107 license
Mar 30, 2023 09:28:42 #
Took the plunge, purchased a DJI mini 3 pro. So far so good. Registered, took that basic testing, etc . Have done half dozen flights and have not crashed it yet! Not that I am ready for it but what does it take dollarwise and time wise to get the 107 license? Once that is done is there anything else I need to do? Is there insurance coverage I should have? Seems like there is a ton of different ways to make some extra cash while performing this new hobby!
John
John
Mar 30, 2023 10:47:32 #
What sort of insurance are you looking for? Do you want to protect the drone or yourself? I would contact my insurance company and ask them about coverage or research it on the web.
Mar 30, 2023 11:46:15 #
I've done it. I have the 107 certificate.
The hard decision is if you want to follow FAA law. Based on published drone sales figures and published numbers of FAA issued certificates, it appears that only about 10% of drone buyers pay any attention to the FAA. The assumption is that the FAA may be required to enforce drone laws but, being overworked and understaffed, they don't do anything until you do something really stupid.
The 107 cost me about $300 total. I took a course from the Pilot Institute when there was a "sale". The current price is $150. The actual FAA test is administered by a company called PSI and the fee is now $175. The Pilot Institute course is exceptionally good. Many spend about two weeks taking the video courses and pass the test with high scores. End of the year holidays got in my way so I spent about a month doing it.
https://pilotinstitute.com/
Why do it? If you decide to be legal, the FAA is in charge of the skies. They say that under the simple "TRUST" certificate that you can only use your drone for your personal pleasure. They go on to say that if you ever do anything for anybody else, you need the Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
As of about December, the FAA approved a few "CBOs" or "Community Based Organizations". To be legal with your "basic testing" TRUST certificate you now have to pick a CBO, have a copy of their rules and follow them. My view is that the CBO rules are more complicated than the 107 rules.
Another, and most important reason for me, is that it is fun to learn new stuff and there is plenty of entertaining learning!
Insurance is a complicated question. I don't have any drone specific insurance. My DJI Mini 2 is so light and small I don't see it doing any damage. I don't operate it commercially so I don't have a need for that sort of liability insurance. If I destroy it, the dollar loss is small.
If you want drone specific insurance there are a couple companies that get mention in drone oriented Facebook groups.
The hard decision is if you want to follow FAA law. Based on published drone sales figures and published numbers of FAA issued certificates, it appears that only about 10% of drone buyers pay any attention to the FAA. The assumption is that the FAA may be required to enforce drone laws but, being overworked and understaffed, they don't do anything until you do something really stupid.
The 107 cost me about $300 total. I took a course from the Pilot Institute when there was a "sale". The current price is $150. The actual FAA test is administered by a company called PSI and the fee is now $175. The Pilot Institute course is exceptionally good. Many spend about two weeks taking the video courses and pass the test with high scores. End of the year holidays got in my way so I spent about a month doing it.
https://pilotinstitute.com/
Why do it? If you decide to be legal, the FAA is in charge of the skies. They say that under the simple "TRUST" certificate that you can only use your drone for your personal pleasure. They go on to say that if you ever do anything for anybody else, you need the Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
As of about December, the FAA approved a few "CBOs" or "Community Based Organizations". To be legal with your "basic testing" TRUST certificate you now have to pick a CBO, have a copy of their rules and follow them. My view is that the CBO rules are more complicated than the 107 rules.
Another, and most important reason for me, is that it is fun to learn new stuff and there is plenty of entertaining learning!
Insurance is a complicated question. I don't have any drone specific insurance. My DJI Mini 2 is so light and small I don't see it doing any damage. I don't operate it commercially so I don't have a need for that sort of liability insurance. If I destroy it, the dollar loss is small.
If you want drone specific insurance there are a couple companies that get mention in drone oriented Facebook groups.
Mar 31, 2023 09:59:26 #
Good info on the class and test above. I used the training from the Drone Boss and was pleased. Insurance needs really depend on who you are flying for. Some require that they be listed as additional insured.
Hugh
Hugh
Mar 31, 2023 11:23:11 #
There are a number of companies which offer "on the spot" insurance, accessed via phone apps - ideal if you think you might be flying in circumstances where insurance might be advisable. If flying commercially, insurance will be required.
Very easy - just log in, answer a couple of questions, a small charge is made to your credit card, and away you go.
Have a look at VERIFLY - $10/hour.
Very easy - just log in, answer a couple of questions, a small charge is made to your credit card, and away you go.
Have a look at VERIFLY - $10/hour.
Mar 31, 2023 15:03:53 #
alexol wrote:
There are a number of companies which offer "on the spot" insurance, accessed via phone apps - ideal if you think you might be flying in circumstances where insurance might be advisable. If flying commercially, insurance will be required.
