Momentum - Business to Business Online Magazine MOMENTUM January 2020 | Page 16

INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT - REAL ESTATE JEFF CARICO Owner Arry Drones, LLC [email protected] 832-792-5040 | www.ArryDrones.com Three Things to Look for in a DRONE OPERATOR T he use of aerial photography to market a listing is on the rise. Looking at the statistics you can see why. According to MLS statistics homes with Aerial Photography sold 68% faster than those with regular pictures. According to the National Association of Realtors 73% of homeowners are more likely to list with an agent that uses video to market their home. Now you have decided to hire a drone pilot to help with your listing. When looking for that right person there are three areas to pay particular attention to during your search. Item #1 - Compliance with Laws As the private commercial drone industry is just now emerging, Federal and State laws are having a hard time keeping up with the technology. As such, there is a lot of confusion and a lot of potential headaches and legal problems you could endure. The Federal Aviation Administration has issued Section 107 of the FAA code to regulate the commercial use of drones and nearly all “Do-It-Yourself” drone operators are in violation of this code. The fine for using a non-licensed drone pilot for your photographs, even if you are not paying them, can be large. As the one who causes the operation you could be liable for a fine of $11,000. While the unlicensed operator of the drone could be liable for a fine of $1,100. The laws for drone operation are always changing, being challenged, and also being updated. Only professional drone operators who fly drones for a living are close enough to the industry to be on top of all the new laws and regulations that affect them. It is wisest to simply use a professional and certified drone operator to ensure compliance with all applicable laws. 14 MOMENTUM | 2020 Year of Small Business Item # 2 - Insurance Accidents happen to even the most prepared people. I have had a drone attacked by a bird and go spiraling to the ground. Nobody was injured and no dame to property occurred. If it had who was going to pay for it? That is why it is important to make sure your drone operator is insured to cover damage to property or people in the case something should go wrong. The standard is $1,000,000. Item # 3 – Experience and Quality Ask for examples of their work. Go to their website and look at examples, ask if they have any recent listings you can see. Not all drone operators are created equal, just like having a camera on your phone does not make you a photographer neither does having a drone make you a professional. As the drone industry continues to grow laws will continually change and professional drone operators know of these changes and what is available to help you market you listing to get the maximum results.