Questions to Ask Your Drone Service Provider

The number of providers offering drone-based commercial aerial photography, videography and data gathering services is rapidly increasing. Unfortunately, not all drone service providers are created equal. Selection of a qualified provider breaks down into two major categories:

1) Regulatory

Many drone operators, as well as their prospective Clients, are unaware that FAA regulations specifically govern the safe use of this technology and prohibit the use of drones for commercial purposes unless a) the drone is registered with the FAA and b) the pilot holds a Remote Pilot Certificate with an sUAS rating. Clients should verify pilot credentials and aircraft registration before hiring a drone service provider.

2) Safety, Ethics, Experience and Professionalism

Even if they are Certified Remote Pilots, many operators lack the necessary insurance and competence to operate drones safely, ethically and professionally. The quality of the final deliverable often depends on the skills and artistry of the operator – and these skills can vary widely. Here too, Clients should verify qualifications by asking to see samples of an operator’s work before hiring them, as well as verifying safety practices and procedures, business license and insurance credentials.

Certification and Documentation – Ask to See It!

FAA Remote Pilot Certificate with a small Unmanned Aerial System (sUAS) rating
FAA Certificate of Aircraft Registration
Business License
Insurance policy declarations and endorsements
Pre-flight Checklist, Flight Operations Manuals, Aircraft Operations Manuals, Flight and Maintenance Logs, etc.

Equipment

A properly-equipped operator will have multiple sUAS, providing backup and redundancy for any on-location equipment issues that may arise

Crew and Roles

FAA-certified pilot required
Visual Observer highly recommended to help manage manned aircraft right-of-way, proximity to people, power lines, guy lines and other hazards

Safety and Operating Procedures

Go/No-Go procedures (personal minimums such as wind conditions, cloud cover, visibility, etc.)
What safety precautions will they utilize for your specific project and location?
Pre-flight planning and risk management processes?
Area and environment – proximity to airports and airspace restrictions, hazards, weather and bystanders?
Public awareness – notify nearby property owners and residents of flight date, time, location, duration, etc.?
Contingency planning and emergency procedures for safe exit routes in case of system failure of lost link, etc.?

Experience (as both pilot and photographer)

Pilot:

How many hours does the pilot have?
Are they current on the aircraft that they will be flying?

Photographer:

What, if any, are the provider’s professional photography credentials?
Do they possess the skills and artistry to deliver quality results?

Overall Professionalism

Does your pilot demonstrate professionalism and a commitment to FAA regulatory compliance, safety procedures, legal and ethical operations, respect for privacy, etc.?

In this inaugural blog from Aerial Decisions, we’ve provided an overview of questions to ask your drone service provider. We’d love to hear your thoughts on these issues. Please check our website at and watch this space as we expand on the above issues and more over the coming weeks and months.

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Jim Brammer

Director, Product at Aerial Decisions

After establishing a commercial photography studio in 2008 Jim founded Soaring Vistas Media in 2014, augmenting his studio-based offerings with aerial photography. The following year, Jim's aerial cinematography work was selected as a finalist at the 2015 InterDrone Film Festival. As the commercial drone industry matured, Jim obtained his FAA 333 Exemption in 2016 and, in 2017, his FAA Part 107 Pilot Certificate and Night Ops waiver. In addition to offering drone-based aerial photography, videography, cinematography and data capture services, Jim is also a drone industry Consultant and Part 107 ground school/flight school Instructor.

When he’s not shooting or flying, Jim’s passions include spending time with family; enjoying wine, live music and traveling with his wife Marcia; and giving back through non-profit work with organizations such as City of Hope and Unform Your Bias.

“At Aerial Decisions, our primary focus is on the safe, ethical and professional operation of drones. The knowledge that we are making a difference is truly meaningful, both for me personally, as well as our Clients. Our exceptional team of professionals allows me to leverage a perfect mashup of the skills – photography, videography, drone piloting and training, plus sales, marketing and strategic consulting – that I’ve been fortunate to amass along my journey to this point in my life.”