Quick Summary: When you work with Brave Dog, you work with a drone pilot who is FAA certified. This means we fly legally, handle permits and insurance properly, and protect you from liability. It’s one less thing for you to worry about, so you can focus on creating content that actually works for your brand.
We have all seen those impressive aerial shots in commercials—the ones that glide over cityscapes or reveal an impressive crowd from above. Drones have completely changed video production by making this type of footage possible. But here’s something most clients don’t think about until it’s too late: not everyone flying a drone for your video is doing it legally.
It is important to work with pilots who are FAA certified. While that might sound like an insignificant detail, it actually makes a huge difference for your project.
What Does FAA Certified Mean For Drone Pilots?
To fly a drone commercially in the United States, you need what’s called a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. It’s not something you get from watching YouTube tutorials or buying an expensive drone. It’s a legitimate federal certification that requires passing an aeronautical knowledge test administered by the FAA.
When you work with Brave Dog, you get a drone pilot who has studied airspace rules, weather conditions, emergency procedures, and aviation regulations. In addition to going through TSA background checks, every two years, we renew our certification to stay current on the latest rules and safety standards.
The FAA wants to make sure that anyone flying a drone for business knows what they’re doing and does not cause safety concerns.
Why Is This Important To You?
Hiring someone without FAA certification might save you a few bucks upfront, but it can cost you a lot down the road. Here’s why:
Liability – If an uncertified operator causes an accident or damages property during your shoot, guess who might be on the hook? You don’t want to be explaining to your legal team why you hired someone who wasn’t properly licensed.
Practicality – Need aerial footage near a stadium? In a city with restricted airspace? Over a crowd at your event? Certified pilots know how to get the proper waivers and permissions. Uncertified operators might not know the right procedures or requirements, leading to project issues or worse.
Professionalism – Our certification means we understand flight time limits, weather restrictions, and safety protocols. We’re not going to show up on shoot day and discover we can’t legally fly in your location. No surprises, no delays, no excuses.
FAQs
Ask to see their Part 107 certificate. Every certified pilot should be able to show you their credentials. If they hesitate or say “it’s not necessary for this type of shoot,” that’s a red flag.
There are definitely restrictions. We can’t fly in certain airspace without special authorization, and there are rules about flying over people or at night. But because we’re certified, we know how to get the proper waivers when your project needs them.
Indirectly, yes. Certified pilots understand flight dynamics, weather conditions, and equipment limitations, which means better planning and more reliable results. You’re getting someone who is a professional, not just a hobbyist.
Our certification means we carry proper insurance and follow strict safety protocols. If the unexpected happens, you’re protected. Uncertified operators often don’t have adequate coverage, which can leave you exposed.
Not necessarily. Because we handle all the permitting and planning upfront, drone shots integrate smoothly into your production schedule. We’ll let you know during pre-production if your location or timing requires any special arrangements.
Hiring a Professional For Drone Footage is Worth It
When you’re planning a video project, FAA certification probably isn’t at the top of your checklist. You’re thinking about messaging, brand voice, deadlines, and whether the final video will actually achieve your goals.
But that’s exactly why hiring an experienced professional matters. When you work with a certified drone pilot, you get to focus on the creative side while we handle the technical and legal details. You’re not keeping track of vendors or worrying about compliance issues. You’re just getting high-impact aerial footage that makes your project look amazing.
Want to add stunning aerial footage to your next project? Contact us! We can’t wait to get started on your project!
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