Do You Need a Pilot License to Sell Drone Footage?

In the United States, you generally do not need a pilot license to sell drone footage. However, to operate drones for commercial purposes, including selling footage, you must comply with specific regulations set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This article will guide you through the necessary steps and regulations you need to observe.

Part 107 Certification

One of the key requirements is obtaining a Remote Pilot Certificate under FAA's Part 107 regulations. If you plan to use your drone for any commercial purposes, such as selling footage, you must pass a comprehensive knowledge test to obtain this certificate. This ensures that you have the necessary skills and understanding of drone operation in a commercial context.

Drone Registration

Another important step is registering your drone. The FAA requires that any drone weighing more than 0.55 pounds (250 grams) be registered with the agency. This not only ensures proper documentation but also helps in tracking your drone in case of any issues or accidents.

Operational Guidelines

When flying drones commercially, you must adhere to strict operational guidelines set by the FAA. These include:

Flying below 400 feet Maintaining a line-of-sight with the drone at all times Not flying over people without a specific waiver

These guidelines are designed to ensure the safety of both the operators and the public, and failure to comply can result in legal and financial consequences.

State and Local Laws

It's important to also check for any state or local regulations that may affect drone usage and videography. Different regions may have additional rules and requirements that need to be followed to avoid legal complications.

Additional Considerations

Here are a few more considerations to keep in mind:

If you acquired the drone footage from someone else and are selling it, you typically do not need a pilot license. However, it's always best to check with the FAA first to ensure there are no special requirements or exceptions. Commercial remote pilot certificates are required if you are getting any kind of compensation, even if it's as simple as posting monetized content on YouTube or getting exposure through freelance work. Possibly every pilot will face situations where they need to show their certificate to law enforcement, or when someone online questions their certification.

One experiential case highlighted the importance of holding a certificate. A posting on a drone forum of an obviously illegal flight quickly led to the FAA's involvement. This underscores the necessity of having the proper certification to avoid potential issues.

Additional Requirements

Beyond the pilot license and registration, there are other important considerations for drone operators:

Insurance: Obtaining insurance is crucial. It can be purchased on an hourly or yearly basis to protect against potential accidents or damages. Access to resources: Visit FAADroneZone for more information on registering recreational drones and obtaining commercial certificates.