Very easy - just log in, answer a couple of questions, a small charge is made to your credit card, and away you go.
Have a look at VERIFLY - $10/hour.
Very easy - just log in, answer a couple of questions, a small charge is made to your credit card, and away you go.
Have a look at VERIFLY - $10/hour.
I couldn't find a VERIFLY plan for $10/hour. Do you have a link?
Mar 31, 2023 15:16:51 #
Aha! On checking the app on my phone, it seems that Verifly has creased operations as of 24 March 2023. Bit of a bummer. Nice of them to let us know in advance...
Like you, I'll have to start searching, starting here:
https://www.investopedia.com/best-drone-insurance-5073798
Like you, I'll have to start searching, starting here:
https://www.investopedia.com/best-drone-insurance-5073798
Mar 31, 2023 15:18:51 #
alexol wrote:
Aha! On checking the app on my phone, it seems that Verifly has creased operations as of 24 March 2023. Nice of them to let us know in advance...
Like you, I'll have to start searching.
Like you, I'll have to start searching.
Thanks. So far I don't worry about insurance. My drone is too light to cause significant damage and I don't do commercial work.
Mar 31, 2023 15:21:48 #
bsprague wrote:
Thanks. So far I don't worry about insurance. My drone is too light to cause significant damage and I don't do commercial work.
Unless, of course, through some (highly unlikely) mischance it wanders off on its own and some inquisitive kid loses an eye.
In this sue happy world in which we live...
I don't use insurance either, unless obligated to do so.
Mar 31, 2023 15:41:50 #
alexol wrote:
Unless, of course, through some (highly unlikely) mischance it wanders off on its own and some inquisitive kid loses an eye.
In this sue happy world in which we live...
I don't use insurance either, unless obligated to do so.
In this sue happy world in which we live...
I don't use insurance either, unless obligated to do so.
I've put my finger into the prop on my DJI Mini 2. I was learning how to hand land to keep it out of the sand and snow when needed. Being such a light weight, it did little. I small, temporary Band-Aid was overkill. The odds of me doing damage to someone from a driving mistake are far more likely and worrisome that drone damage to some kid's eye!
Mar 31, 2023 15:45:00 #
Hence the wording - 'highly unlikely mischance' - followed with I don't carry insurance either.
However, the OP, to whom I was really replying since it is his thread, is clearly brand new to drones and needs all the info he can get, and can then make decisions as he sees fit.
However, the OP, to whom I was really replying since it is his thread, is clearly brand new to drones and needs all the info he can get, and can then make decisions as he sees fit.
Mar 31, 2023 15:47:24 #
alexol wrote:
Hence the wording - 'highly unlikely mischance' - followed with I don't carry insurance either.
However, the OP, to whom I was really replying since it is his thread, is clearly brand new to drones and needs all the info he can get, and can then make decisions as he sees fit.
However, the OP, to whom I was really replying since it is his thread, is clearly brand new to drones and needs all the info he can get, and can then make decisions as he sees fit.
Yes! Good point! Back to the OP's needs.
Mar 31, 2023 18:16:50 #
jhgribble wrote:
Took the plunge, purchased a DJI mini 3 pro. So far so good. Registered, took that basic testing, etc . Have done half dozen flights and have not crashed it yet! Not that I am ready for it but what does it take dollarwise and time wise to get the 107 license? Once that is done is there anything else I need to do? Is there insurance coverage I should have? Seems like there is a ton of different ways to make some extra cash while performing this new hobby!
John
John
Others may have different experiences, but I think you may be disappointed re the extra cash part. It's an absolute race to the bottom with respect to prices. Even many of the realtors - just as an example - now would rather pay somebody, unlicensed and using a cheap drone, to get acceptable pictures for very little money.
I was contacted by Dronebase this morning - even though I disconnected a very long time ago - for a job: drive 44 miles, spend approx an hour flying and then 44 miles back for a grand total of $50.
Don't mean to put you off, but to make any money in the game, you have to identify your market and be sure to purchase an appropriate tool or tools for the job, as a starting point. Think of it perhaps as pro photography with the added complication of flying.
It's lot of fun though, for recreational purposes!
Apr 1, 2023 10:24:31 #
I really appreciate everyone's input, thank you all! Maybe the insurance is not needed. Maybe there is not much money in it. But like someone said being new I need the information! Also appreciate the links to various sites! Hoping for some better weather in Michigan to start flying! Thank you again everyone!
Sep 27, 2023 18:42:18 #
If you take any photos or videos that you would benefit from, you need an FAA Part 107 license.
I am recreational only, but if I was Part 107 I would carry insurance. No matter how small the drone is, it could cause damage and people are happy to sue. CYA
I am recreational only, but if I was Part 107 I would carry insurance. No matter how small the drone is, it could cause damage and people are happy to sue. CYA
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.