A: The word “drone” is commonly used to describe what is known as an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), or Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) weighing less than 55 lbs. (The name is also used to describe unmanned military aircraft.) Nearly all consumer drones are capable of carrying a camera (aka a payload) which captures images and/or video. The majority of models offer the ability to live stream the media from the camera to the operator on the ground in real time. Years ago this service needed to be done by helicopters or small manned airplanes and came with a much higher cost. Drones run on batteries and therefore use fewer resources and are much better for the environment.

A: The FAA considers anything tied to income as commercial operation. This includes a realtor using drone footage for a listing or a home inspector using footage to inspect a roof. Even if the roofer or the realtor are not directly getting paid for the flight, the ultimate purpose is to earn income by winning new roofing clients or the sale of a real estate listing. Basically if you are flying for ANY purpose other than hobby or recreation, it is commercial use and you need a license and are expected to comply with commercial regulations and airspace policies.

A: On August 29, 2016, new FAA regulations (part 107) went into effect. Under this law, drone operators in the US who wish to operate drones for commercial reasons are required to have proper licensing. Any drone operator working with Doon Bug Aerial will be licensed and hold a current FAA Part 107 UAS Airman Certificate.

A: The FAA requires that small UAS can fly no higher than 400 feet AGL (Above Ground Level) without a Certificate of Waiver from the FAA. Most of the time flying above 200 feet to capture the subject is not necessary so this is usually not an issue. Why? This rule is in effect to protect manned aircraft, who have a general “floor” of 500 feet in most locations. *Please note this manned aircraft rule does not apply near airports.* Manned aircraft may be flying at much lower altitudes when coming in for a landing. And helicopters may fly at any altitude depending on the circumstances (Rescue choppers may land almost anywhere) so the key to safety is to remain vigilant, listen for manned aircraft, and follow the rules.

A: It depends on the airport. Some require approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and/or the local Air Traffic Control tower (ATC) and some do not. If your project is in close proximity to an airport of any size (within 5 miles), you should reach out to us with your project address well in advance of your needed shoot.

A: Depending on the aircraft we use, the wind speed, air temperature, aircraft load, and other conditions will factor in to flight times. A typical flight duration would be approximately 20-25mins before needed to swap batteries. Multiple batteries are brought to each shoot and batteries can be recharged on site if needed.

A: Night flying presents a number of dangers. If a shoot requires a nighttime flight, careful considerations, research and planning will need to take place which will typically require higher costs due to risk involved. Civil twilight is considered a safer option (30min before sunrise and 30min after sunset).

No. Drones are not waterproof. Furthermore, the sUAS pilot in charge of your shoot will have final say in regards to flying if inclement weather of any kind is forecast. This may include high winds. This is for the safety of people and property on the ground as well as the safety of our equipment.