Terms Of Service (T&Cs)

These Terms and Conditions apply to all services provided by Cheshire Drone Inspection & Mapping (CDIM) ("the Operator") to the Client. By booking a survey, you agree to the following:

1. Professional Standards & Compliance

Certification: All operations are conducted by CAA-certified pilots (A2 CofC) in full compliance with UK Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) regulations.

Insurance: Cheshire Drone Inspection & Mapping (CDIM) maintains specialised commercial UAV Public Liability Insurance (minimum £5 million cover).

Remote ID: All aircraft utilized are Remote ID compliant as per 2026 UK aviation mandates.

2. Weather & Operational Safety

Weather Dependency: Drone flight is strictly subject to safe meteorological conditions. CDIM reserves the right to postpone a flight if wind speeds, precipitation, or visibility pose a risk to the aircraft, public, or property.

The Weather Guarantee: If a flight is postponed due to weather, we will reschedule to the next available clear window at no additional cost. If a mutually agreeable date cannot be found within 14 days, a full refund will be issued.

On-Site Safety: The Pilot in Command (PIC) has the final authority to abort any flight if they deem the environment unsafe (e.g., unexpected low-flying manned aircraft, aggressive birds, overhead wires, or interference).

Cancellations: If the Client cancels with less than 48-hours notice for reasons other than weather, a cancellation fee of 25% of the total cost may apply.

3. Site Access & Permissions

Landowner Permission: The Client is responsible for ensuring we have permission to take off and land at the survey site.

Neighbourly Notice: For residential "snagging" or roof surveys in built-up areas, the Client should inform immediate neighbors. CDIM operates under a "Privacy by Design" policy to ensure third-party privacy.

Hazards: The Client must inform us of any known hazards (e.g., overhead power lines or aggressive livestock) before we arrive.

Client No-Show: If the pilot arrives on-site and cannot perform the flight due to lack of access (locked gates, lack of security access etc.), the client will be liable for a 25% fee of the total service cost.

Livestock: For agricultural or rural flights, the client must inform CDIM of any livestock in the vicinity so the pilot can plan a non-intrusive flight path.

4. Payment Terms

Residential: Payment is due prior to receiving the deliverables (e.g., photographs, video, PDF report etc.).

B2B/Commercial: Payment terms are payment on receipt of invoice, unless explicitly agreed by CDIM.

Deposit: At the discretion of CDIM, a deposit may be required in order for a project to be undertaken. The deposit amount will be no greater than 25% of the expected total cost of the inspection, once complete.

Deliverables: We aim to deliver all high-res imagery and reports within 48-72 hours of a successful flight.

5. Intellectual Property & Usage

Ownership: CDIM retains the copyright to all images and data captured.

Usage Rights: Upon full payment, the client is granted a perpetual license to use the imagery/data for their intended purpose (sale, insurance, maintenance). CDIM retains the right to use non-sensitive imagery for promotional and portfolio purposes unless a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) is requested in writing.

6. Liability & Insurance

Aviation Insurance: CDIM maintains commercial drone insurance compliant with Regulation (EC) 785/2004.

Limitations: We are not liable for structural issues we "miss" if they were not visible from the air or were obscured by debris/snow. Our reports are for information purposes and do not replace a full RICS structural survey. It should be known that we only offer our opinion of structure condition based on review of the images and videos we take.

7. 2026 Regulation Compliance

In accordance with 2026 laws, all our aircraft carry UK Class Markings and broadcast Remote ID. This ensures your project is 100% legal and professional.

8. Airspace Restrictions & Refunds

Pre-Flight Checks: Every booking undergoes a technical airspace audit.

Restricted Zones: If your site is located within a Flight Restriction Zone (FRZ) or sensitive area where National Air Traffic Services (NATS) or the CAA deny flight permission, the booking will be cancelled and a 100% refund issued immediately.