With the de-regulation of the drone industry in 2016, there are now many UNLICENSED drone operators providing services to the real estate industry. 

That poses a hazard to your business………Why? 

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority in Australia is the governing body to ensure aviation safety and is responsible for issuing and certifying licenses for commercial drone pilots for unmanned aircrafts. 

This license is called a Remote Pilot Certificate and ensures the pilots understand the rules of use. Along with basic safe flying practices, drone pilots must understand the flight height requirements and where they can and cannot fly.

For example, licensed operators have to complete a risk assessment for each job thus ensuring the safety of property, people and the airspace around the operation. Licensed operators have a greater understanding of the different levels of airspace, (Class A to G Including restricted and prohibited airspace) prior to each flight a licensed operator must conduct a safety briefing for all personnel involved in the operation and conduct a preflight check list to ensure the UAV is airworthy for that mission. 

Damage Liability 

Like any professional trade or profession e.g. electricians, plumber and doctors, they are qualified and certified by the relevant standards authority and are required to have Public Liability Insurance.  The same applies to a licensed Drone company, a licensed Drone company will have both aviation insurance and have public liability insurance.  

An unlicensed drone operator may not qualify for public liability cover, if they say they have insurance then ask to see a copy of their public liability insurance .

Unfortunately, if that drone operator has an issue when conducting the flight over your customers property and heaven forbid it crashes into a house or road or a person resulting in injury or property damage, the Real Estate Company MAY also be liable for damages caused by the unlicensed operator.

The Federal Aviation authority (FAA) in America confirmed in writing this week (**reference link below) of the fines that can be applied. For a pilot who is unlicensed, the fine is $1,100 per occurrence/flight where imagery is used commercially. More importantly perhaps, the fine for the real estate agent who hires an unlicensed pilot is $11,000. Of course, if you’re an agent who bought a drone and took the photos or video yourself, you will be liable for both fines.”

**http://www.realestateimagingservice.com/ris/realtors-liable-11000-faa-fines-hiring-unlicensed-drone-operators/

Would you risk driving a car without third party insurance?? The same principle applies when hiring a drone operator. 

Is the risk worth it ?   

Related Tag: Commercial Drone Photography