Drone footage makes almost any business look bigger and more established. But flying commercially in Spokane comes with real rules, and hiring the wrong pilot can put the liability on you.
Commercial drone work requires an FAA Part 107 certificate
Any drone flight done for a business, including marketing video for your own company, counts as commercial. The pilot must hold an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Hobby rules don't apply once money or marketing is involved.
Spokane has controlled airspace
Spokane International (GEG), Felts Field and Fairchild Air Force Base all create controlled airspace around the city. Flying in many parts of Spokane, Spokane Valley and Airway Heights needs authorization through the FAA's LAANC system before takeoff. A professional pilot checks this as part of planning — you shouldn't have to.
Questions to ask any drone pilot
- Can I see your Part 107 certificate?
- Are you insured for commercial drone work?
- Will you get airspace authorization for my location?
- Do you deliver both photos and video, in vertical and horizontal formats?
- What happens if weather cancels the flight?
Best uses for business drone footage
- Showing the size of a property, lot or job site
- Before-and-after project reveals for builders, landscapers and roofers
- Event openers and crowd shots
- Website header videos that set the tone in seconds
Want this done for you?
See your price in 30 seconds, or text Matt directly at (509) 828-5568.
Related: Drone photography & video in Spokane