Introduction
With over 307,000 certified drone pilots across the United States (FAA.gov) and over 9,200 in Ohio alone (FAA.gov), how do you connect with a professional and reputable drone service business in Ohio for your next project?
There is a lot to consider, from ensuring the drone company abides by all federal regulations to understanding the full scope of services and deliverables provided to you. In order to help with your due diligence, we put together the top 4 tips for choosing the right drone services provider!
Safety and Compliance
Commercial drone operations are governed by the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration). There is no better place to start than confirming the drone pilot is compliant with all federal regulations and is also backed with the proper business structure.
FAA Part 107
Completion of the FAA part 107 exam is required in order for drone pilots to provide commercial drone services in the United States. Step one is ensuring your drone pilot carries this license, because those who hire an unlicensed pilot could be subject to legal consequences.
FAA Guidelines
In addition to the FAA part 107 exam, a drone service provider should also have knowledge of current guidelines to follow including but not limited to FAA airspace authorizations, temporary flight restrictions at specific locations, and situational awareness.
Local Regulations
As drones become increasingly popular across the country, regulations among states and cities are being put in place that those who provide services should certainly be aware of.
You may have even seen a sign at your local park labeled "Drone Fly Zone", which areas to fly drones, as a majority of these regulations include limitations and restrictions around the flight of city parks and metro parks, like you see here with the city of Cleveland.
Insurance
With a wide range of policies available, it is important to confirm your drone service provider is fully insured before hiring them for your project.
Wide-Range of Drone Services
Now that you know your drone service provider is properly licensed and insured, it's a great time to make sure the drone pilot has the operational capacity to meet your needs.
Drone technology is amazing, but a drone itself is nothing more than a tool used for data collection. Let's take a look at some of the common projects you may bring in a drone service provider for, and how to know you are working with a reputable company.
Aerial Photography
Aerial photography, along with aerial cinematography are some of the most common projects drone pilots are hired for.
With this in mind, it is also one of the most saturated markets with a wide range of pilots and deliverables.
The ability to capture images from a drone is relatively easy, meaning you will likely have the opportunity to hire this type of work out fairly cheap. Now there is a difference between any aerial photography, and aerial photography that provides high quality images.
When looking for a reliable drone service provider in Ohio for your aerial photography or aerial cinematography project, be sure they have experience with not only capturing the images you are looking for, but also experience with the post processing and editing.
Thermal Imaging
The thermal cameras on drones provide some of the most cutting edge technology on the market. Recently there has been an increase in services provided in this area as skilled drone pilots are developing new ways to bring increased efficiency across industries that rival traditional methods.
Construction management (construction progress), land surveying, and drone deer recovery are just a few of the wide-spread operations currently being offered.
As this market continues to take over the commercial drone industry and the proper equipment becomes more accessible and affordable, this is another important time to ask yourself what you are getting in return for the service provided.
What Else Can Your Drone Services Provider Do?
Flying drones and data collection is just the tip of the iceberg when working with the right drone services provider.
For example, Next Hill Drone Services is much more than a drone company. With an extensive background in website design, data processing, SEO, marketing strategy, and business strategy, we can offer much more value on the back-end.
Equipment
Does your drone service provider carry the right type of equipment for your project? Make sure your drone pilots are flying a commercial grade drone, equipped with the proper sensors and cameras for the best results.
Be sure to become familiar with terminology and industry standards for different deliverables so when it comes time to having the pre-flight conversation with your drone pilot, they are capable of delivering exactly what you are expecting.
Experience & Positive Reviews
Does your drone service provider have experience in the field you are looking to hire them in? If you haven't done so already, now is a great time to review historical work of the drone company related to your next project. Frequently, a drone company will have a variety of channels you can find their work including a website portfolio or an Instagram page.
What better place to determine the credibility of your drone pilot then their reviews? Google reviews is a great place to find up-to-date and recent feedback from previous clients.
A drone company that has a fully functioning website will also frequently have a reviews page available to provide their clients with accurate feedback about their company.
Conclusion
With the increase in popularity to fly drones, especially for commercial drone operations, you want to be sure you are sure you are working with the right drone service provider.
Make sure they are following all of the rules. Make sure they are able to complete the work you are looking to have done with the proper equipment, and know what to do with the data once it is collected. Make sure they have the experience and positive feedback you expect a company you are putting your trust in to have.
If you are looking for a professional and reliable drone service provider in Ohio, click this link or follow the button below to fill out your contact information and provide some details about your next project.
Stay tuned for future blog post where I share tips, provide industry insight, showcase work, and much more!
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