Attention
Realtors! Do you use fantastic drone photographs or videos for your listing? If
so, here are four (4) questions you should ask to avoid an FAA fine! The FAA applies
fines to unlicensed drone pilots at $1,100 per occurrence/flight where
imagery is used commercially. More importantly the fine for the real estate
agent who hires an unlicensed drone pilot is $11,000 per
occurrence/flight. Of course, if you’re an agent and the unlicensed
drone pilot, you will be liable for both fines!
Here are how
you can avoid any potential fines and get the shots you want from a contracted
drone pilot.
When you hire a drone pilot Always:
every two years from the initial date of issuance. If they are unlicensed, find another pilot and save $11,000!
2) Ask the pilot for a Certificate
of Insurance (COI). Any licensed drone pilot can secure insurance in
minutes with the aid of any number of mobile apps, and some have insurance
riders through their carrier. Regardless, the potential for mishap is always
present and increases when the job is large, complex, or otherwise high risk.
3) Ask the pilot whether they require
any Part 107 Waiver(s) to complete the job. A
commercial drone pilot can show you whether the listing falls within controlled
or restricted airspace, most often found within 5 miles of an airport,
heliport, or federal facility. Although some waivers can take up to 90 days to
get approved by the FAA, most drone pilots have access to Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability
(LAANC) authorization via mobile apps, which can allow for some approvals in
less than 72hrs. If the pilot doesn’t know what airspace the listing is in,
find another pilot.
4) Ask the pilot about their flight
record and experience flying the drone used for the shoot, whether they
have backup equipment in the event of a failure, and whether they fly with a
Visual Observer? A good drone pilot should be able (and willing) to answer
any safety-related questions you may have. If they are unable or unwilling,
find another pilot.
Alternately,
you could incorporate these questions into the contract agreement for the drone
pilot services.
__________
About the
author
Dr. Eugene Matthews teaches the Certificate in sUAS Drone Applications for Park University, MO, and is an
FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot. Please direct any question for him to Drone@park.edu
References
Real Estate Agents Liable for
$11,000 FAA fines for hiring unlicensed Drone Operators
Hiring Unlicensed Drone ‘Pilots’
Can Result In Penalties
Realtors Have Liability for Hiring
an Unlicensed Drone Operator
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