What Risk Am I Taking When I Hire an Unlicensed Drone Pilot for My Real Estate Video?
Drones have completely changed the game in real estate marketing. Aerial shots make properties look cinematic, expansive, and high-end. But hiring just any drone pilot to capture those shots is a risk that, if gone south, will cost you exorbitantly more than a licensed, professional pilot.
A lot of businesses go for the cheapest option — but here’s what they don’t realize:
If they’re not FAA Part 107 Certified, You’re Breaking the Law
Flying a drone for any commercial purpose (including unpaid spec work) requires FAA Certification. If your pilot doesn’t have a license, you are at risk.
But what’s the worst that could happen?
A competitor could easily look up your drone pilot’s info in the FAA database. If they’re not listed, they can report you both, and now you’re dealing with legal trouble.
If the FAA finds out, you’re looking at fines, lawsuits, and potential legal consequences — which will ultimately cost you way more money than a licensed pilot’s fee.
This Isn’t Just Government Bureaucracy — These Laws Actually Matter
Our government is famous for red tape, playing Big Brother, and generally using their power and influence for personal profit at the expense of taxpayers like you and me, because they’re the big guys, we’re the little guys, and they get to do what they want. But the airspace over our land is an area where laws actually save lives.
Just like how motorcycles share space on the highway with other vehicles, a drone shares the airspace with manned aircraft — like commercial planes carrying hundreds of people. If a drone gets sucked into a plane’s engine,the consequences could be deadly. The Part 107 exam covers real aviation knowledge, much of which appears on the exam that, like, actual pilots have to take to get their license. It covers airspace regulations, weather patterns, and aviation safety.
Liability Nightmares: If They Screw Up, You’re Responsible
Even if a non-certified pilot doesn’t get caught, what happens if something goes wrong?
They crash into a property? You could be liable.
They fly over a crowd without permission or propeller guards? That’s a lawsuit waiting to happen.
They injure someone? You don’t want to be anywhere near that legal mess.
The Bottom Line
If you’re hiring a drone pilot, make sure they:
Are Part 107 certified
Understand real estate drone laws (like flying over private property)
Have actual experience capturing cinematic, high-quality footage
Cutting corners can always cost you big time. If you’re going to invest in aerial footage, make sure you do it the right way.
