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Summary

Drones are transforming surveying, but what does the job actually look like in practice?

In this episode, Nina Young speaks with Zara McGregor, Chief UAS Pilot at Plowman Craven. Zara shares how she built a career in drone surveying, the realities of flying drones on construction sites, and the challenges of regulation, safety, and public perception.

What We Cover

• How Zara became a Chief UAS Pilot
• Apprenticeships and alternative routes into surveying
• Drone surveying on construction sites
• Navigating airspace restrictions and flight permissions
• Working with the Civil Aviation Authority and drone regulations
• Safety checks and operational planning
• The accuracy of drone survey data
• Public perception of drones and privacy concerns
• Career opportunities in drone surveying
• Encouraging the next generation into geospatial careers

Guest Links

Zara McGregor on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/zara-mcgregor-drone-whiz

Plowman Craven - https://plowmancraven.com

Useful Links

Coptrz – https://www.coptrz.com

Drone Pilot Academy – https://dronepilotacademy.co.uk

Guest Bio

Zara McGregor is Chief UAS Pilot at Plowman Craven, where she leads drone operations for surveying and construction projects. She began her career through a geospatial technician apprenticeship and developed her skills in land surveying, CAD, and aerial data capture. Zara now specialises in commercial drone operations, managing drone surveys, inspections, and mapping projects while ensuring compliance with Civil Aviation Authority regulations. She is also passionate about sharing her experiences and encouraging more people to explore careers in geospatial technology and drone surveying.

If you want to connect with surveyors across the UK and keep up with the profession, join The Surveying Room. It is free to join and open to all types of surveyors, students, and professionals who work with them. Surveyors UK & The Surveying Room

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