Frequently Asked Questions

1. Question:  What are UAV's, UAS's or Drones?
2. Question:  Are UAV's and Drones safe?
3. Question:  What kind of Imaging equipment do we use?
4. Question:  What are the limitations?
5. Question: Can you fly indoors?
6. Question:  Are you certified, insured, is this legal simply?
7. Question:  Can we be hired for corporate or personal espionage & spying simply?
8. Question:  How much does it cost?
9. Question:  Why shouldn't I hire my friend with their drone?
10. Question:  Can we do Closed-set motion picture and television production?
11. Question:  Future Question
12. Question:  Future Question

Answer 1: What are UAV's or Drones?

UAV is an acronym for "Unmanned Aerial Vehicle". In many countries any remotely controlled aircraft, regardless of size, is considered to be a UAV. However, this is complicated and most people prefer to use "Drone".  UAS is an acronym for "Unmanned Aerial Systems" and is a reference term that is an all-encompassing description that includes the UAV or Drone, the ground-based controller, and the system of communications connecting the two

Answer 2: Are UAV's and Drones safe?

Bird's Eye Drone Imaging LLC., is committed to the highest safety standards, and conducts all flight operations under strict safety parameters. Every operation is planned and executed following a specific safety and quality checklist to ensure all systems are operating normally. Bird's Eye Drone Imaging follows all the conditions and limitations as set forth by FAA in our COA (Certificate of Authorization).  Bird's Eye Drone Imaging pilots are prohibited from flying over people on the ground.

Answer 3: What kind of Imaging equipment do we use?

Bird's Eye Drone Imaging LLC, uses a DJI 4K cameras in our DJI Phantom 3 Professional and Zemiuse X5S 5.2K Camera in our DJI Inspire 2 Drones.

Answer 4: What are the limitations?

Aerial drone filming requires a minimum of 24 hours advanced notice.  Required airspace notices can only be set up during a 24-48 hour window prior to flight.  These notices called NOTAMS "Notice To Airmen", are notices containing essential flight operation information not known sufficiently in advance to publicize by other means. This alerts pilots to the operations of a drone in a defined volume of airspace at a specific date and time.

Although the DJI Phantom 3 is capable of altitudes in excess of 19,000 feet, Bird's Eye Drone Imaging LLC., does not fly above 400 feet AGL (Above Ground Level) for several reasons:
    Visibility, in order to remain within visual range.
    Safety, to avoid conflict with manned air traffic.
    Quality, The best altitude for quality images is less than 150 feet.
    As limited by our FAA Certificate of Authority.

Bird's Eye Drone Imaging will not fly near airports without prior approval by that airport's operator.

As with any outdoor activity, weather is a significant factor; even more so when flying is involved. For safety, as well as quality reasons, we cannot fly in:
    Winds above 20mph
    Low visibility (fog, etc.)
    Rain or snow
    Temperatures below 0 degrees

Answer 5: Can you fly indoors?

YES, in large unobstructed areas such as arenas, auditoriums, or gymnasiums. The only stipulation is there cannot be any people under the aircraft who is not directly involved in the operation while it is in flight.  See our Gallery page for several videos shot indoors.

Answer 6: Are you certified, insured, is this legal?

Yes, Bird's Eye Drone Imaging LLC. is certified by FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) and has an FAA issued Certificate of Authorization to perform commercial drone operations.  Our Section 333 COA exemption No. is 14947 and can be viewed HERE.   We are also licensed under FAA part 107.  And yes, we are fully insured for commercial aerial operations, maintaining a One million dollar liability insurance policy.

Answer 7: Can we be hired for corporate or personal espionage & spying?

Simply put, NO!  Bird's Eye Drone Imaging LLC. will NOT fly over private property without the permission of the owner, occupier or agent.

Answer 8: How much does it cost?

For five little words, this is a very difficult question to answer.  Every job is different and has many unique variable factors to consider, such as: area size, resolution, processing, travel distance, raw images vs full video production, etc. Therefore, I prefer to price each operation individually.  For more on pricing see our Services Page.

Answer 9: Why shouldn't I hire my friend with their drone?

There are several reasons this is not a good idea!
    It is illegal for recreational flyers to fly for the purpose of commercial operations. A federally issued COA (Certificate of Authorization) is
    required by the FAA if the flight conducted for commercial purposes (eg. A realtor taking photos of a house they have listed).
   
    Hobby grade recreational drones are great for taking quick, flashy videos (as most use GoPro or similar technology), but lack a 3 axis
    stabilized gimbal which can carry the type of cameras required for high resolution photos and video.
   
    Hobby grade equipment is typically less precise, safe, and cannot provide proper GPS accuracy required for geo-referenced applications.
   
    Federal rules require commercial drone operators to be licensed pilots.  I myself have both Commercial and Airline Transport Pilot Certificates
    with over 23,000 hours of flight experience in large aircraft.
     
    Experience is another important factor.  I personally have been flying remote controlled aircraft of various types for almost 40 years.

Answer 10: Can we do Closed-set motion picture and television production?

Operations for the purpose of closed-set motion picture and television filming are permitted under Bird's Eye Drone Imaging's COA.  Closed-set motion picture and television production require 3 days advanced notice for proper FAA authorization.  Special circumstances may allow for less time.

Answer 11: Future Question

Future Answer

Answer 12: Future Question

Future Answer