FAA Part 107: What Clients Hiring a Drone Company Need to Know

When you hire a drone company, you don't need to pass an FAA exam — but you do need to understand enough to protect yourself legally and ensure the work is done properly. The FAA's Part 107 rule governs all commercial drone operations in the U.S., and what it requires of the operator has direct implications for you as the client.

What Part 107 Actually Requires

Any drone pilot flying commercially — meaning for hire or in furtherance of a business — must hold an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate under Part 107. Getting that certificate requires passing a 60-question aeronautical knowledge test at an FAA testing center. It is not the same as a hobbyist registration.

Under Part 107, certified pilots must also:

• Keep the drone within visual line of sight at all times (unless they hold a specific waiver)
• Fly below 400 feet AGL in uncontrolled airspace
• Yield right-of-way to all manned aircraft
• Not fly over moving vehicles or people without a waiver
• Obtain authorization before flying in controlled airspace (Class B, C, D, or E at surface)

The One Question to Always Ask

Before you sign a contract with any drone service provider, ask: "Can I see your Part 107 certificate number?" A legitimate operator will have it memorized. You can also verify it on the FAA Airmen Inquiry database at amsrvs.registry.faa.gov.

Flying commercially without a Part 107 certificate is illegal. If an uncertified operator crashes on your property, causes damage, or violates airspace restrictions, you could face liability exposure as the party who contracted the work.

Controlled Airspace: When It Affects Your Project

If your property or job site is within a few miles of an airport, the operator may need airspace authorization through the FAA's LAANC system (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) before flying. This is an automated process for most locations and typically takes minutes — but it has to happen before flight, not after.

Sioux City, Iowa is served by Sioux Gateway Airport (SUX), a joint civil-military airport with Class D airspace. Flights within the Class D ring (typically 5 miles) require LAANC authorization. Dragonfly handles all airspace coordination as part of our standard pre-flight process.

What Happens If Something Goes Wrong

Part 107 requires pilots to report any accident that results in serious injury or property damage over $500 to the FAA within 10 days. Beyond that, liability falls to the pilot's insurance. This is why insurance verification matters — a $1M liability policy from a reputable provider covers damage to your property, third-party injury, and related claims.

Ask to see a Certificate of Insurance (COI) naming your company as additionally insured if you're managing a large commercial project. This is a standard request and any professional operator will accommodate it.

Summary Checklist Before Hiring

• Verify FAA Part 107 certificate (name and certificate number)
• Request proof of liability insurance ($1M minimum)
• Confirm airspace authorization process for your site location
• Get a written scope of work specifying deliverables and file formats
• Ensure the operator carries a signed contract — a verbal agreement offers no protection

Questions about any of this? Contact us — we're happy to walk through our credentials and explain exactly how we handle compliance for your project.