Drone Laws Made Simple: What FAA Part 107 Means for Your Listing

Flying for Real Estate Is Regulated — Here's Everything You Actually Need to Know

Every commercial drone flight in the US requires FAA authorization under Part 107 of the Federal Aviation Regulations. For real estate media specifically, this means the person flying the drone must hold an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate, operate within defined airspace rules, and carry commercial liability insurance. Here's what that actually means for you as a client.

What Part 107 Requires

The FAA Remote Pilot Certificate requires passing a knowledge test administered at an FAA-approved testing center. It covers airspace classifications, weather interpretation, emergency procedures, and radio communication. It must be renewed every 24 months through a recurrent training course.

Under Part 107, commercial drone flights must:

• Stay below 400 feet AGL (above ground level) in uncontrolled airspace
• Maintain visual line of sight with the aircraft at all times
• Avoid flying over people not involved in the operation
• Obtain LAANC authorization for flights in controlled airspace
• Yield right-of-way to manned aircraft

How We Handle Compliance

Every flight we conduct is authorized, logged, and insured. Our pilots hold current Part 107 certificates. We use the FAA's LAANC system to obtain airspace authorization for properties near Rochester's controlled zones — including areas near the Greater Rochester International Airport approach paths. Authorization is typically granted within minutes through the automated system.

We carry $1M commercial liability insurance. Certificates of insurance are available on request for properties requiring documentation (some HOAs and commercial properties ask for this).

What You Need to Do: Nothing

Compliance is entirely our responsibility. You don't need to file anything, contact anyone, or worry about airspace. We handle every pre-flight step and provide you with a flight log after every shoot.

Common Myths

"Anyone can fly a drone for real estate as long as they don't charge for the photos." False. Any commercial purpose — including using the footage to sell a property — requires Part 107 certification regardless of who pays whom.

"I can hire my neighbor who has a DJI Mini." Only if they hold a Part 107 certificate for commercial use. Flying without it exposes both the pilot and the property owner to FAA enforcement.