Enhance Your Story with Drone Video
Why Expertise Matters
You have a great story to tell or something amazing to sell. Drone videos can elevate your vision, offering unique perspectives that ground-based visuals simply can't achieve. They add flair, drama, and a sense of scale that captivates audiences in ways static images or handheld footage rarely can.
From YouTube and TikTok videos to real estate listings, commercials, documentaries, and live broadcasts—drone content is everywhere. But when it's time to hire a drone operator, how do you make the right choice?
After some research, you might balk at professional rates. “Why pay so much to fly a toy for an hour or two?” you think.
Instead, you turn to a friend of a friend who has a drone and offers a great deal. The results seem decent, your associate is happy, and best of all, it's cheap. Win-win, right?
Not so fast.
Saving money is tempting, especially in today’s economic climate, where businesses are grappling with cutbacks and consolidation. However, cutting corners with drone operations isn’t just risky—it can be catastrophic. In this case, saving money can mean inviting failure, which could cost far more in the long run.
Why Drones Aren’t Toys
While drones are often sold as fun gadgets in toy stores and online retailers, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) sees them differently. To the FAA, these "toys" are unmanned aircraft, and those who fly them are pilots. Operating a drone commercially in the U.S. requires a Remote Pilot Certificate (or Part 107 certification) issued by the FAA. Flying without this license is not only illegal, but it also comes with hefty fines and legal consequences that could derail your business plans.
Why is this taken so seriously? Because drones have the potential to cause significant damage, whether in the air or on the ground.
When Things Go Wrong
Imagine filming a simple flyover of a building. Unbeknownst to your operator, the area is near military training airspace or a medevac flight path. A low-flying helicopter collides with your drone, potentially endangering lives and leading to lawsuits, investigations, and shattered reputations.
Technical failures are also a concern—drones rely on batteries, radio frequencies, and appropriate weather conditions. Any one of these can fail, leaving you with a falling object that could wreak havoc.
Consider this: a drone falling from 400 feet smashes into the windshield of a minivan carrying a family. The driver swerves, causing a multi-car pileup. Or picture property damage—a collision with a luxury car, a shattered window, or even a ruined piece of artwork. These scenarios may seem unlikely but are entirely possible, and the financial and legal repercussions could be severe.
A quick search of drone-related incidents reveals just how common these mishaps are. The FAA routinely investigates violations, and fines can range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands, depending on the severity of the incident.
The True Cost of Cutting Corners
When you hire an unlicensed drone operator, you’re taking on significant risks, including:
- Legal Liability: If your operator isn’t certified, you could be fined by the FAA for hiring an unlicensed professional.
- Financial Risk: Amateur operators often lack proper insurance, leaving you responsible for damages.
- Reputational Damage: An incident involving a drone could harm your business’s reputation, potentially losing client trust.
Click here for examples of actual drone related incidents
What Professional Drone Pilots Bring to the Table
Hiring a certified, insured professional ensures you're minimizing risks and complying with regulations. Here’s what sets them apart:
Certification and Training
Professionals undergo rigorous training to pass the Part 107 certification exam, which covers:
- FAA regulations and airspace classifications
- Weather patterns and their impact on flight
- Emergency procedures and aeronautical decision-making
- Airport operations and potential hazards
This training equips certified pilots with the knowledge to anticipate and mitigate risks, ensuring safer and more reliable operations.
Proper Insurance
General liability insurance doesn’t cover drone incidents. Professional pilots carry specialized drone insurance, often with coverage ranging from $2 million to $5 million. This coverage provides peace of mind for both the operator and the client, knowing that any potential damages are accounted for.
Risk Management Expertise
Trained pilots have the knowledge and experience to assess when it’s safe to fly. They follow FAA guidelines and local laws, ensuring the highest safety standards.
Certified pilots are also equipped to handle emergencies. For example, if a drone loses connection or experiences a battery failure, a professional knows how to safely regain control or execute emergency landing protocols.
Why Regulation Matters
It’s easy to view FAA regulations as just another layer of bureaucracy, but they exist for a reason. Without these rules, the skies would be chaotic, and the risk to both manned and unmanned aircraft would be far greater. Regulations ensure that all pilots—whether flying a drone or a passenger plane—adhere to the same safety standards.
The Bottom Line
If you’re hiring a drone operator, don’t skimp on credentials or insurance. Drones are not toys, and flying them is far from a casual endeavor. Protect your business, reputation, and bottom line by investing in a certified, insured professional.
In today’s competitive landscape, showcasing your business with stunning drone footage can set you apart. But doing it the right way—with a trained, certified pilot—ensures your investment is safe, secure, and successful.