In one of my previous articles ‘Aerial Photographic Pilots – Licensing Requirements?' I outlined the qualifications necessary to undertake aerial work, whether the images are for immediate sale or sale at a later date from an aerial photographic library. The licensing requirements for the pilot are a current and valid JAA CPL.

It is obvious with this type of aerial work that it is not just the pilot who is subject to certification. Although the aircraft often used for commercial aerial photography are high wing light aircraft such as Cessna's which will automatically fall into the Private Category Certificate of Airworthiness (C of A) commercial aerial photography falls into the category aerial work which means the aircraft must have Public Transport C of A.

A public transport C of A increase the maintenance schedule and decrease the amount the operator can do. For example an operator can change the engine oil on an aircraft with a private category C of A but can not do so on an aircraft with a public transport C of A. This increase in the certification of the C of A must be adhered to or the company will be operating illegally.