What Is Part 107, and Why Your Drone Photographer Needs It

What is Part 107?

Part 107 is the section of federal aviation regulations that covers small drones flown for work. The FAA summarizes it on its page for certificated remote pilots and commercial operators. It applies to drones under 55 pounds, which covers everything used for real estate.

The key idea is purpose. If a flight is for business, it falls under Part 107. Listing photos are business, whether or not the pilot was paid for that flight. The exception for recreational flyers covers flying purely for fun, and marketing a property isn't that.

What does Part 107 require of a pilot?

This is a summary. The full rule has more detail, and the FAA can grant waivers for some limits.

The airspace item is the one that affects San Diego listings most. Much of the coast and the areas around San Diego International, Montgomery-Gibbs, McClellan-Palomar, and Gillespie airports are controlled. A certified pilot can request authorization through the FAA's LAANC system, often within minutes. Only a Part 107 pilot can do that for a commercial flight. See the San Diego drone airspace guide.

Why does this matter to a listing agent?

You aren't the pilot, and the FAA holds the pilot responsible for the flight. It still matters to you in four ways.

• Your listing uses the footage. If the flight was illegal, the marketing for your client’s home is built on it.
• Enforcement is real. The FAA has pursued civil penalties for unauthorized commercial drone operations.
• Insurance may not respond. A policy can exclude an unlicensed or unauthorized flight. If the drone hits a car, a roof, or a person, that is a bad time to find out.
• Your broker and your seller will ask. "I didn’t check" is not an answer you want to give.

This is general information, not legal advice. Ask your broker how your brokerage’s policies and insurance treat drone vendors.

What insurance should a drone photographer carry?

The FAA doesn't require drone insurance. That is exactly why you should ask. Two things to look for:

• Liability coverage that includes aviation or drone operations. A general business policy often excludes aircraft.
• A certificate of insurance on request. Some brokerages, HOAs, and commercial property managers require one before a flight.

Ask the question directly: "Does your liability policy cover drone flights, and can you send a certificate?" A professional has the document ready.

How do I verify a pilot?

1. Ask to see their Remote Pilot Certificate. It is a card issued by the FAA with a certificate number
2. Look them up in the FAA Airmen Inquiry database, which is public
3. Ask whether their recurrent training is current
4. Ask whether the drone is registered and broadcasts Remote ID
5. Ask how they will check the airspace for your address
6. Ask for a certificate of insurance

It takes five minutes, once. After that you know who is flying your listings.

What do agents commonly get wrong?

"It’s just a quick shot from my own drone."

If it is for a listing, it is commercial, and you need the certificate. See whether you need a licensed drone pilot.

"The seller gave permission, so it’s fine."

The owner's permission lets you take off from their land. It doesn't replace FAA rules or airspace authorization.

"Small drones don’t count."

Very light drones are exempt from registration when flown purely for recreation. Flown for business, they fall under Part 107 like any other.

"We’ll stay low, so the airport doesn’t matter."

Controlled airspace starts at the ground. Staying low doesn't remove the need for authorization.

"Certification means they can fly anywhere."

It means they know where they can't. Some San Diego addresses can't be flown at all. See what to do when a listing is in restricted airspace.

How does Turnkey Media handle it?

Every aerial flight we do is flown by an FAA Part 107 certified pilot. We check the airspace for the address when you book, request authorization where it is needed and available, and tell you before the shoot if a property can't be flown. We carry liability insurance that covers drone operations and can send a certificate.

Drone photos are included in all three of our packages where the airspace allows. Prices are on the pricing page, and aerial examples are in the portfolio.

Frequently asked questions

What is a Part 107 license?

It is the FAA Remote Pilot Certificate required to fly a drone for business in the United States. The pilot passes an aeronautical knowledge test and completes recurrent training every 24 months.

Does a real estate drone photographer need Part 107?

Yes. Flying a drone to market a property is commercial use, which requires a Part 107 certificate regardless of the drone’s size.

Is drone insurance required by the FAA?

No. The FAA does not require it, which is why agents should ask for proof of liability coverage that includes drone operations.

How can I check if a drone pilot is certified?

Ask to see the Remote Pilot Certificate and look the pilot up in the FAA’s public Airmen Inquiry database.

Who is liable if an unlicensed pilot flies my listing?

The pilot is responsible to the FAA for the flight, but the agent and seller who used an illegal flight can face consequences too, and insurance may not cover an accident. Ask your broker about your own exposure.