Day: February 24, 2021

FAA Part 107 Certified Drone Pilot

by Stanley LearyPhotography

Today I got my Airman Certificate for the FAA Part 107 Certified Drone Pilot. I am now able to charge for my services. I cannot wait till springtime.

“Springtime is the land awakening. The March winds are the morning yawn.”

~ Lewis Grizzard
[DJI Mavic Air 2, Mode = Normal, ISO 100, 1/30, ƒ/2.8, (35mm = 24)]

Why is this important for my clients?

“If you think hiring a professional is expensive, wait until you hire an amateur!”

Realtors are told, “The pilot would face a fine of $1,100 per violation…while the person [The Realtor] who causes the operation could be liable for a fine of $11,000….”

This is called Blue hour, especially the one in the evening is probably the most popular time of day to take cityscape photography with dazzling city lights illuminated. This is shooting the Last 10 Minutes of Dusk or for Sunrise the First 10 Minutes of Dawn. [DJI Mavic Air 2, Mode = Normal, ISO 100, 1/25, ƒ/2.8, (35mm = 24)]

A $182,000 fine was issued to a drone pilot in Philadelphia in December 2020.

Roswell, Georgia City Hall [DJI Mavic Air 2, Mode = Normal, ISO 100, 1/500, ƒ/2.8, (35mm = 24)]

Here are some guidelines for drones

  • Request digital authorization for commercial operations in LAANC-enabled U.S. controlled airspaces
  • Can I fly here? Get real-time feedback on airspace rules and conditions regarding your flight specifications with national rulesets. To charge for drone aerial photographs, you MUST be an FAA Part 107 Certified Drone Pilot
  • Non-Certified Drone Pilots can and will be fined – $1,414 per violation
  • Do not fly higher than 400 feet
  • Try not to fly over any moving vehicles or people when possible
  • Keep your drone within eyesight at all times
  • Remain a safe distance away from others’ property and unprotected people
  • Notify any airports ahead of time if flying within 5 miles of an airport
  • Do not fly in adverse weather conditions or under the influence of substances
  • Don’t fly near sensitive areas (power plants, water treatment plants, prisons, major highways, etc.)
  • Don’t invade others’ privacy with photos or videos for 20 countries, including Canada, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
  • Connect to any supported DJI drone to fly and toggle camera settings directly from the AirMap app
  • Plan a flight path to a specific duration, altitude, and airspace requirements

PetSuites Roswell, Georgia
[DJI Mavic Air 2, Mode = Normal, ISO 100, 1/320, ƒ/2.8, (35mm = 24)]

The reason you hire a licensed drone pilot is as much to do with flying by the Federal Aviation Administration rules as just how good their photos and videos are for you.

Give me a call, and let’s plan to make the most of this coming springtime.

Cultural Arts Center in Roswell, Georgia [DJI Mavic Air 2, Mode = Normal, ISO 100, 1/400, ƒ/2.8, (35mm = 24)]