Do I need my commercial license to do free work? I’m a carpenter and do free bids on projects, not inspections, but bids. If I use a drone to assist with the job, like taking images of a roof to create an estimate for myself but without the homeowner benefiting from my flying, is that still recreational flying? I’m not looking to find a loophole to save money, I just want to be clear on the laws, as I’ve never needed this before.
Using a drone for a commercial task, even if the photos/videos aren’t used, still falls under Part 107. If you’re using the drone to assist in your work, you’ll need it.
Rory said:
Using a drone for a commercial task, even if the photos/videos aren’t used, still falls under Part 107. If you’re using the drone to assist in your work, you’ll need it.
That’s what I thought but wasn’t sure. Thanks a lot.
Whenever you’re using it for business purposes, a 107 is required.
Tan said:
Whenever you’re using it for business purposes, a 107 is required.
That makes sense, thank you.
Unless you’re flying just for fun, you’ll need Part 107.
@Tan
You don’t need to be using it for commercial reasons for Part 107. For example, if my church group asks me to take pictures during mass, I’d still need Part 107 even if it’s not for business. It’s about performing a task requested by someone else that you wouldn’t have done otherwise.
@Fife
But does it change if you asked them to gather for the picture? And what if you give the pictures away?
Corey said:
@Fife
But does it change if you asked them to gather for the picture? And what if you give the pictures away?
It all depends on your intent when you take off. If you’re flying for fun and happen to see a train wreck, you can sell the pictures you take. However, if you set out specifically to get pictures to sell, that would be a violation. Same goes for photos of your neighbor’s house, as long as you weren’t intending to sell them when you took them, you’re fine. The FAA is pretty lenient with first-time offenders, but they will step in if they notice a pattern of selling photos that were taken under the guise of ‘just being in the right place at the right time.’
@Han
That makes sense, and I like how you explained it. Thanks .
@Fife
The default is to assume you need Part 107. The rules have exceptions listed, but you’ll have to follow them if you don’t meet the criteria. The person in question isn’t an air carrier, so it’s likely they need it.
If it’s not recreational, you need Part 107.
Flying purely for fun doesn’t require Part 107, but anything else does.
What everyone said. I’d also recommend getting Part 107 even if you’re flying for fun. It’s good to know the safety rules.
QuizHub1 said:
What everyone said. I’d also recommend getting Part 107 even if you’re flying for fun. It’s good to know the safety rules.
That’s the plan. I’ve been researching where and when I can fly, though some things are still unclear, like if I can fly over houses and roads.
@Corey
You can fly over houses, but over roads is trickier. You can’t fly over people unless it’s in sparsely populated areas. I once flew for a thermal work with lifeguards, and though I flew over the beach street briefly, I was flying in an empty area and had proper waivers for public safety.
@Corey
There’s a difference between ‘flying over’ and ‘transitioning.’ I can’t fly over an interstate, but if I’m crossing it to get from point A to point B, that’s fine.
It’s not a ‘commercial’ license, it’s a non-recreational one. If you’re using the drone for work, then it’s non-recreational. There are many tasks that don’t involve commerce but are still not recreational, and the work you’re describing clearly falls under that category.
The other comments are correct. For example, I’m a realtor, and if I use my drone for listing photos, I still need Part 107. I’m currently studying for it, and I found a great sale through Pilot Institute.
@Jem
Thanks for the tip! I’ll check them out.