Any drone operator commercially inspecting your property is required to hold an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. It's the federal law. But Part 107 is a floor, not a ceiling — knowing what it actually authorizes (and what it doesn't) helps you ask better questions before you hire a vendor.
What Part 107 covers
- •Authorization to operate drones commercially under 55 lbs.
- •Pilot knowledge of FAA airspace classifications and rules.
- •Operating limitations including visual line of sight, daylight or civil twilight, and altitude restrictions.
- •Ability to obtain LAANC and waiver authorizations for controlled airspace and special operations.
What Part 107 does not cover
- •Inspection competency — Part 107 is an FAA pilot certificate, not an inspection or thermography credential.
- •Insurance — Part 107 does not require carrying any insurance, so always verify coverage separately.
- •Sensor calibration — radiometric thermal accuracy depends on the equipment and operator, not the FAA license.
- •Reporting quality — a Part 107 pilot can take photos; producing a defensible inspection report requires inspection expertise.
What else to ask
After confirming Part 107, ask for thermography certification (Level I or higher), commercial general and aviation liability insurance, the specific sensors used (radiometric vs. visual-only thermal), and references for similar property types.