In Today’s era of tech impacting all areas of business, Drones are among the fastest growing.  In 2018 there were 777,000 registered private UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems) vehicles (drones) in the United States.  By 2022 there will be over 3,000,000.  As the skies fill with more and more aircraft, it is imperative that all drone pilots adhere to the certification and safety requirements set by the FAA.  Imagine a 4 pound drone impacting the leading edge of an airplane wing.  Keep in mind that commercial and private aircraft are not designed to sustain battle damage and continue to fly. 

As well, in the National Airspace, there are levels of restrictions depending upon the type of airport in the area and the type of flight operations in the area.  All drone pilots are expected to know, understand, and obey all flight rules and restrictions.

Many people simply do not know that using a UAS for hire or profit without the FAA Part 107 certification, subjects both the pilot and the person hiring the pilot to substantial fines.  Check out this Article: it says that a real estate agent flying drones for themselves without the Part 107 are subject to both fines….  How Interesting!

In a notice interpreting the special rules governing model aircraft, the FAA explicitly stated that, “a realtor using a model aircraft to photograph a property that he is trying to sell and using the photos in the property’s real estate listing” is not engaging in hobby or recreations.  Nor is a person photographing a property or event and selling the photos to someone else.  Realtors and other commercial drone operators are subject to all existing FAA regulations, as well as any future rule making action.”

Finally, the National Association of Realtors has documented these rules and limitations in the this publication:

Go ahead …Make my day!

We all know that famous line from Dirty Harry.  Well that’s what the FAA is saying to Realtors with their regulations concerning drones.  It has been a while coming, those anxiously awaited regulations that allow us all the freedom we want in using these new toys to market our listings.  We want that edge on the competition.  Look at how cool this looks.  I can get Jimmy down the street to do it.  He has a drone and needs a few bucks.

We can think of all kinds of justification but don’t normally spend the time in researching the rules and regulations designed to keep us all safe.  Let me help you figure this out.

Here’s the latest from the PFRE web site…

Photography For Real Estate » Realtors Have Liability for Hiring an Unlicensed Drone Operator…..

“Just as an update, the FAA confirmed in writing this week of the fines that can be applied. For a pilot who is unlicensed, the fine is $1,100 per occurrence/flight where imagery is used commercially. More importantly perhaps, the fine for the real estate agent who hires an unlicensed pilot is $11,000. Of course, if you’re an agent who bought a drone and took the photos or video yourself, you will be liable for both fines.”

Let me put that into plain words.  Every time you take “Jimmy” (the local high school kid) with you to shoot some “commercial” (that’s you) drone shots, he is liable for $1,100 in fines and you are liable for $12,100 in fines.  Then to make matters worse you are presenting them (The Authorities) with the proof just by publishing those images on the MLS.  All it takes is a competitor to turn you in.  We all know that never happens.  

Did you know that if you fly one of these drones within 5 miles of the perimeter of an airport you must call the control tower and provide them with all the information including your certification number?  Did you know Grove Park and Waterford are within 5 miles of Cartersville Airport?   Does “Jimmy” know that?  Does “Jimmy know how to contact the Airport Manager?

Peak Viewing Drone Imaging is a local, veteran owned company that is insured and provides reasonable services.  Use them when needed.  Research them.  Hire only Legal, Safe, Insured, Licensed operators.  Have them record their license number on the invoice.

Drones provide us with some beautiful pictures and videos we have never seen before.  Use them responsibly and enjoy Peak Views of all your best places…. Let’s have fun, let’s be prosperous, let’s be safe!

For more information or to hire a Part 107 Certified drone pilot, contact Peak Viewing Drone Imaging, LLC.  by email at info@peakviewing.com or phone at 770-608-3845.