How to hire a drone pilot

Check the FAA certificate

In the United States, anyone flying a drone for paid work needs an FAA Part 107 remote pilot certificate. Ask for the certificate number and confirm the pilot is current. The drone itself must also be registered with the FAA.

This applies even when the aerials are a small part of the shoot. If someone offers to fly “as a hobbyist” on a paid job, that is not the same thing.

Ask about the location and airspace

Send the exact address early. Many areas near airports are controlled airspace, where the pilot needs FAA authorization before flying; in many places this can be requested quickly through the FAA’s LAANC system, but some locations take longer or are not allowed at all.

Also mention crowds, roads, stadiums, parks and government buildings nearby. Flying over people and moving vehicles has extra rules, and some cities and parks restrict take-off and landing. A pilot who asks these questions up front is a good sign.

Confirm insurance

Ask whether the pilot carries drone liability insurance, and how much. Many venues, property managers and brands require a certificate of insurance naming them before the shoot day, so build in time to get it.

Write a clear brief

• The shots you need (for example: rising reveal of the building, top-down of the venue, follow shot of a car).
• Photo, video or both; resolution and frame rate; vertical clips for social.
• The time of day and a weather backup day. Wind and rain ground drones, so agree what happens if conditions are unsafe.
• Who on set the pilot coordinates with, and whether a visual observer is needed.

Agree the deliverables

Say whether you want raw footage, edited clips or retouched stills, how they will be delivered and by when. On Crews Now you can include delivery in the booking, so that part of the pay is released when you approve the files.

Find a pilot

Browse drone pilots on Crews Now, check their reels and reviews, and send a booking request for your date. Payment is held until the work is done.