A drone shot can make a small production look expensive. It also adds a set of federal rules and a separate kind of insurance that ordinary production policies do not handle. Sorting both out before the shoot day keeps the shot on the schedule.
Hire an operator who flies under Part 107
Flying a drone for a production is commercial flying, which falls under the FAA's Part 107 rules. According to the FAA, the person at the controls needs a remote pilot certificate, or must fly under the direct supervision of someone who has one, and the drone must be registered with the FAA. Most registered drones must also broadcast Remote ID.
Ask the operator for a copy of their remote pilot certificate and the drone's registration before you book them.
The rules that shape the shot
Part 107 sets limits that affect how a scene can be planned:
- Height: no higher than 400 feet above ground level, unless the drone stays within a 400-foot radius of a structure and no higher than 400 feet above its immediate uppermost limit.
- Line of sight: the remote pilot in command, anyone manipulating the flight controls, and any visual observer used must be able to see the drone throughout the flight, using only corrective lenses if needed. The pilot and person at the controls, or a visual observer, must exercise that ability throughout the flight.
- Weather: at least 3 statute miles of visibility, and set distances from clouds.
- Night: night flying is allowed when the pilot has completed the required training and the drone has anti-collision lighting visible for at least 3 statute miles.
- Over people: flying over people is limited. It is allowed over people directly taking part in the drone operation, or people under a covered structure or inside a stationary vehicle that can reasonably protect them from a falling drone, and otherwise only within specific operating categories.
- Near airports: flying in controlled airspace around many airports needs prior authorization from air traffic control.
A drone shot over a crowd, near an airport or over a busy street usually needs more planning, and sometimes an FAA waiver or authorization, so build in lead time.
The insurance side
Drones are insured through aviation insurance, usually on their own policy, because a typical production general liability policy does not cover aircraft. Two coverages matter:
- Drone liability: injury to people or damage to property caused by the drone, such as a drone that loses signal and lands on a parked car.
- Hull coverage: damage to the drone and its camera.
Most professional operators carry their own drone liability. Ask for their certificate of insurance, check the limit against what your location or film office requires, and ask whether your production can be named as an additional insured.
Before the shoot day
- Operator's remote pilot certificate and drone registration on file.
- Flight plan checked against the 400-foot limit, line of sight, people on set and nearby airports.
- Any airspace authorization or waiver in hand.
- Operator's drone liability certificate on file, with your production named if required.
- The film office or location told about the drone, if its permit asks.
Sources
- FAA, Become a certificated remote pilot (Part 107), checked October 7, 2026
- 14 CFR 107.51, Operating limitations (eCFR), checked October 16, 2026
- 14 CFR 107.31, Visual line of sight aircraft operation (eCFR), checked October 16, 2026
- 14 CFR 107.29, Operation at night (Legal Information Institute), checked October 7, 2026
- 14 CFR 107.39, Operation over human beings (eCFR), checked October 16, 2026
- 14 CFR 107.41, Operation in certain airspace (Legal Information Institute), checked October 7, 2026