Regulations regarding the use of drones in commercial industries, including real estate, have changed quickly over the last few years as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has ramped up to address this growing technology.
In the latest change, the FAA has eased the requirement that a drone operator has to be a licensed pilot. Previously, the operator – the Pilot in command – had to hold an Airman Certificate, meaning a commercial, private, sport or recreational pilot’s license, and obtain a special waiver. However, the FAA passed a new rule that becomes effective August 2016, eliminating the waiver and creating a new Remote Pilot Airman Certificate for drone operators. The purpose of this change is to simplify the process of obtaining FAA approval for commercial use of drones (weighing less than 55 pounds), while simultaneously ensuring their safe operation.
Even with this change, you still have to pass an aeronautical knowledge test, obtain FAA approval and register the drone before you use it in your real estate business. Also, a person using a drone must comply with a number of operational requirements, including maximum flight altitude, minimum distances from airports and people, avoidance of controlled airspace, and flying only within the operator’s visual line of sight.
Penalties for operating a drone commercially without FAA approval include civil fines up to $27,500, criminal fines up to $250,000 and up to three years in prison. It is important to know the current laws and seek professional assistance if you want to incorporate drones in your business.
