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How to Choose the Right Drone Pilot | For Businesses

If you run a business, especially a brick and mortar business, you will likely need drone photos and drone videos to market your location. There are a couple considerations you will need to keep in mind, though:


1. Part 107 License

What is the Part 107 License?


Part 107 License | Source: Medium.com


One of the most important things to verify before hiring a drone pilot or media company is that they have a Part 107 License. This license is given out by the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) to drone pilots who meet certain requirements. In order for a drone pilot to acquire a Part 107 license, they must study, and pass an exam administered by a representative of the FAA with a score of at least 70%. These exams are often administered at airports, or at other smaller facilities where other airman/pilot exams are given out.


The information required by the FAA is also given out by the FAA, and is available publicly. However, it is a large amount of information that many pilots can struggle to learn and remember. Because of this, many pilots opt for purchasing a course or study guide from a third party. These are often a good option because they are training modules that contain all of the necessary information and more for a pilot to prepare to take and pass their exam, as well as prepare for many real-world scenarios when flying drones commercially.


Part 107 License Legal Requirement

It is a legal requirement for any drone pilot who wishes to fly their drone for any reason other than recreation to have a Part 107 license. If someone wishes to fly their drone exclusively for recreation, they are considered a "hobbyist". This means that they do not need to register drones that weigh less than 250 grams and they cannot legally fly a drone for any types of jobs or favors.


Many people do not know that in order for someone to legally fly a drone for anything other than recreation the Part 107 License is a requirement. This is something to keep in mind when considering flying a drone for your own business. It also raises the consideration when looking for a drone pilot to find one who can actually legally complete the job.


Approval to Fly in Restricted Airspace

For businesses that are located in areas where airspace can be restricted, such as by airports, military bases, power plants, and other sensitive areas: drone pilots who are licensed by the FAA are able to fly in these areas. They are able to do this because their license gives them access to communicate with the FAA and request permission to fly. Using the Aloft app, drone pilots can get automatically approved in certain less hazardous, restricted areas. In other areas that can be more hazardous, pilots can request access to fly ahead of time.


Certain areas are still off-limits, however. National parks, at airports/military bases, and other secure areas will require further investigation by the FAA. However, unlicensed drone pilots are guaranteed to have their airspace approval requests denied.


Drone Experience

Considering that it is the responsible and legal thing to do, it is also more likely that drone pilots who have their license. While this is not a guarantee by any means, it is often the case. In getting the license, the exam covers weather patterns and the flight physics of drones and airfoils. Licensed drone pilots have more theoretical and practical knowledge, because that is what's necessary to pass the exam.


2. Insurance

Why do drone pilots need insurance?

Imagine this: you hire a drone pilot, he crashes the drone, and it lands on passerby, hurting them. Even the most experienced drone pilot can have an accident, and environments can be unpredictable. Insurance makes sure that the pilot, your business, and you can all be kept safe. Typical insurance policies that drone pilots and video production companies carry one or two million dollar policies.


 Conclusion

It is extremely important to vet your drone pilots before hiring them. Gouda LLC is licensed and insured, and helps businesses around the country capture angles they've never seen before. Reach out to us for any of your aerial needs!

 
 
 

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