The Importance Of Using A Certified Drone Pilot

When looking for a drone pilot in Grand Rapids, throughout West Michigan, or wherever you might be, how do you go about picking one to capture the right images for you? Many times one would go with the cheapest price, but is that always a wise decision? There are many factors that need to be taken into account during the selection process, especially considering they will be flying a remotely controlled drone above expensive property or in close proximity to expensive items.

The first thing, and perhaps most important to know, is that in order legally fly for commercial work, the drone pilot must become a Certified Remote Pilot, passing the written Part 107 safety test. This ensures that the pilot will be up to date on many safety protocols, including airspace, weather conditions, proper drone handling procedures, and much more. Selecting someone who is not licensed could lead to dire consequences should anything go wrong. Choosing a certified pilot means you will be getting someone who knows when and where they can safely fly.

What qualifies as commercial drone use?

Any drone flight that is used for payment of services, or used to benefit any business is considered commercial use and requires a drone license. Furthermore, the FAA requires you to define the the intent of the drone operations before the taking off. This means you can take some photos on casual flight one evening, then turn around and sell them later if someone inquires about purchasing those images. You also can’t post them in your social media profiles if you are compensated in any way from these posts or your blog.

Rest assured, if someone took the steps to become certified, chances are they will go further than just learning the rules – they want to protect their investment. This means they will have millions of dollars in liability insurance to protect not only their company, but you as well. If you hire someone who is uninsured or is not an experienced drone operator, you are putting yourself at a higher risk, since your homeowner’s insurance does not cover recreational drone use.

Similarly, someone with their remote pilots license is likely to have more experience working professionally and capturing photos and videos than your next door neighbor who happens to have a drone they fly for fun. Delivering the best quality aerial footage is imperative to the success of their business because their reputation is on the line and they treat each project with precision and care. Your satisfaction is what truly matters in the end.

When choosing a drone pilot in Grand Rapids, Michigan (or wherever you may be), remember that you have plenty of choices for who you use. In the end, consider it an investment in your own company and marketing strategy to select an experienced drone pilot to ensure things get done safely the first time. Feel free to contact us to learn how we can help provide affordable and safe drone services for your business.

Are you a realtor in the Greater Grand Rapids area? The Greater Regional Alliance of REALTORS® (GRAR) requires realtors to use a pilot that is licensed otherwise you may face potential fines if you are caught using an unlicensed professional.