The topic of Drones and aerial video/photo is a hot topic these days. This sector has taken off way faster than anyone predicted and it seems every day we hear news of new products, new regulations, and new avenues to set your business apart.
DJI Phantom 4.
The most important question to begin with is "are we legal to do this?"
There are stories every day of drones and near misses with airplanes or injured bystanders. The basic rule, as it stands today, is you need the following to operate/sell commercial services as a drone pilot:
1. A pilots license
-There is no way around this as it stands today. Whether is a Recreational, Private, Commercial, or Airline Transport Pilot rating, you MUST have a pilots license to operate a drone commercially. Currently this process takes 1-3 years of dedicated study and flight lessons. As a bonus, there is a massive pilot shortage so in addition to flying drones you can probably also get a job flying airplanes!
2. FAA Authorization
- The FAA wants to know you're out there flying a drone around in their airspace. For that reason you must also obtain a Section 333 exemption which authorizes you to operate in the National Airspace System. This process currently takes 6-9 months as there is a very long list of applicants in the system.
Once these steps are complete you're well on your way to marketing your business to clients who want that amazing aerial shot!
Marist High School recently refinished their football field. Photo taken with a DJI Phantom 3 Pro at an altitude of 300 feet.
5th Street Films is a licensed and authorized commercial operator of aerial drones for video and photo production.