03/14/2022
Did you know? Realtors can be fined $11,000 in fines by the FAA for hiring an unlicensed drone operator or if they operate the drone on their own for marketing purposes. Here's an article explaining in more detail:
https://www.droneacademy.com/clients-of-unlicensed-drone-pilots-can-also-face-penalties/
Takeaways from the article:
1) Ask to see the pilot’s FAA Remote Pilot Certificate (drone license), and whether they hold any other FAA licenses. If they are unlicensed, find another pilot. FoxThree pilots are FAA Part 107 certified!
2) Ask the pilot for a Certificate of Insurance (COI). FoxThree holds liability insurance while onsite to cover any scenario!
3) Ask the pilot whether they will require any Part 107 Waiver(s) to complete the job. These waivers include flights in controlled airspace, nighttime operations, operations over people, and several other restrictions. While the process is getting better, some waivers can still take up to 90+ days to get approved so it is important to know ahead of time if they will be necessary. FoxThree is accustomed to obtaining LAANC airspace authorizations and any waiver required for special missions!
4) Ask the pilot about their safety and experience. How long have they been in business? Have they ever had an incident on a job? Do they have backup equipment if there is a failure? Do they fly with a Visual Observer? A good Drone Pilot should be able (and willing) to answer any safety-related questions you may have. FoxThree has backup drones, uses proper PPE (safety vest, helmet, eyewear, cones, and landing pad), and can obtain a visual observer when required for larger sites!
Unlicensed Drone 'pilots' aren't the only ones facing penalties. Clients who hire unlicensed drone 'pilots' can face significant fines from the FAA.
