Hire a Drone Operator with an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate
Are you thinking about hiring someone with a drone for your next project or event? Think again!
Sure, professional drone photography and video are superior to ground-level photography for so many reasons (read: Why Combine Commercial Property Photography & Drone Photography), but commercial drone work involves much more than owning a drone and knowing which button makes it fly.
Drone photography from a licensed specialist involves understanding aviation regulations, assessing the location for a safe flight and planning the right shots for your project.
The icing on the cake is when your drone operator understands visual composition, lighting, movement and visual storytelling, and can turn your aerial footage into something people remember.
If your company needs aerial photography or video for marketing, construction, property documentation or another business purpose, our advice is to hire a drone operator with a proper FAA Remote Pilot Certificate and the creative experience to make every flight count.
Why Hire a Licensed New Jersey Drone Operator
If you hire an experienced and certified provider of drone photography services in New Jersey, you can rest assured that the flight will be properly planned, the location will be carefully assessed and the material your project requires will be professionally captured.
Commercial Drone Operators Need FAA Certification
The Federal Aviation Administration regulates commercial drone operations throughout the United States and this includes New Jersey.
Under the FAA’s Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Rule, the person responsible for a commercial flight must hold a Remote Pilot Certificate or operate under the direct supervision of someone who does.
Why? Earning that certificate means the drone operator has knowledge of subjects such as:
- Airspace classifications and flight restrictions
- Weather conditions and their effect on a drone
- Airport operations
- Drone loading and performance
- Emergency procedures
- Operations near people, vehicles and buildings
This is valuable knowledge to have when a drone is flying above your property, equipment, employees or event guests.
New Jersey Airspace Can Be Complicated
Every commercial drone flight in New Jersey must comply with federal aviation regulations and, depending on the location, may also be subject to local restrictions and property-specific rules that govern where an operator can launch, land and conduct the flight.
New Jersey has airports, controlled airspace, densely populated communities, major highways, industrial areas and busy waterfronts – all of which affect how and where a commercial drone flight can take place.
A licensed operator will check the applicable airspace, determine whether FAA authorization is required and identify buildings, power lines, people, vehicles and other obstacles that can affect the flight.
Completing these checks in advance prevents delays and surprises, and allows the operator to plan suitable launch points, flight paths, camera angles and elevations before valuable time is spent on location.
A Safe Flight Protects Your Business
Since a drone operator could be working around your building, vehicles, equipment or active job site, they should be prepared for the assignment. They should be FAA-certified, have commercial experience, liability insurance and a clear plan for safely completing the work.
The operator should also be aware of when conditions are unsafe like with high winds, heavy rain and poor visibility which all can force the flight to be delayed or rescheduled.
Rescheduling may be inconvenient but watching your hired drone make an unscheduled landing on a customer’s vehicle will probably be the least desired highlight of your day.
The Finished Material Still Has to Look Professional
An FAA Remote Pilot Certificate confirms that an operator understands the rules for commercial drone flights in New Jersey, but it doesn’t make them an accomplished photographer, videographer or editor.
This is where technical and creative experience needs to work together. A professional drone operator with strong photography and production skills will understand the message you need to convey before the drone leaves the ground.
The drone operator with creative experience will plan shots around the purpose of the project, where otherwise you may receive attractive footage that does very little for your website, presentation, inspection or marketing campaign.
Ask These Questions Before Hiring a Drone Operator
You do not need to become an aviation expert before booking drone services. A few direct questions can tell you whether you are speaking with a prepared professional:
- Do you hold a current FAA Remote Pilot Certificate?
- Do you carry commercial liability insurance?
- Do you check the airspace before the scheduled shoot?
- Have you completed similar commercial projects?
- How will you plan the shots around our objectives?
- What photographs, video footage and edited files will we receive?
- What happens if weather prevents the flight?
A professional operator will be able to answer these questions clearly and if the answers sound uncertain, you found an operator you don’t want to work with.
Hire a Professional Drone Operator in New Jersey
PhotoFlight Aerial Media provides professional drone photography services for businesses, properties, construction sites and events throughout New Jersey. Simply click the Get Started button and inquire about how we can plan a future flight around your next project.