What are the legal requirements for hiring a drone videographer in the U.S?
Hiring a drone videographer can elevate your marketing, document a project more clearly, or give stakeholders a better visual understanding of your work. But unlike hiring a photographer or video crew, drone work comes with federal aviation regulations.
The good news is that the rules are not complicated once you understand the basics. If you know what to look for before hiring a drone videographer, you can avoid legal issues and feel confident the project will run smoothly.
This guide explains the legal requirements in plain language so you can make an informed decision.
The Key Rule: Commercial Drone Work Is Regulated by the FAA
In the United States, drones are regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The most important thing to understand is this:
If a drone is being used for business purposes, it is considered a commercial flight — even if the project seems small or simple.
That includes:
- Marketing videos
- Construction site progress footage
- Real estate photography
- Corporate video shoots
- Inspections or surveys
- Event coverage for a company or organization
All commercial drone work falls under a set of rules called Part 107. These rules apply nationwide, no matter what state the project takes place in.
So when you hire a drone videographer, the responsibility for flying legally doesn’t just fall on them — it also affects your project timeline and planning.
Requirement #1: The Pilot Must Have a Part 107 License
The most important legal requirement is that the person flying the drone must have a Remote Pilot Certificate (commonly called a Part 107 license).
This certification shows the pilot has passed an FAA knowledge test covering:
- Airspace rules
- Safety procedures
- Weather awareness
- How to avoid other aircraft
- Emergency procedures
In simple terms, the license proves the person isn’t just a hobbyist flying a drone — they are legally qualified to operate it for business purposes.
If someone offers drone video services but does not have this certification, the flight itself is not legal for commercial use.
Requirement #2: The Drone Must Be Registered
In most cases, the drone itself must also be registered with the FAA. This applies to drones used for commercial work, especially those above the minimum weight threshold.
Registration means:
- The drone is logged in the FAA system
- It has an official identification number
- That number must be displayed on the drone
This step helps the FAA track aircraft and maintain safety in shared airspace.
As a business owner, you don’t need to register the drone yourself — but the videographer you hire should already have this in place.
Requirement #3: The Pilot Must Follow Airspace Rules
Even a licensed drone pilot cannot simply fly anywhere. The FAA controls U.S. airspace, and certain areas require approval before a drone can operate.
Common restrictions include:
- Flying near airports
- Flying over people
- Flying above certain heights
- Flying in restricted or controlled airspace
- Flying at night (unless the pilot meets updated requirements)
A professional drone videographer should check the airspace before your project begins. If approval is required, they typically request it through the FAA system in advance.
This is one of the main reasons why hiring a licensed operator matters — they know how to handle these steps properly.
Requirement #4: Safety Rules Must Be Followed During the Flight
In addition to licensing and registration, there are also operating rules the pilot must follow while filming. These rules exist to protect people, property, and other aircraft.
For example, a legal drone operator must:
- Keep the drone within visual sight
- Avoid flying over people who are not part of the production
- Stay within the maximum altitude limits
- Avoid reckless or unsafe flying
If a project requires something outside these limits — such as flying over a crowd — the pilot may need special approval ahead of time.
From a business perspective, this mostly affects planning. A professional drone videographer will talk through what is allowed and what needs approval before the shoot day.
Requirement #5: Local and State Rules May Also Apply
The FAA controls the airspace, but state and local governments can still create rules related to privacy, property access, and where drones can take off or land.
For example:
- Some locations restrict takeoff in public parks
- Certain projects require property owner permission
- Privacy concerns may limit where a drone can film
A reliable drone videographer should already be familiar with these local restrictions and plan the project accordingly.
What a “Typical Project” Includes from a Legal Standpoint
To make this practical, here’s what usually happens behind the scenes when you hire a licensed drone videographer:
Before the project
- The pilot confirms their Part 107 certification
- The drone is already registered
- The pilot checks the airspace at your location
- Any required approvals are requested in advance
During the project
- The pilot follows FAA safety rules
- The flight stays within approved limits
- The drone is operated safely around people and property
After the project
- The footage is delivered just like any other video project
- You don’t have to deal with any legal paperwork yourself
In other words, when the right person is hired, most of the legal responsibility is handled quietly in the background.
Practical Takeaway: What You Should Check Before Hiring
You don’t need to become an expert in drone law to hire the right person. Instead, focus on a few simple things:
- Confirm the pilot has a Part 107 license
- Make sure they understand airspace approvals
- Ask if they’ve filmed similar projects before
- Choose someone who explains the process clearly
If those pieces are in place, your drone video project will usually be straightforward, safe, and fully legal.
The goal isn’t to make the process complicated — it’s to make sure your project is handled professionally from the start.
