1. What kinds of professional services can drones be used for?

Although the FAA recognizes drone use in over 200 different applications, the following are the top 10 most common professional drone services used across industries today:

1. Aerial Photography & Videography – Capturing high-resolution photos and cinematic aerial footage for marketing, media, and creative projects.

2. Real Estate Marketing – Showcasing residential, commercial, and land listings with stunning aerial visuals that attract more buyers.

3. Construction & Site Monitoring – Tracking progress, performing volumetric measurements, and documenting each stage of development.

4. Mapping & 3D Modeling – Using advanced photogrammetry to create precise 2D maps and 3D site models for planning and analysis.

5. Roof & Infrastructure Inspections – Safely inspecting roofs, towers, solar panels, and bridges without the risks of manual climbs.

6. Agriculture & Crop Analysis – Monitoring crop health, irrigation, and soil conditions with multispectral imagery for improved yield.

7. Public Safety & Emergency Response – Supporting law enforcement, firefighters, and first responders with real-time aerial awareness.

8. Insurance & Legal Documentation – Capturing accurate aerial evidence for claims, property damage, and accident reconstruction.

9. Environmental & Land Management – Monitoring wetlands, forests, wildlife habitats, and environmental impact areas.

10. Marketing & Events – Creating impactful aerial visuals for advertising, tourism, and live event coverage.

Drones provide a fast, safe, and cost-effective way to collect high-quality visual and spatial data, transforming how businesses and organizations work across multiple industries.

2. How high can drones legally fly for these services?

In the United States, drones can fly up to 400 feet above ground level (AGL).
However, under FAA Part 107.51(b), drones may fly up to 400 feet above the top of a structure if they stay within 400 feet horizontally of it.

Example:

If you’re inspecting a 300-foot building, you can legally fly up to 700 feet AGL (300 + 400) while remaining close to that structure.

This exception allows safe inspections and mapping around tall buildings, towers, and bridges. Always maintain visual line of sight and check for restricted or controlled airspace before flight.

3. Do I need a license to fly a drone for business or commercial purposes?

Yes. In the U.S., any drone operation done for business, profit, or services requires a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

To obtain it, you must:

1. Pass the FAA Part 107 knowledge test.

2. Pass a TSA security screening.

3. Follow all operational rules under Part 107 regulations.

This ensures you understand airspace safety, weather, and flight operations.

4. Do I need insurance to operate drones commercially?

Drone insurance is not legally required by the FAA, but most clients and job sites will require it.

Recommended coverage includes:

• Liability insurance: Covers property damage or injury.

• Hull insurance: Protects against damage to your drone.

• Payload coverage: For expensive cameras or sensors.

Having insurance shows professionalism and protects you from costly accidents.

5. How do drones help businesses save money?

Drones dramatically reduce costs by:

• Cutting labor hours: A single drone can do the work of a full inspection crew.

• Minimizing downtime: Drones gather data quickly with minimal site disruption.

• Eliminating rental equipment: No need for lifts, scaffolding, or helicopters.

• Reducing safety risks: Fewer workers need to climb roofs or towers.

Over time, drone technology delivers faster results at a fraction of the cost of traditional methods.

6. Can you shoot a drone down?

Absolutely not. It is illegal under federal law to shoot down, disable, or damage a drone—even if it’s flying over your property. Drones are classified as aircraft by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and interfering with one can lead to serious criminal charges, fines, and even imprisonment under Title 18 U.S. Code § 32, which protects all aircraft from destruction.

If you ever have concerns about a drone in your area, the proper action is to contact local law enforcement or the FAA, not to take matters into your own hands.

At Peregrine Drone Service LLC, we operate with full FAA Part 107 certification and always follow all airspace and privacy laws. Our flights are planned, approved, and conducted safely and legally to ensure professionalism, compliance, and peace of mind for everyone nearby.

7. What kind of data can a drone collect for mapping or inspections?

Drones can capture:

• High-resolution imagery and video

• 2D orthomosaic maps

• 3D point clouds and models

• Thermal imaging data (for roof or power line inspections)

• Volumetric and topographic measurements

These deliver accurate, actionable insights that improve project planning and asset management.

8. Can I fly drones at night for commercial work?

Yes, but only if you meet FAA requirements:

• Your drone must have anti-collision lighting visible from at least 3 miles away.

• You must have completed the updated FAA recurrent training covering night operations.

Night flights are useful for real estate lighting shots, security patrols, and thermal inspections, but always assess lighting and visibility carefully.

9. Do I need to register my drone with the FAA?

Yes. All drones weighing over 0.55 pounds (250 grams) must be registered with the FAA before flight.
Each drone must display its registration number visibly on the aircraft.
For commercial use, register under the Part 107 category (not recreational).

10. What are the airspace and privacy considerations when flying drones for business?

• Always check your airspace using tools like B4UFLY or AirMap to avoid controlled or restricted zones.

• Get LAANC authorization if flying in controlled airspace near airports.

• Respect privacy laws by avoiding filming private property or individuals without consent.

• Follow local or state regulations regarding data use and public spaces.

11. How do weather and environmental conditions affect drone operations?

Weather plays a major role in safe and effective drone flights.

• High winds can make drones unstable and drain batteries faster.

• Rain, fog, or snow can damage sensors and reduce visibility.

• Extreme temperatures may affect battery life and flight time.

• Glare and lighting conditions impact camera exposure for aerial photography.

Always check the weather forecast before each flight, and if conditions are unsafe, postpone the operation. Safety and equipment protection should always come first.

12. Can a homeowner or business owner stop you from flying over their property?

Under FAA drone regulations, private property owners generally cannot stop a licensed drone pilot from flying over their property, as the airspace is federally regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)—not by individual landowners. As FAA Part 107 Certified Drone Pilots, Peregrine Drone Service LLC operates strictly within legal and safe flight zones and follows all FAA drone laws, privacy rules, and local ordinances.

We understand privacy concerns, and we plan every aerial mission responsibly. Our team avoids unnecessary overflights, keeps operations brief, and communicates transparently with nearby property owners or businesses. Our goal is to capture professional aerial photos, videos, and mapping data while ensuring safe, compliant, and respectful drone operations for everyone involved.

Didn’t find the answer you were looking for? Give Peregrine Drone Service a call — we’re here to answer your questions, simplify your project and save you time and money with professional drone services.