Need high-quality aerial footage, data collection, or inspections—but not sure how to hire a certified drone pilot? You’re not alone. As drone services become more essential across industries like real estate, construction, agriculture, and media, knowing how to find the right pilot can save you time, money, and legal risk.
At Aero National Drones (AND), we make the hiring process easy, safe, and streamlined. Here’s everything you need to know to confidently hire a certified drone pilot for your next project.
1. Understand the Legal Requirement: FAA Part 107 Certification
If you’re hiring a drone operator for commercial work in the United States, they must be certified under FAA Part 107. This federal regulation ensures that pilots:
- Have passed an aeronautical knowledge exam
- Understand airspace rules and weather conditions
- Know how to safely operate drones for business use
Pro Tip: Never assume a pilot is certified. Always verify their Part 107 status—or use a platform like AND, where every pilot is vetted and verified.
2. Define Your Project Goals and Needs
Before hiring, clarify what you’re looking for. Ask yourself:
- Do I need high-resolution photos, video, or mapping?
- Is this for real estate, surveying, events, inspections, etc.?
- What’s my ideal timeline and budget?
Being clear upfront helps match you with the right pilot with the right gear and expertise.
3. Use a Trusted Marketplace with Verified Pilots
Hiring from random forums or Facebook groups is risky. Instead, use a professional platform like Aero National Drones, where:
- All pilots are FAA-certified
- You can browse by location, services offered, and ratings
- You get instant access to their availability and equipment list
This saves hours of back-and-forth—and ensures you’re hiring a professional, not a hobbyist.
4. Check Reviews, Portfolios, and Equipment
A good drone pilot will have:
- A portfolio with examples of past work
- Client reviews or testimonials
- Equipment listed (4K cameras, LiDAR, thermal sensors, etc.)
On AND, every pilot profile includes this info—making it easy to choose based on what matters most to your project.
5. Clarify Deliverables and Permissions
Once you’ve chosen a pilot:
- Define the scope of work (what are they capturing?)
- Confirm deliverables (raw footage? edited video?)
- Discuss timeline, pricing, and usage rights of content
- Make sure they have commercial drone insurance (AND pilots are encouraged to list coverage info)
A clear agreement prevents misunderstandings and ensures success.
6. Connect and Hire with Confidence on AND
Once you’ve found a pilot that fits your needs, you can reach out directly through their profile to discuss the project. Every pilot on Aero National Drones includes:
- Contact options to message or email
- Detailed bios, service areas, and gear lists
- Verified FAA Part 107 certification status
AND already makes it easy to connect, vet, and hire certified professionals faster than ever. It’s a streamlined, trust-first process built with your business in mind.
Hiring the Right Pilot Is Easier Than Ever
Whether you’re filming a luxury property, inspecting a cell tower, or collecting data for a land survey, hiring the right drone pilot is critical.
Let AND do the heavy lifting—so you can focus on your business while we handle the sky.