Aerial Inspection using Small Unmanned Aircraft (Drones)
Drones are an increasingly popular tool used by home inspectors - they may be used:
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To inspect a roof, rather than climbing a ladder and walking it
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To get a closeup view of the upper exterior, when placing and climbing a ladder to do so may be difficult
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To get an aerial view of the entire property, including foliage, drainage, and fencing
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In 2016, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued new regulations governing the commercial use of drones. These regulations require any person operating a drone outdoors for a commercial purpose to obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC), register their commercial drone, and follow strict requirements when operating the drone. Using a drone for a home inspection is a commercial purpose.
Vincent Coakley
RPC #4114314
Drones in Westchester and Fairfield Counties:
The use of drones near airports / flying in controlled airspace is addressed in FAA 14 CFR Part 107, 107.41. A large part of the area serviced by Home Tech is subject to 107.41. Aerial inspections must be conducted by a certified UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System) Pilot and many require prior FAA authorization.
Fortunately, the FAA, have recently enabled their Low Altitude Authorization Notification Capability Program (LAANC), which is now available - through several industry partners - at most of our local airports. Permission to fly may now happen in near real-time processing of airspace authorizations.
In most cases, Home Tech can provide Aerial Inspection Services at short notice.