The importance of hiring a licensed pilot.
Hiring a licensed drone pilot is crucial for ensuring the safety of people and property, as well as complying with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations. The FAA has strict rules and regulations when it comes to flying a drone, especially for non-recreational and commercial purposes . Here are some reasons why you should consider hiring a licensed drone pilot:
1. **FAA compliance**: A licensed drone pilot will know where, when, and how high they can fly. They’ll know how to get permission to fly in different classes of airspace. Most recreational drone operators don’t even realize they’re flying in controlled airspace, as most of northern Utah is – and there are strict penalties in place for those that break the rules .
2. **Safety**: Licensed drone pilots spend hours learning FAA regulations – rules that were put in place to keep both people and airspace safe. They know how weather, wind speed, and other conditions can affect flights. A licensed drone pilot makes safety a priority.
3. **Liability insurance**: Carrying drone insurance is a smart move where businesses are concerned. It shows that a pilot is professional and credible, despite the fact that the law does not currently require commercial drone operators to carry insurance. If you hire an uninsured or amateur drone operator, you’re putting yourself at risk, as homeowner’s insurance does not cover drone use for recreational operators.
4. **Professionalism**: When hiring a licensed drone pilot, it’s important to factor in the level of experience that can be provided. A licensed drone pilot will ensure that all FAA rules and regulations are being followed and that the shooting of footage goes off without a hitch. If you hire an unlicensed pilot, you can open yourself up to being involved in a potential accident, or worse, you could even receive fines for hiring an unlicensed drone pilot.
5. **Expertise**: A licensed drone pilot will have extensive knowledge about drones and their capabilities. This expertise will go a long way in helping solve any issues that may arise, and you can work together with the drone pilot to be aware of legal and operational restrictions.
In conclusion, hiring a licensed drone pilot is essential for ensuring safety, compliance with FAA regulations, and professionalism. It's important to factor in the level of experience that can be provided by a licensed drone pilot when making your decision.