What Is So Important About Being FAA Certified and Insured?
First of all, you might be asking "what does it even mean to be FAA certified?".
The FAA has created a set of regulations for commercial drone operations called "14 CFR Part 107". They ensure safety and provide awareness to everyone involved in any given drone operation. To operate a drone commercially, the FAA requires the Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC) to hold a Remote Pilot Airman Certificate. This certificate is Acquired by passing an Aeronautical Knowledge test given by the FAA. This test educates the Remote Pilot on many different aeronautical topics such as how weather can affect the UAS (AKA drone), how to interpret and access airspace, how to understand air traffic control broadcasts, along with many other important ways to mitigate risk while operating safely and efficiently.
Now that you know it is federally ILLEGAL to operate a drone without a Part 107 UAS Certificate, you can begin understand the importance of staying compliant and following the rules and regulations. The FAA's main concern with this emerging industry is the safe and efficient integration of drones into the National Airspace (NAS). Systems are being put in place to monitor and identify drone traffic and allow for airspace authorizations on the fly! (see what I did there). Educated pilots in cooperation with the FAA's airspace systems and regulations will go a long way allowing for more free and unrestricted use of drones with safe and legal intentions.
Why is it important to be insured as a Drone Operator?
Most insurance companies that cover photographers and businesses actually exclude the use of a drone. So just because a photographer is insured, doesn't mean they are covered in the case of a drone accident. Insurance coverage for drones is best covered through aviation insurance, which gives the operator the peace of mind that any accident or unforeseen circumstance is covered for sure.
Why Hire a Part 107 Certified Drone Operator?
SAFETY
Certified operators follow the regulations set in place by the FAA to protect the public and keep the national airspace safe. Some of these rules include not flying directly over people, keeping the UAS in visual line of sight, and yielding to all manned aircraft.
REGULATIONS
To fly commercially, even over your own property, job site, or construction site, you MUST be Part 107 Certified and adhere to all rules and regulations. Violating these federal regulations can result in steep fines for both the operator and hiring party.
EXPERIENCE
Remote pilots have many hours of flight simulator and real world experience. This experience leads to expert accident mitigation in the case of any unforeseen circumstances. An experienced remote pilot has excellent spatial and situational awareness which not only results in safe missions, but expert flight control in tight or seemingly impossible situations to operate a drone.
EDUCATION
Many people are simply unaware of current FAA Regulations that apply to using drones for commercial work. As a certified remote pilot you are required to stay up to date with current laws and regulations. A certified pilot has the ability to obtain additional clearance and fly legally in places others would not be permitted to operate.