Choosing a drone you can actually fly commercially

1. Remote ID is required

Nearly every drone flown under Part 107 must broadcast Remote ID, a digital licence plate that sends the drone’s location and the pilot’s position. Most current camera drones have it built in (“Standard Remote ID”). An older drone can fly with an add-on broadcast module, but only within visual line of sight. Check the FAA’s list of declared Remote ID drones before buying used.

2. Registration, whatever the weight

For commercial flying, every drone must be registered with the FAA through FAADroneZone, even one under 250 grams. The “under 250 g, no registration” rule applies only to recreational flying. Registration is inexpensive and lasts three years; put the number on the outside of the aircraft.

3. Weight and size

• Under 250 g drones are light and easy to travel with, and they can qualify for some flights over people. They struggle in wind.
• Mid-size drones carry better cameras and hold position in a breeze; they are the usual choice for real estate, inspections and mapping.
• Anything over 55 lb is outside Part 107 entirely.

4. Flying over people

Part 107 sorts drones into Categories 1 to 4 for operations over people. If your work happens near crowds, at events or on busy job sites, buy a model whose maker has declared it compliant for the category you need. Otherwise plan every shoot to stay clear of people who are not part of the operation.

5. What the certificate does and doesn’t cover

The certificate covers flying in daylight or civil twilight (and at night with the current training and anti-collision lights), below 400 feet, within visual line of sight, and in uncontrolled airspace. Controlled airspace near airports needs LAANC authorization, often granted in minutes through an app. Flying beyond visual line of sight or from a moving vehicle over populated areas needs a waiver.

Before the first paid job

• Get drone liability insurance; many clients will ask for proof.
• Practice basic manoeuvres in an open field until they are boring.
• Keep your certificate current with the free online recurrent training every 24 calendar months.