5 Things to Look for When Hiring a Drone Service Provider

Choosing the Right Drone Service Provider

The drone industry has exploded in recent years, and with it comes a wide range of operators - from hobbyists with cameras to professional commercial services. Choosing the right provider can mean the difference between stunning results and costly disappointment.

1. FAA Part 107 Certification

This is non-negotiable. Any commercial drone operation in the United States must be conducted by an FAA Part 107 certified pilot. This certification requires:

• Passing a comprehensive aeronautical knowledge test
• Background check by the TSA
• Renewal every 24 months
• Understanding of airspace, weather, and emergency procedures

Always ask to see your pilot's certification. At CAAP Solutions, we're happy to provide credentials upon request.

2. Adequate Insurance Coverage

Professional drone operators carry two types of insurance:

• Liability Insurance: Minimum $1 million coverage for third-party property damage or injury
• Hull Coverage: Protects the equipment itself

Request a Certificate of Insurance (COI) before any work begins. This protects both you and the operator in case of incidents.

3. Relevant Experience

Drone work varies significantly by application. Ask potential providers about their specific experience in your area of need:

• Real estate photography requires composition skills and property marketing knowledge
• Construction monitoring needs understanding of project workflows and documentation requirements
• Inspections demand technical knowledge of building systems and reporting standards
• Mapping/surveying requires expertise in photogrammetry and GIS

4. Professional Equipment

Consumer drones have their place, but professional work demands professional equipment. Look for:

• Camera quality: Minimum 20MP sensor, 4K video capability
• Gimbal stabilization: Essential for smooth, professional footage
• Redundant systems: Dual batteries, multiple sensors for safety
• Specialized sensors: Thermal cameras for inspections, RTK GPS for surveying

5. Clear Deliverables and Timeline

Before hiring, understand exactly what you'll receive:

• Number and format of images/videos
• Post-processing and editing included
• Delivery timeline
• Revision policy
• Usage rights

Red Flags to Avoid

• Can't produce FAA certification or insurance
• Unusually low pricing (you get what you pay for)
• No portfolio or references
• Vague about deliverables or timeline
• Unwilling to sign a contract

"We've worked with multiple drone providers over the years. The difference between certified professionals and amateurs is night and day - in quality, reliability, and peace of mind." - Commercial Property Manager, Seattle

Questions to Ask Before Hiring

1. Are you FAA Part 107 certified?
2. What liability coverage do you carry?
3. Can I see examples of similar work you've done?
4. What equipment will you use for my project?
5. What's included in your quote?
6. What's your turnaround time?
7. Do you handle airspace authorizations if needed?

At CAAP Solutions, we're always happy to answer these questions and provide documentation. Contact us to discuss your project requirements.