Find a pilot
Find a UK drone operator for your production.
Search Fifth Eye-approved UK drone pilots, aerial crews and drone companies by production type, location and crossover skills. Approved listings have completed our qualification checks. For every job, confirm the operator’s current insurance, aircraft, permissions and experience against the actual brief.
How to choose a UK drone operator
Start with relevant production experience, then match the aircraft, camera workflow, crew roles and operating permissions to the shot.
Qualifications, permissions and insurance
The right legal route depends on aircraft, location, proximity to people and the operation itself. Commercial work also requires suitable insurance.
Match the crew to the production
Decide whether the job needs a single operator, separate camera operation, FPV support, production experience or crossover skills before booking.
Location, travel and booking
Confirm travel, shoot dates, site access, airspace, local permissions, kit transport and delivery requirements directly with the shortlisted pilot.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find an approved UK drone pilot?
Search the Fifth Eye Crew directory by production type, freelancer or company, additional skills and location. A Fifth Eye-approved listing means the pilot has completed our qualification checks, but every production should still confirm the exact aircraft, permissions, insurance and experience needed for its job.
What should I check before hiring a drone operator?
Check the pilot’s qualification, the legal route or authorisation for the proposed flight, commercial insurance, relevant production experience, aircraft and crew requirements, availability and location. The final requirements depend on the aircraft, site and operation.
Can I hire a drone pilot for film, television or branded content?
Yes. Directory profiles show production experience across film, television, documentaries, advertising, commercials and branded content, along with crossover skills such as DoP, camera operation, directing and sound recording.
Do drone pilots travel for production work?
Many pilots and drone companies travel beyond their listed area. Use the location view to start a shortlist, then confirm travel, accommodation, kit movement and availability directly with the operator for the specific production.
How do I contact a pilot?
Open the pilot’s public profile and use the Message pilot button. Include the proposed location, dates, production type, shot requirements and any known permissions so the operator can respond to a useful brief.