If you have clients who use drones in their line of business, i.e., real estate agents; contractors; photographers, etc., help them understand and comply with Part 107 of the Federal Aviation Administrations’ Federal Aviation Regulations. When a drone is used for business purposes rather than recreation, it becomes subject to the small unmanned aircraft rule, known as Part 107 of the FAA’s Federal Aviation regulations.
Part 107 makes it easier for small businesses that operate drones to comply with airspace rules. The rule opens vast opportunities for small businesses to serve their customers and innovate in ways they haven’t before imagined.
But there are responsibilities and liabilities:
Requirement – Part 107 requires each person who operates the drone to hold a pilot certification. The licensed pilot is responsible if anything goes wrong and has the final say as to whether the flight is safe and legal.
Recommendation – Encourage your clients to use the buddy system. While it is perfectly legal to fly a drone with only the pilot present, it is recommended that all operators be supported by an observer who can keep the pilot informed of any potential hazards. The observer can also help ensure that no pedestrians wander into the flight area. A pilot and observer working together increases the likelihood of maintaining safety, professionalism and efficiency in the drone flight.
Requirement – Part 107 restricts operators from endangering people or property on the ground.
Recommendation – Encourage your clients to invest in a validated airspace map to pinpoint where it’s safe to fly, versus where special permission is required.
Because many people regard drones with suspicion, it’s also a good practice to alert and request permission from property owners ahead of time. Careful preflight planning and coordination help ensure the drone does not fly over anyone illegally.
Note that Part 107 does not require operators to obtain permission from landowners before flying over their property, since landowners don’t own the airspace over their property. But following the law is one thing; professional courtesy is another.
Asking for permission could help your clients avoid legal conflict or damage to their aircraft, while also contributing to normalizing drones in the public eye.
Requirement – Part 107 does not allow flying drones over human beings who are not directly involved in their operation.
Recommendation – If your client is trying to capture a photo of a large group of people or an area from above, consider alternatives to getting the shot. Part 107 does not specify a minimum distance, so if they’re able to take off and land in an adjacent park or otherwise unpopulated area that qualifies as unrestricted airspace, they can take side angles to get lateral images.
For more info on how you can help your commercial clients safely and legally operate drones, check out http://go.skyward.io/107-download.html.
