09/10/2026
🚁 What Should You Look for When Hiring a Drone Pilot?
Drones have made aerial photography more accessible than ever, but owning a drone and operating one professionally are two very different things.
If you’re hiring someone for real estate, construction, agriculture, events, inspections, business promotion, or another paid project, here are a few things worth asking about:
✅ FAA Part 107 Certification
For most commercial drone operations, the person operating the controls must hold an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate under Part 107 or be directly supervised by someone who does.
✅ Proper Drone Registration & Remote ID Compliance
Aircraft used under Part 107 must be properly registered with the FAA, and drones that are required to be registered must comply with Remote ID requirements.
✅ Airspace Knowledge & Authorization
A professional pilot should know how to check the airspace before flying. Some locations, particularly around airports and controlled airspace, may require FAA authorization before the flight can legally take place.
✅ Insurance
Drone liability insurance is not a blanket FAA requirement for ordinary Part 107 operations, but it is something I strongly recommend looking for when hiring a professional. Accidents are rare when operations are handled correctly, but professional businesses prepare for the unexpected.
✅ A Safety-First Approach
Sometimes the professional answer is, “We can’t safely or legally make that flight today.” Weather, people, traffic, aircraft, obstacles, airspace, or other conditions can change the plan. A good pilot should be willing to delay or modify a flight rather than take unnecessary risks.
✅ Experience & Previous Work
Ask to see examples. A certificate proves someone has met FAA requirements, but their portfolio helps show whether they can actually produce the type and quality of work you need.
✅ Clear Pricing, Deliverables & Expectations
Before the drone ever leaves the ground, you should understand what you’re receiving, what it costs, how the media can be used, expected turnaround time, and any limitations that may affect the job.
At Deaton’s Aerial Photography, I believe professional drone work is about more than getting a pretty picture from the sky. It’s about operating safely, legally, responsibly, and making sure the customer knows exactly what they’re paying for.
Whether you hire us or another pilot, ask questions. A reputable operator should be happy to answer them.
Seeing the world from a higher perspective.
