If you’re considering hiring a drone operator for aerial photography, a property inspection, or a construction project in Colorado, one of the most important questions you can ask is simple: are you FAA certified?
It’s a question many people don’t think to ask — and one that can make a significant difference in the quality, legality, and safety of your project.
What Is FAA Part 107 Certification?
The FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate is the federal license required to fly drones commercially in the United States. To earn it, a pilot must pass a knowledge test covering topics including airspace regulations, weather, emergency procedures, and drone operations. The certificate must be renewed every two years through a recurrent knowledge test.
Without this certification, any money exchanged for drone services — including photos, video, or inspection reports — is illegal under FAA regulations. Flying without a certificate can result in significant civil penalties for both the operator and, in some cases, the client who hired them.
Why It Matters for Your Project
Beyond legal compliance, FAA certification signals a baseline level of professional commitment. A certified pilot understands:
- How to check airspace restrictions before flying (Colorado has complex airspace around Denver International and other airports)
- How to operate safely near people, structures, and vehicles
- How to respond appropriately to weather and equipment issues
- What waivers and authorizations are needed for specific locations or flight conditions
In Colorado specifically, many mountainous areas, national forest zones, and urban corridors have airspace restrictions that an uncertified operator may not even know about.
Insurance: The Other Critical Factor
FAA certification covers the legality of the flight. Insurance covers what happens if something goes wrong. A professional drone operator should carry liability insurance that protects your property and any third parties in the event of an incident.
Always ask for proof of both certification and insurance before any flight takes place on your property or project site.
How to Verify a Drone Pilot’s Credentials
Verifying credentials is straightforward. A certified pilot can provide their FAA Remote Pilot Certificate number, which can be cross-referenced in the FAA’s Airmen Inquiry database at FAA.gov. For insurance, ask to see a current certificate of liability insurance from their provider.
Any legitimate professional operator will have no hesitation providing both.
Mountain Aerial Drones: Certified and Insured in Colorado
Mountain Aerial Drones holds an active FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and carries liability insurance on every project. We serve Boulder, Denver, and the Front Range corridor with professional aerial photography, inspections, construction documentation, and more.
If you’re planning a project that requires aerial support, reach out for a free quote. We’re happy to answer any questions about credentials, coverage, or how we approach your specific project type.