Licenced Drone Pilot Looking To Help Other Drone Pilots

These licences belong to Peter personally. Nearly a decade of commercial flying, formal assessments, and continual renewal keep his Operational Authorisation current and inform how HireDronePilot vets other professionals. Every pilot on the platform must evidence their own GVC (or higher) approval before they can bid on work.

Peter Leslie - CAA GVC Operational Authorisation
Peter Leslie – GVC Operational Authorisation

CAA Operational Authorisation (GVC)

Peter trained with Dragon Air Training in June 2023, covering advanced planning, emergency handling, and risk assessment for complex UK missions. This personal GVC keeps his Operations Manual aligned with CAA requirements and formally replaces his earlier PfCO accreditation.

Cleared for complex operations, including congested areas and controlled airspace
Maintains detailed Operations Manual and documented safety cases for every mission
Backed by nearly a decade of commercial survey and inspection experience
Foundation for personally verifying every drone pilot on the platform
Peter Leslie - A2 Certificate of Competency
Peter Leslie – A2 Certificate of Competency

A2 CofC - Urban & Close-Quarter Operations

Peter's A2 CofC keeps sub-25kg work agile - ideal for survey-grade mapping near buildings, infrastructure, and teams. It dovetails with his GVC to cover rapid-response sorties when projects demand proximity and sets the benchmark we expect from pilots joining the platform.

Certified for close proximity work in the Open A2 & A3 categories
Ensures every drone pilot we onboard understands transitional UK regulations
Focus on practical capabilities - correct sensors, airframes, and risk controls
Supports the platform's fast-turnaround construction and property missions
Peter Leslie - CAA Flyer ID
Peter Leslie – Flyer ID

CAA Flyer ID & Operator Accountability

Peter's active registration with the CAA keeps every mission accountable. The Flyer ID ties each aircraft he operates to documented pilots, mission logs, and insurance - zero grey areas when clients need evidence of compliance.

Renewed annually alongside equipment and insurance audits
Linked to every aircraft Peter deploys across the HireDronePilot network
Demonstrates commitment to CAA accountability and airspace etiquette
Forms part of the due diligence clients receive before each deployment
Peter Leslie - FPV UK Membership
Memberships

FPV UK Membership

Peter maintains his own FPV UK membership to stay aligned with national best practice: regulatory updates, safety frameworks, and community-backed standards. That personal commitment complements the CAA licences above and feeds into the checks we run when onboarding other drone pilots.

  • Public liability cover and legal guidance for every deployment
  • Regular briefings on regulation changes affecting UK drone pilots
  • Access to specialist resources that inform our pilot onboarding
  • Community verification - sharing vetted suppliers and risk lessons
Dundee & Angus Chamber of Commerce membership badge
Business Community

Member of Dundee & Angus Chamber of Commerce

HireDronePilot is an active member of the Dundee & Angus Chamber of Commerce. We collaborate with the region's leading organisations, share best practice on innovation projects, and provide a single point of contact for chamber members that need compliant aerial data capture.

  • Supports local businesses with CAA-approved drone operations across Dundee and Angus
  • Keeps our team connected to regional infrastructure, renewables, and property initiatives
  • Creates referrals and partnerships that help members scope aerial surveys faster
ARPAS-UK - The UK Drone Association membership badge
Industry Representation

Member of ARPAS-UK - The UK Drone Association

HireDronePilot is a proud member of ARPAS-UK (Association of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems), the UK's non-profit trade association for the drone industry. Founded in 2013, ARPAS-UK represents commercial drone operators and works directly with the Civil Aviation Authority and government bodies to shape regulations and promote safe, innovative drone technology adoption across the UK.

  • Collective voice working with the CAA on frameworks like UK SORA and safety regulations
  • Promotes professional standards through Code of Conduct and industry best practices
  • Supports innovation and connects stakeholders to accelerate safe drone adoption
  • Access to industry resources, reports, and standards development shaping the future of UK drones
Experience

Verified Qualifications Backed by Real-World Outcomes

From the original PfCO days to the modern GVC framework, Peter Leslie has led hundreds of drone jobs across construction, infrastructure, and media. That front-line experience shapes how HireDronePilot vets talent and protects clients from hobbyist guesswork.

Nearly a decade leading commercial drone missions throughout the UK

Built operational standards that reject 73% of drone pilot applications

Hands-on with 50+ survey-grade aircraft, sensors, and workflows

Trusted advisor to enterprises needing compliant aerial data

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Prefer email? Reach us at peter@certifieddronepilot.com