The Importance of Hiring a Certified and Licensed UAS/Drone Pilot to Protect Your Business

In the rapidly growing world of UAS/Drone technology, hiring a drone pilot with the proper certifications and licenses is crucial to safeguarding your organization. Here’s why:

1. Regulatory Compliance
   Operating drones is subject to strict regulations set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and, in some cases, state and local laws. A certified drone pilot will have a valid Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, ensuring they are knowledgeable about airspace classifications, weather conditions, drone operations, and safety procedures. Employing someone without these certifications could result in significant fines, legal issues, or even a suspension of your operations.

2. Liability and Legal Protection
   Hiring a properly licensed drone pilot mitigates the risk of liability. Unqualified pilots may lack the knowledge needed to follow safety regulations, increasing the risk of accidents or property damage. In such cases, your organization could be held liable for damages. Certified pilots, on the other hand, are trained to operate safely and are more likely to be covered under insurance policies designed for commercial drone operations. This ensures that your business is protected from financial and legal repercussions.

3. Insurance Coverage
   Most commercial insurance policies for drone operations require that the pilot be certified and operate within the bounds of the law. If an uncertified or improperly trained pilot causes an incident, your insurance may refuse to cover the damages, leaving your business financially exposed. Hiring a licensed pilot assures insurance compliance and provides peace of mind in case of unforeseen events.

4. Operational Safety
   Drone pilots with the correct certifications are trained to perform pre-flight checks, assess weather conditions, and understand how to respond to emergencies, all of which are crucial for safe and efficient operations. By employing a certified pilot, you minimize the risk of accidents and ensure that operations are carried out with the highest safety standards, protecting both your employees and the public.

5. Quality and Accuracy of Work
   Licensed drone pilots are also trained in data collection, mapping, and aerial photography. Their expertise ensures high-quality data and imagery, essential for applications like crop health analysis, construction monitoring, and natural resource management. An uncertified pilot may lack this technical expertise, leading to subpar results and potential setbacks in your projects.

6. Public and Client Trust
   Using a certified and licensed drone pilot enhances your company’s credibility. Clients and the public are more likely to trust and engage with a business that prioritizes safety and regulatory compliance. Demonstrating your commitment to hiring qualified professionals builds a positive reputation and reassures stakeholders that you take drone operations seriously.

7. Be cautious of hiring pilots that operate under Certificate of Authorization (COA). Some Local Government Units (LGU's) (i.e. Cities, Watershed Districts, Local Fire/Police Departments, etc.) elect to allow their pilots to operate without the necessary licenses that private businesses are subject to from the FAA. This means may not have any licenses or certifications to operate for that LGU. Ensure you check to see what certifications the prospective pilots carry. 

Investing in a certified and licensed drone pilot is not just a matter of following the law; it’s a critical step in protecting your organization from liability, ensuring high-quality operations, and building trust with clients and the community. The expertise and legal protections offered by a certified pilot make this investment essential for the sustainable and safe use of drone technology.