What drone services does CAV Aerial offer?

CAV Aerial provides drone roof inspections, thermal imaging, 3D models, and campaign video production. All flights are insured and GVC-certified.

Who are your typical clients?

We work with architects, conservation officers, builders, councils, heritage trusts, church wardens, and private homeowners across the UK.

Are your services suitable for churches and listed buildings?

Yes, we specialise in drone documentation for sensitive sites, including listed buildings and churches. We're registered with the National Churches Trust network.

Why RICS Surveyors Need a Qualified Drone Pilot — And How CAV Aerial Delivers

13 Aug

Written By Constantine Callaghan

In today’s property and construction industries, RICS Chartered Surveyors are under constant pressure to deliver accurate reports quickly, safely, and cost-effectively. Whether it’s a Level 3 building survey, a schedule of condition, or a defect inspection, the ability to access hard-to-reach areas efficiently can make all the difference.

That’s where partnering with a CAA-certified drone pilot comes in. At CAV Aerial, we specialise in providing aerial imagery and data capture that enhances your reports, streamlines your workflow, and keeps you compliant with industry standards.

1. Safe, Efficient Access to Hard-to-Reach Areas

Traditional roof and high-level inspections often require scaffolding, cherry pickers, or roof access equipment. These options can be costly, time-consuming, and potentially disruptive to the building’s occupants.
A qualified drone pilot can complete a high-resolution aerial inspection in a fraction of the time, without the safety risks associated with working at height.

Example: Our drone inspections typically capture a full set of roof and elevation images within 30–45 minutes, with zero scaffolding required.

2. High-Resolution Imagery That Elevates Your Reports

RICS surveyors know the value of clear, evidential photography. Our drones capture 30+ high-resolution stills and 4K video, giving you:

Comprehensive coverage of roofs, chimneys, and elevations
Zoomed-in defect shots for cracked tiles, flashing issues, or gutter blockages
Wide context images for inclusion in client-facing reports

With CAV Aerial, you receive RAW and edited JPGs, so you can drop them straight into your reports without additional editing.

3. Faster Turnaround — Keep Clients Happy

When deadlines are tight, waiting for scaffolding or specialist access equipment isn’t always an option.
At CAV Aerial, we offer 24-hour delivery as standard (same-day available), so you can meet urgent client deadlines without compromise.

For RICS surveyors managing multiple sites or high-volume workloads, this rapid turnaround can be the difference between winning and losing a repeat client.

4. Thermal Imaging for Hidden Issues

Some defects are invisible to the naked eye. Our thermal imaging capability (FLIR-equipped) allows you to detect:

Heat loss and insulation failures
Water ingress or leaks
Moisture build-up in flat roofs

This additional layer of data helps RICS surveyors add more value to their reports, potentially saving the client significant repair costs.

5. Compliance and Professional Standards

RICS members work to the highest professional standards — and so do we.
CAV Aerial is:

CAA GVC Qualified and operating under Operational Authorisation
Fully insured for commercial UAV operations
Experienced in heritage-sensitive sites and complex urban environments
Able to provide RAMS documentation for every job

You can trust that every flight is conducted legally, safely, and with the professionalism your brand requires.

Why Partner With CAV Aerial?

When you work with us, you’re not just hiring a drone — you’re gaining:

A specialist partner who understands RICS workflows
Data capture that integrates seamlessly into your reports
Flexible capacity for overflow or urgent jobs
A competitive £199 + VAT trial rate so you can assess the benefits risk-free

Ready to Enhance Your Surveys?
If you’re a RICS surveyor looking to save time, reduce risk, and improve the quality of your reporting, CAV Aerial is here to help.
📧 constantine@cavaerial.com
🌐 www.cavaerial.com
📞 0203 051 6403