FAA Part 107: What It Means for Your Aerial Photography Project
Plain explanation of what FAA Part 107 certification is, why it matters for commercial work, what to ask your operator, and what the airspace situation looks like in northern Minnesota.
Published by Chris Westlund, Minnesota Drone
Most people commissioning aerial photography do not need a deep understanding of FAA regulations. But there are a few things worth knowing about Part 107 and why it matters for your project.
What is FAA Part 107?
Part 107 is the FAA's regulatory framework for commercial small unmanned aircraft systems (what most people call drones). It took effect in August 2016 and established the baseline rules for commercial drone operations in the United States.
Part 107 requires commercial drone operators to pass an aeronautical knowledge exam and obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA. The certificate requires a passing score on the knowledge test, a background check, and registration with the FAA. It must be renewed every 24 months.
Any operation of a drone for commercial purposes — meaning the flight produces something of value, including photography used in marketing, real estate, or business documentation — is subject to Part 107. Flying commercially without certification is a federal violation.
Why should you care as a client?
There are two practical reasons this matters to you. First, liability. If an uncertified operator's drone causes damage to your property, injures someone, or causes an incident, your property insurance may not cover the claim and the operator almost certainly is not carrying the commercial liability insurance that legitimate operators carry. You may be exposed.
Second, authorization. Some shots require specific airspace authorization that only certified operators can obtain. If your property is near a controlled airport, within a Temporary Flight Restriction, or otherwise requires formal coordination with the FAA, a non-Part 107 operator cannot legally obtain that authorization. The shots simply cannot happen legally without it.
What should you ask your operator?
Ask for their Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate number. It should be readily available and they should be happy to share it. You can verify it with the FAA.
Ask for a Certificate of Insurance showing commercial drone liability coverage. This should be standard for any operator doing commercial work. If they do not carry it, walk away.
Ask about airspace authorization for your specific property if it is near a controlled airport or any restricted area. A professional operator will have already checked this and will explain any requirements clearly.
Airspace in northern Minnesota
Northern Minnesota has several controlled airspace zones worth knowing about. Bemidji Regional Airport (BJI) creates a Class D airspace zone roughly three miles around the airport. Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport (BRD) has Class D airspace. Duluth International (DLH) has Class C airspace, the most active in our service area. Grand Rapids and International Falls each have smaller airports with Class E airspace.
LAANC — the Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability — is the FAA's automated system for obtaining real-time airspace authorization near controlled airports. For most shoots within controlled airspace that are below the authorization ceiling, LAANC authorization can be obtained within seconds. We handle all airspace coordination as part of every project.
The majority of properties in northern Minnesota are outside controlled airspace and require no special authorization. We verify the airspace status of every shoot location before scheduling.