Why You Should Always Hire an FAA-Licensed Drone Operator

In today's rapidly expanding drone industry, it might seem easy to hire any drone operator for your commercial projects. However, choosing an unlicensed operator can expose your business to serious legal, financial, and operational risks. Understanding why FAA Part 107 certification matters isn't just about compliance , it's about protecting your investment and ensuring professional results.

What is FAA Part 107 Certification?

The FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate is the federal license required for all commercial drone operations in the United States. This certification proves that a drone operator has the knowledge and training necessary to safely operate unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for business purposes. Requirements include a comprehensive knowledge exam, TSA background check, mandatory recurrent training every 24 months, and strict adherence to operational safety rules.

The Legal Risks Are Real

Federal Violations and Penalties

Operating drones commercially without proper certification is a federal offense. Penalties include:

• Civil fines up to $1,375 per violation for individuals
• Civil fines up to $27,500 per violation for businesses
• Criminal penalties including potential jail time for serious violations
• Equipment seizure by federal authorities
• Cease and desist orders halting your operations

Your Business Can Be Held Liable Too

When you hire an unlicensed operator, your company may share liability for their violations , including joint federal penalties, property damage claims, privacy lawsuits, and reputational damage from association with illegal operations.

Insurance Won't Save You

Most commercial insurance policies contain strict clauses about licensed operations. If an incident occurs with an unlicensed drone operator on your property or project, you may face denied claims, policy cancellation, and full personal liability exposure. Licensed operators carry aviation-specific professional liability insurance that protects you , unlicensed ones do not.

Safety and Quality Differences

Part 107 certification means an operator understands airspace regulations and restricted zones, weather assessment and flight planning, emergency procedures, equipment maintenance, and privacy and property rights. These aren't technicalities , they're what separate a professional operation from a dangerous one.

Red Flags to Watch For

• Unwillingness to provide a certificate number or expiration date
• Pricing significantly below market rate
• No proof of insurance coverage
• No flight planning process or pre-flight safety briefing
• Consumer-grade equipment on commercial jobs

How to Verify Before You Hire

Always ask for the pilot's FAA Part 107 certificate number and expiration date. Verify it through the FAA's online lookup tool. Confirm they carry commercial liability insurance and ask for references from similar projects. A legitimate professional will provide all of this without hesitation.

What the Part 107 Knowledge Test Actually Covers

Passing the FAA Part 107 knowledge exam is no small feat. The test covers a broad range of topics that directly affect the safety and legality of commercial drone operations. Pilots must demonstrate proficiency in airspace classification and restrictions — including controlled airspace around San Angelo Regional Airport (SJT) and the temporary flight restrictions that regularly affect West Texas due to military training routes from Goodfellow AFB and nearby ranges. The exam also covers weather interpretation, aircraft loading and performance, emergency procedures, and radio communication protocols.

Beyond the initial exam, Part 107 pilots must complete FAA Wings recurrent training or pass a recurrent knowledge test every 24 calendar months to keep their certificate current. This ongoing requirement ensures that certified pilots stay up to date with regulatory changes — which have been frequent as the drone industry matures and new airspace rules take effect.

The Insurance Gap Nobody Talks About

Even among clients who understand the legal risks, the insurance implications are frequently underestimated. General commercial liability policies — the kind most businesses carry — typically exclude aviation activities entirely. When an unlicensed drone operator causes property damage, personal injury, or a privacy violation on your job site, your GL policy may deny the claim outright, leaving you fully exposed.

Licensed commercial drone operators carry aviation-specific liability insurance that covers precisely these scenarios. Before hiring any drone service, ask to see their certificate of insurance and verify that it specifies commercial aviation operations — not a general business policy with a vague drone rider. A legitimate operator provides this documentation without hesitation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Part 107 pilot for every commercial drone job?

Yes. Any drone operation conducted in exchange for compensation — including photography, mapping, inspection, or monitoring — is considered commercial use under FAA regulations and requires a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. There are no exceptions for small drones, brief flights, or low altitudes.

Can I verify a pilot's Part 107 certification myself?

You can ask the pilot to show their physical certificate, which includes their certificate number and expiration date. The FAA also maintains an airmen inquiry tool where you can verify certification status by name. A legitimate professional will have no objection to you verifying their credentials before work begins.

What's the difference between recreational and commercial drone use?

Recreational use is strictly for personal enjoyment with no compensation involved. Commercial use includes any operation where the operator — or anyone else — receives payment, or where the footage is used for a business purpose. Using drone footage in a property listing or marketing video makes the flight commercial, regardless of whether you paid the pilot directly.

Are there additional permits needed for drone operations near San Angelo?

San Angelo Regional Airport sits within Class D controlled airspace, which requires prior authorization for drone operations in a wide radius around the field. Licensed pilots use the FAA's LAANC system to obtain real-time airspace authorization for these areas. Unlicensed operators typically skip this step entirely — creating serious safety risks and federal violations that expose both the operator and their client to liability.

Concho Valley Aerial: Fully Certified and Insured

Concho Valley Aerial Solutions maintains FAA Part 107 certification with over 12 years of UAS industry experience, full commercial aviation insurance including liability and equipment coverage, professional-grade equipment, and detailed documentation for every project. We're based right here in San Angelo — serving the Concho Valley and all of West Texas with compliant, professional drone services you can verify and trust.