Simon Walker – Director/Pilot in Command
To operate commercially, all UAV pilots are required to undertake recognised training with an approved CAA training authority. Simon undertook the Permission for Commercial Operations qualification in July 2018. As a qualified UAV pilot Simon is authorised to operate to a maximum altitude of 400 feet and at a maximum distance of 500 meters. With more than one hundred flights and fifteen hours flying experience he is 100% capable of delivering what the customer requires. Simon is involved with the flight planning process from the initial enquiry through to flying the operation.
Simon is a professional Controls and Instrumentation Engineer with over thirty years experience in a wide range of industries, including Power Generation, Construction, Steel, Offshore Oil & Gas, Cement, Commissioning and Control Systems design. In addition he is an Authorised Person under National Grid Safety rules, allowing him to undertake safety and operational switching at 400kV. Simon’s core safety ethos is that no job is too important that it will not be afforded required planning, time and resources. He holds a NeBosh General Certificate safety qualification, which coupled with his experience allows him to produce and enact suitable and sufficient risk assessments, as part of the flight pack for every operation.
Karen Walker – Director/Accountable Manager
As commercial operators, the Civil Aviation Authority requires that you keep and maintain accurate records associated with aircraft maintenance, pre-flight checks, flight planning, risk assessments and safety records. In addition our revision control processes have to be implemented and all changes recorded. As the Accountable Manager Karen is responsible for the control of all company documents. Her role involves managing the change process and reviewing all updates, proposed changes, modifications and corrections. She is responsible for auditing all processes and procedures and for ensuring compliance. Flight maintenance records, flight packs and pilot flight are audited monthly and all audits are documented with feedback provided to the Karmon Innovations team.
When we are undertaking flight operations Karen takes on the role as “the observer”, assisting with the safe operation of the aircraft, informing the Pilot in Command (PIC) of any conflicting issues, any weather concerns or visible signs of damage to the aircraft.
Karen is a qualified Occupational Therapist (BSc Hons) and prior to working in Healthcare, worked for many years in Sports Development. She has an interest in most sports, particularly equine related activities and keen to develop aerial assessments to support rider analysis or experiences.