Does your company have a big idea for marketing video, event video or another commercial application for aerial video and drone photography? An establishing shot from above can help viewers grasp the scale and location of your business and help add visual pop to your marketing. Check out our new Aerial Drone Reel (above) to see what we’re talking about!

If you do, maybe you’re wondering what it takes to get a drone in the air for a commercial project? Here are a few considerations:

• Drone pilots must be licensed by the FAA (part 107) if the content is for commercial use in any way. Drone operation that is used to direct compensation or advance any business is considered commercial use. Many YouTubers found this out the hard way last year when the FAA started issuing large fines. The FFA did this even on “personal blog” channels if the content was monetized to collect ad revenue.

• Drones and pilots should be insured. If your drone causes an accident or damages property, it’s safe to assume that you and your company may be sued. Drone accidents totaling more than $500 in damages must also be reported to the FAA.

• Drone pilots must keep the drone in line of sight, unless a second crewmember is being used as a visual observer (spotter) and has direct communication with the pilot.

• Drones may not fly over people who are not directly involved in the operation.

• Maximum drone altitude is 400 feet in most cases, with a few exceptions.

• Drones must avoid other aircraft. This means that you may not be able to fly a drone at all if you are near airports or flight paths. Special airspace authorization can be requested from the FAA, and takes 60-90 days to recieve approval.

Bottom line: If you are thinking of asking a friend that owns a drone recreationally to fly for your commercial use project, consider carefully. It could end badly for everyone involved and open you up to liability as well as punitive action. The solution? Contact a licensed, insured drone operator, such as Max Lux Media.