Robert Dobbin - Aerial Photographer

Robert Dobbin is recognised as Northern Ireland’s leading full‑time A2 & GVC Drone Pilot, bringing over 11 years of hands‑on experience operating a wide range of unmanned aircraft.

He delivers fast, reliable aerial photography, roof surveys, and inspection services across Belfast and throughout Northern Ireland. Robert is also the Owner and Director of Commercial Drone Pilot Training at Drone Pilot Training Academy Belfast, where he provides accredited training for new and experienced pilots.

As a full‑time Drone Pilot, Instructor, Flight Assessor, and Examiner, Robert is fully registered with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). He holds approved Unmanned Aircraft Systems Remote Pilot Certificates of Competence in both the A2 category and the GVC, including authorisation for night operations. All work is carried out under commercial drone insurance with an indemnity limit of up to £1,000,000.

Holding both A2 and GVC certifications means Robert is qualified to operate safely and legally across the UK, giving every client complete confidence alongside high‑quality aerial photography and video.


⚠️ Always Hire a Licensed Drone Pilot

Anyone carrying out commercial drone work must be licensed by the CAA. Unlicensed operators will not have valid public liability insurance, putting you and your property at risk.

  • CAA approval requires the the drone pilot to:

    request the landowners signed permission to fly

    follow operations manual instructions 

    carry out a pre flight site surveys

    complete a risk assessment

    check airport notifications

    monitor up to date weather conditions

    maintain flight and maintenance logs

    fly within the CAA restrictions

    – up to 400ft

    – within 500m and within line of sight

    – no nearer than 50m of people, vehicles and buildings (unless in my control)

    This may seem overly fussy BUT an unmanned aircraft (even a small one) has the capability to cause a major incident!

  • What do I cover?:

    ✔ Aerial Photography - Estate Agents

    ✔Aerial Photography -Demolition &Construction Sites

    ✔ Aerial Photography Private Country Estates

    ✔ Aerial Photography Inspections - Solar Panels

    ✔ Aerial Photography - Roof Surveys

    ✔Aerial Photography - Chimney Inspections

    ✔Aerial Photography - Night Operations


  • What drone do I fly?

    ✔ The DJI Mavic 4 Pro features an advanced Lightbridge video transmission system capable of delivering a stable HD feed at distances of up to 4.3 miles (7 km) in unobstructed, interference‑free, FCC‑compliant conditions. Pilots can seamlessly switch between 2.4GHz and 5.8GHz frequency bands to maintain signal integrity and reduce the impact of environmental interference.




Aerial Photography - Estate Agents

Your Property Listings with Professional Aerial Photography Across Northern Ireland.

All aerial imagery is captured by a fully qualified and insured professional drone pilot, operating with the required certifications and permissions. Every flight is planned and executed to meet strict legal and safety standards, giving estate agents confidence in both compliance and quality.

The result is a collection of crisp, high‑impact aerial photographs that showcase properties, land, and surrounding features from a perspective that traditional photography simply can’t match—helping your listings stand out and attract more potential buyers.

Aerial Photography -Demolition &Construction Sites

All aerial photography is carried out by a professional drone pilot who holds the required insurance, permissions, and certifications. Every operation meets all relevant safety and legal standards, ensuring the delivery of high‑quality digital images.

Robert Dobbin - Aerial Photographer
Robert Dobbin - Aerial Photographer

Aerial Photography -

Private Country Estates

Private Country Estates Across Northern Ireland

Managing a country estate comes with unique responsibilities — from maintaining large areas of land to safeguarding livestock, buildings, and natural habitats. Professional drone surveying offers estate owners a safer, faster, and more cost‑effective way to monitor their property, and my operations are fully compliant with UK regulations.

Using the DJI Mavic 2 Enterprise Advanced, I provide high‑resolution aerial imaging and advanced thermal capability, allowing estate managers to see far more than is possible from the ground.

This technology is ideal for:


Identifying heat loss from older buildings, outbuildings, and estate houses

Locating livestock across wide or difficult terrain, especially during lambing or calving

Detecting wildlife activity and monitoring conservation areas without disturbance

Spotting early signs of fire risk, trespass, or security issues

Assessing storm damage to roofs, forestry, and boundary lines

Supporting insurance claims with clear, accurate aerial evidence.

The Mavic 2 Enterprise Advanced delivers pin‑sharp visual imagery alongside precise thermal data, giving estate owners a complete picture of their land in a single flight. With its compact size and enterprise‑grade sensors, it’s perfectly suited to rural environments where access can be challenging.

Whether you manage a working farm, a heritage estate, or a conservation property, aerial surveying provides insights that help protect your land, reduce costs, and support long‑term planning.


Aerial Photography Inspections - Solar Panels

All solar panel inspections across Northern Ireland are carried out using the DJI Mavic 2 Enterprise Advanced, a professional‑grade thermal and visual drone operated by a fully qualified pilot. Every flight is conducted with the required insurance, certifications, and permissions, meeting all relevant safety and legal standards. Each inspection includes a comprehensive report detailing the assessment, precise coordinates, and high‑quality thermal and digital imagery.

Aerial Photography - Roof Survey Inspections


All aerial roof inspections are carried out by a fully qualified and insured professional drone pilot, operating with the required permissions, certifications, and in full compliance with all safety and legal requirements in Northern Ireland. Each inspection includes a detailed report outlining the findings, precise location data, and high‑quality digital images where required.

Aerial Photography - Chimney Inspections 

All chimney inspections are carried out by a fully qualified professional drone pilot operating with the required CAA permissions, certifications, and insurance. Every flight is planned and conducted in full compliance with all relevant safety, legal, and airspace requirements. Following the inspection, you’ll receive a detailed report outlining the findings, precise coordinates, and high‑quality digital images where required.

Aerial Photography -Night Operations

All night‑time aerial work is conducted by a fully qualified professional drone pilot operating under the required UK and CAA permissions, certifications, and insurance.

Every night flight is planned and executed in accordance with all relevant safety, legal, and airspace requirements for night operations.

A comprehensive report is provided after work is carried out including a clear description of the work carried out, precise coordinates, and high‑quality digital imagery where required.