What Producers Should Know When Hiring Drone Pilots
Posted on: Jul 11, 2024
Drone cinematography can add to the beauty of any video or film. However, the rules surrounding drone pilots can be unknown or confusing to producers, especially if they are new to drone work. With the devices being so accessible, there are many so-called owner/operators out there. That doesn’t mean they’re all a good choice.
Jay Rivera is a New York-based drone pilot who owns AiReelz, a company that provides drone services across the country. He builds and flies custom drones and says that producers who try to save money on amateur pilots often end up paying severely in added costs for repairs or penalties. Many producers and directors are unaware of the full amount of responsibility and liability that falls on them when employing drones.
Here are five things Jay feels producers should do when hiring pilots.
Hire Well the First Time
While it may be tempting to hire cheaply, it often hurts production costs in the long run. Jay has experienced many requests to come in and take over after an amateur has caused damage or injuries. In one instance, a drone fell from the sky, smashing a rare Ferrari windshield, which then had to be rush replaced from Italy. The production had to pay for the original drone operator, the damage, the replacement, and the new more expensive professional drone operator.
Any damage or injury over $500 has to be reported to the FAA. Also, insurance companies may try to determine who was negligent (the producer/production or pilot) and determine what they will cover. References can be more handy than just a footage reel, because it allows producers to gather feedback on how well and safely they operate.
Vette Your Pilots
A lot of owner / operators who don’t know the rules, regulations or safety requirements. They may or may not have certification but operate undercharge and operate illegally. This can fall back on the production for liability.
Some producers may know to ask for a license, but few actually verify the credentials. A trustworthy and professional pilot should be able to:
- Produce a photo of their license.
- Have references they can call on.
- Provide a sample insurance certificate and copies of certifications.
- Prove they have taken the recurring exam that is required every two years.
Jay goes a step further in providing his standards of operation so they know they’re working with someone proficient who understands the responsibility and liability he carries. When it comes to insurance, they should know the difference between aviation and general liability insurance and be able to show which they have.
Check Drone Credentials
All drone pilots must be registered with the FAA and have the registration number clearly visible on them. Any drones that will be flown over people must be certified for operations over people. Drones over 55 pounds will need an inspection. For operations over people, drone propellers should be enclosed within guards, and meet the FAA maximum weight restriction of 339 grams (including any add-ons like cameras or batteries) should be met.
Drone ID
A drone must be equipped with a remote ID that broadcasts the drone’s location. The antenna use GPS and bluetooth and broadcast to an app. Anyone with the app can see the location, so this does cause some upset for people who prefer to fly secretly. Producers should ensure production drones are equipped with these capabilities and be aware that the drone’s location will be broadcast. Every drone must have a serial number printed on it.
Research Local Regulations
While the FAA dictates the standard rules and regulations for drone operations and pilots, every locale has their own set of rules and regulations pertaining to drone operations in their region. In New York City, the police department handles permits. In Long Beach, Jay had to go through the Long Beach Fire Department. Make sure you research the correct procedures for the locale where you are shooting.
These are the main considerations when hiring a drone pilot, and a professional should be comfortable telling a producer or director no when being pushed to work outside regulations. Hearing “no” should be a great relief in knowing you’ve got a professional who is protecting themselves, you and the production.
Jessica Mathis (AKA Divinity Rose) is an award-winning screenwriter/performer/producer from Louisville, Kentucky. She is the CEO of She Dreams Content Development and Production, which focuses on female forward projects in comedy, docustyle and genre entertainment.
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