Commercial drone inspections in the United States are governed by the FAA's Part 107 rules (14 CFR Part 107). Before hiring a drone provider, a property manager should verify that the pilot holds a current FAA remote pilot certificate, the aircraft is registered and Remote ID compliant, the provider checks airspace and obtains authorization where required, flights will stay within Part 107 limits such as altitude and visual line of sight, people on your property will be protected, and the provider carries insurance. This guide summarizes the rules relevant to property owners. It is not legal or aviation advice; the FAA's published rules control.
Who needs Part 107
Flying a drone for business purposes, including roof inspections, property documentation and construction photography, is generally a commercial operation under Part 107. The operator must be a certificated remote pilot. The FAA's remote pilot pages describe how pilots earn the certificate by passing an aeronautical knowledge test and maintain currency through recurrent training.
Key Part 107 operating rules
| Rule area | General requirement |
|---|---|
| Pilot | Remote pilot certificate; current recurrent training |
| Aircraft | Registered with the FAA; marked with registration number |
| Remote ID | Broadcast Remote ID, through built-in capability or a module, for most registered drones |
| Altitude | Generally no higher than 400 feet above ground level, with an allowance near structures |
| Visual line of sight | Pilot or visual observer must see the drone at all times |
| Airspace | Authorization required in controlled airspace |
| Operations over people | Restricted, with specific categories and conditions |
| Night flight | Allowed with required training and anti-collision lighting |
| Weather and visibility | Minimum visibility and cloud clearance requirements |
| Waivers | Some rules can be waived by FAA approval |
Check the current text of 14 CFR Part 107 for exact requirements; rules change over time.
Airspace: why your address matters
Airports are surrounded by controlled airspace. Flying there requires FAA authorization, most commonly obtained through LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability), which can approve flights up to altitude limits set on FAA facility maps. Some locations near runways have very low limits or require additional approval.
In Fargo–Moorhead, Hector International Airport and Moorhead Municipal Airport both affect nearby properties. A competent provider checks your address before scheduling and tells you about any limits. See drone inspection in Fargo.
People on your property
Part 107 restricts flying over people who are not part of the operation, with categories that depend on the drone and conditions. For property managers, that means planning: flights scheduled when fewer people are present, routes that avoid entrances and sidewalks, and sometimes temporary control of areas. Discuss this before the flight, especially for facade inspections near entrances.
Privacy and neighbors
Inspections focus on your property, but drones can capture neighboring property incidentally. Ask your provider how it limits that and how imagery is stored and shared. State laws on privacy and trespass may also apply.
What to verify before hiring
- Remote pilot certificate: ask for the certificate number and confirm recurrent training is current
- Registration and Remote ID: aircraft registered and compliant
- Airspace plan: has the provider checked your address and obtained authorization if needed?
- Insurance: liability coverage for drone operations; ask for a certificate
- Safety plan: how will people, vehicles and property be protected?
- Deliverables: what imagery, format and timing you will receive
- Scope honesty: does the provider describe its work as documentation, leaving diagnosis to roofers and engineers?
Red flags
- No certificate or reluctance to share it
- "We don't need permission near the airport"
- Plans to fly over crowds or busy sidewalks
- No insurance certificate
- Promises to "certify" roof condition from photos
Northmark
Northmark's aerial missions are flown by a remote pilot holding an FAA Part 107 remote pilot certificate, with airspace checks for every address and authorization obtained where required. See aerial inspection and documentation, drone roof inspection and construction progress documentation. For when to use drones versus roofers, see drone vs manual roof inspection.
Frequently asked questions
Does a drone roof inspection require a licensed pilot?
Commercial drone operations require an FAA remote pilot certificate under Part 107.
Can drones fly near airports?
In controlled airspace, flights require FAA authorization, commonly through LAANC, and may be limited in altitude.
Can a drone fly over people at my property?
Part 107 restricts operations over people. Providers plan flights to avoid people or meet specific conditions.
What insurance should a drone provider have?
Liability coverage for drone operations. Ask for a certificate of insurance.
Sources
Published · Northmark Facility Services.