Choosing A Right Drone Service Provider
Thus, you’re seeking for a drone firm with whom to partner. How do you decide which one is best for you? The drone services business encompasses a diverse range of applications and skill sets. Making the incorrect option may result in problems with service delivery and product quality. Additionally, choosing the incorrect option may result in legal consequences. It is critical to understand the difference between a Drone Pilot and a Drone Service Company. Outside of flying drones and shooting photographs and video in their leisure time, the former generally has minimal skill. The latter features a diverse workforce with experience in a variety of fields. The following are some of the most critical factors to consider while selecting a drone services firm in the United States.
Are They Certified Under Part 107 and Are They Skilled?
This is truly a no-brainer. The FAA requires that every drone pilot flying for commercial purposes possess a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. This certification verifies that the pilot is familiar with all FAA laws and regulations governing the operation of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) and safe flying procedures. It is critical to remember that this certificate does not validate the pilot’s real piloting skills in the same way that a drivers test does. Therefore, if you are working on a project that requires advanced piloting abilities, such as videography for an event or marketing purposes, you should seek to view examples of their prior work.
Accidents Do Occur. Are They Protected by Adequate Insurance?
Commercial General Liability (CGL) insurance policies often exclude coverage for aviation-related disputes. Although the chances of an accident are slim, the same can be said for car accidents. Is driving without vehicle insurance a smart idea? Obviously not. You should ensure that the firm with with you are doing business carries a sufficient Drone Liability Insurance Policy that covers property damage and personal harm. In the case of an accident, legal action is frequently brought against both the Drone Company and the client of the Drone Company. In rare instances, the customer may request that the Drone Company produce an insurance certificate that includes the client’s name in addition to the Drone Company’s.
Are They Adhering to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Drone Regulations?
Without previous FAA clearance, drones cannot be operated for commercial purposes in regulated airspace. Period. This will void the pilot’s insurance coverage and expose both the pilot and their client to legal liability. What is the definition of controlled airspace? It’s a little tricky, but in general, you cannot fly a drone for commercial reasons within five miles of most airports without first obtaining FAA clearance for that specific site. A pilot cannot get a “blanket” license that allows them to fly anywhere within a broad region within five miles of an airport. There are also several more regulations, such as no flying over moving cars, no flying over non-job-site workers, and no flying at night. All of these require an FAA waiver. Additionally, towns, counties, and states are progressively enacting local ordinances that must be obeyed. Is the drone firm you’re considering familiar with and compliant with all applicable local regulations?
The FAA may take up to 120 days to approve authorizations and waivers. You may determine whether a site is in regulated airspace by visiting Airmap, entering the job address, selecting Part 107 Certified, and determining whether the location appears within one of the light orange rings (or view the Advisories.) When a pilot fails to reveal that the site is in restricted airspace or states it is acceptable for them to fly without authority, this is a major red flag. Solicit a copy of the pilot’s FAA authorization from him!