Safety & airspace
The whole policy in four lines
- The pilot decides whether a flight is safe, and we never overrule that decision.
- A refused flight costs you nothing and your price doesn't change when you reschedule.
- Controlled airspace needs an FAA authorization. We file it, and it usually adds a day.
- A few sites can't be flown at all. We tell you at quote time, not after you have paid.
When a flight stops
Sustained wind
Above 20 mph
Free reschedule
Precipitation
Any active rain
Free reschedule
Visibility
Below 3 statute miles
Free reschedule
Temporary flight restriction
Any active TFR
Free reschedule
On-site hazard or crowd
Pilot's judgment
Free reschedule
Full text
5.1Operator authority
The assigned operator is the pilot in command and holds sole authority over whether a flight is conducted. Where the operator determines that flight can't be conducted safely or lawfully, the flight doesn't proceed. PhotoDrone won't overrule that determination, won't penalize the operator for it, and won't pass any cost of it to the customer. Customer pressure to fly against an operator's determination is grounds for canceling the booking.
5.2Regulatory basis
All flights are conducted under 14 CFR Part 107 by an operator holding a current Remote Pilot Certificate. Operators fly within visual line of sight, below 400 feet above ground level, in daylight or civil twilight with appropriate lighting, and not over people or moving vehicles except as permitted by their operating category and any applicable waiver.
5.3Controlled airspace
Sites within controlled airspace require authorization before flight. PhotoDrone identifies this at quote time and files the request through LAANC or, where LAANC doesn't cover the request, through the FAA's manual process. LAANC authorizations are typically immediate. Manual requests take up to ninety (90) days and PhotoDrone will say so before the customer books. Where authorization is refused, the booking is canceled and all amounts including the deposit are refunded.
5.4Sites that can't be flown
Some locations can't be flown at any price, including sites inside prohibited airspace, over certain critical infrastructure, and within active restrictions. PhotoDrone checks this before quoting and declines the work rather than accepting a booking it can't perform.
5.5Insurance and incidents
Every operator carries commercial liability cover of at least one million dollars ($1,000,000) per occurrence, verified before their first assignment and re-verified at renewal. Incidents involving injury, property damage or loss of aircraft control are reported to PhotoDrone within twenty-four (24) hours, reported to the FAA where required, and disclosed to the affected customer.