Drone Technology in Architecture, Engineering and Construction

CHAPTER 6Documentation, Permissions, and License

This chapter will review the licensure and documentation important to operating a drone for commercial use. Most of the requirements are pretty straightforward and in some instances are just recommended. It is worth implementing even the suggested documents and record keeping to maintain effective, safe, and legal drone business.

Professional Etiquette for Professional Practice

Although professional use of drones is arguably in its infancy, it is progressing quickly and drones are being used in a very wide range of fields. As a result, drone use is growing more rapidly than standards of practice, and legal regulations in particular, are being developed. This chapter will detail the legal requirements, the gray areas, and the common sense practices for using drones in professional settings. Always err on the side of caution and safety when unsure of how a regulation applies to your situation, or if there is not yet a regulation for your situation. Because drones are visible and exciting, one user acting irresponsibly has a large effect on how the overall industry is viewed. The more drone users follow a professional standard of conduct the better the perception of the industry in the eyes of the public.

The Legal Rules

For the purposes of this book, we will focus on legal rules and regulations within the United States of America. Within the US, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the regulating and enforcing agency ...