Meet Zara McGregor, Chief UAS Pilot
Zara McGregor joined Plowman Craven in May 2025 as Chief UAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) Pilot in the Inspection Team. With a background in railway surveying, a traditionally male-dominated field, Zara has developed expertise in drone operations, CAD, and geospatial technology.
Her journey shows there’s no single path into surveying or drone work; she completed a two-year Geospatial Technician apprenticeship at Dudley College, demonstrating that practical experience can be as valuable as a degree.
Day-to-day
Zara blends hands-on site work with operational planning and regulatory compliance. Her responsibilities include:
- Planning drone flights and risk assessments for projects
- Ensuring compliance with Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) rules and licensing
- Updating operational manuals and procedures to meet evolving standards
- Supporting tender documentation and project planning
She divides her time between on-site surveys and office or remote work, keeping operations smooth, safe, and efficient.
“My team is amazing,” Zara says. “As my teammate Adam says; you’re only as good as the people around you, and I feel like we’re all working towards the same goal.”
Zara enjoys being at the forefront of surveying technology while collaborating with a team that shares her drive for excellence. She values Plowman Craven’s approachable leadership and flexible working culture.
Highlights & Achievements
Highlights and achievements so far include:
- Conducting drone surveys at London Stadium in the Olympic Park, capturing detailed imagery for analysis and marketing
- Gaining the trust and respect of her team, breaking barriers as a young woman in a male-dominated industry
- Preparing her team for upcoming regulatory changes, ensuring smooth compliance
Her advice for aspiring UAS professionals?
“Get experience in different companies and projects, every team does things differently, and learning from that makes you better.”
Zara also encourages apprenticeships and non-traditional routes into surveying, showing that there are many paths to success. Outside work, she loves staying fit, travelling, and exploring fashion. She’s already planned trips to six destinations this year and even appeared on Bargain Hunt with her mother.
“Everything happens for a reason, even though sometimes it’s hard to believe,” she adds.
