CAA-Approved Drone Survey Specialists in Kent
Four Winds Drones is a professional drone services company based in Maidstone, Kent, delivering high-quality aerial surveys, inspections, and photography across the South East of England.
With over 15 years of estates management experience, we bring deep sector knowledge to every project. We specialise in technical drone services for the construction, mobile telecommunications, insurance, and property sectors, alongside creative aerial photography and videography for marketing, events, and promotional purposes.
Founded on four core principles: accuracy, integrity, creativity, and vision; we combine technical expertise, regulatory compliance, and practical problem-solving with a genuine understanding of the built environment and what matters to property professionals.
What sets us apart
In a growing market for drone services, Four Winds Drones stands out through specialist qualifications, advanced operational permissions, and a genuine understanding of the built environment and property sectors.
PDRA01 operational authorisation
We hold PDRA01 certification, which grants us standing permission to fly in restricted zones and controlled airspacewhere most drone operators cannot work without applying for individual permissions.
This means we can survey sites near airports, in urban areas with flight restrictions, and in other controlled zones; saving you time, reducing delays, and often making drone surveys possible where other companies simply cannot operate.
If your site is in a restricted area, we can usually help when others cannot.
HHSRS-certified property inspectors
Our operators include certified Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) property inspectors, bringing specialist knowledge to residential and commercial property surveys.
This qualification is particularly valuable for property market surveys, insurance assessments, and new build snagging inspections, where understanding building defects and health and safety risks is crucial.
GVC qualification
Our General Visual Line of Sight Certificate (GVC) provides advanced operational permissions, enabling us to conduct complex survey operations with flexibility and compliance.
CAA approved and fully insured
All our pilots are Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) approved and we operate under full commercial drone insurance, giving you complete confidence in safety, regulatory compliance, and professional accountability.
CSCS and DBS certified
Our team holds Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) cards and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)certificates, making us trusted partners for construction sites, education facilities, and other sensitive environments where security and compliance matter.
Our mission and values
Our mission is simple: to bring accuracy, integrity, creativity, and vision to every aspect of our work for our clients and the wider UAV sector.
Accuracy
Details-oriented delivery from start to finish. We capture high-resolution data, provide clear reports, and ensure you have the information you need to make informed decisions.
Integrity
We operate to the highest standards of safety, professionalism, and regulatory compliance. When we commit to a project, we deliver on time and exceed expectations.
Creativity
We think outside the box and bring fresh ideas to every project. Whether it’s finding a solution for a challenging site or capturing the perfect angle for your marketing materials, we approach each job with innovation and flexibility.
Vision
We provide flexible, responsive, and innovative solutions tailored to your specific needs. No two projects are the same, and we adapt our approach to deliver the best results for you.
Our technology and equipment
We invest in the latest drone technology and software to ensure we deliver the highest quality imagery, data, and analysis.
Drone fleet
We operate a range of DJI professional drones, including:
- DJI Matrice 4E: Enterprise-grade platform for complex surveys and inspections
- DJI Mini 4 Pro: Compact and agile for tight spaces and residential work
- DJI Mavic series: Versatile all-rounders for diverse project requirements
This varied fleet enables us to choose the right tool for each job—whether that’s a large construction site requiring long flight times, a residential property needing careful navigation, or a heritage building demanding precision and care.
Post-production capabilities
We use industry-leading software for:
- Video editing and production
- Image correction and enhancement
- 2D mapping and laser measurement
- 3D modelling and data mapping
- Photogrammetry and volume calculations
This means you receive professional, polished deliverables ready to use; whether that’s a detailed PDF inspection report, high-resolution marketing imagery, or accurate 3D site models for planning and design.
Sectors we serve
Our expertise spans multiple sectors, and we understand the unique challenges and requirements of each:
Construction industry
Site surveys, progress monitoring, safety inspections, volume calculations, and as-built documentation. We help construction professionals save time, reduce costs, and improve site safety.
Mobile telecommunications
Mast inspections, line-of-sight surveys, site assessments, and infrastructure monitoring. We support telecoms companies with safe, efficient inspections that eliminate the need for expensive and time-consuming manual access.
Insurance and loss adjusting
Rapid property damage assessments, roof condition surveys, and detailed visual documentation. We help insurance professionals make faster, more accurate decisions with comprehensive aerial evidence.
Property market
Residential and commercial building surveys, roof inspections, new build snagging reports, and pre-purchase property assessments. Our HHSRS certification provides specialist insight for property buyers, sellers, and agents.
Facilities management
Asset inspections, maintenance planning, roof and gutter surveys, and ongoing condition monitoring. We help facilities managers identify issues early and plan maintenance efficiently.
Heritage and conservation
Sensitive surveys of historic buildings, condition assessments, and documentation for conservation projects. We combine technical skill with respect for heritage assets.
Education sector
School and university site surveys, building inspections, and event photography. Our DBS certification ensures we’re trusted partners for educational settings.
Private clients and homeowners
Roof inspections, property surveys, and special occasion aerial photography. We make professional drone services accessible and affordable for homeowners.
Our team
Every member of the Four Winds Drones team is a qualified, experienced, and professional drone operator. With over 15 years of estates management experience across our team, we bring a strong understanding of the built environment, property sectors, and the real-world challenges faced by estate managers, facilities professionals, and property owners.
We pride ourselves on:
- Clear communication: We explain what we’re doing, why, and what you can expect
- Professionalism: Respectful, punctual, and considerate of your site, neighbours, and any restrictions
- Attention to detail: We don’t just capture images—we analyse, identify issues, and provide actionable insights
- Problem-solving: If there’s a challenge, we find a solution
Whether you’re a construction manager coordinating a complex site, a homeowner concerned about roof damage, or an insurance assessor needing rapid documentation, you’ll find our team approachable, knowledgeable, and focused on delivering what you need.
Why choose Four Winds Drones?
Choosing a drone survey company shouldn’t be complicated. Here’s what you get when you work with us:
✅ Specialist qualifications that most competitors don’t have (PDRA01, HHSRS, GVC)
✅ Competitive pricing from £180, with transparent quotations and no hidden costs
✅ Fast turnaround with flexible scheduling to meet your deadlines
✅ Professional reports with clear imagery, analysis, and recommendations
✅ Local knowledge of Kent and the South East, including restricted zones and local planning considerations
✅ Trusted by professionals across construction, insurance, telecoms, and property sectors
✅ Safe and compliant operations that protect you, your site, and the public
Our service area
Based in Maidstone, Kent, we serve clients across:
- Kent (Maidstone, Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks, Canterbury, Ashford, Medway, and beyond)
- Sussex
- Surrey
- South East England
- Greater London (including restricted zones)
If your project is outside these areas, please get in touch – we’re often able to travel further for larger projects or ongoing contracts.
Our commitment to safety
Safety is at the heart of everything we do. Every flight is:
- Risk assessed before we arrive on site
- Planned carefully with attention to airspace restrictions, weather conditions, and site-specific hazards
- Conducted professionally with full public liability insurance and CAA approval
- Respectful of privacy for you and your neighbours
We follow Civil Aviation Authority regulations, industry best practices, and our own rigorous internal safety standards. You can have complete confidence that we operate responsibly and professionally.
Get in touch
Whether you need a roof inspection, a construction site survey, or aerial photography for your marketing campaign, we’re here to help.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote.
📞 +44 7577 291467
📍 Maidstone, Kent, UK