What FAA Part 107 Means (And Why It Should Matter to You)
When you hire a drone videographer, you’re not just paying for footage. You’re hiring a pilot. A professional. Someone who operates heavy, high-speed tech in the sky—often over homes, events, construction zones, and people.
But not everyone with a drone is operating legally. In fact, many drone "creators" you see online are flying without certification, without insurance, and without clearance.
At Untethered Minds Media, we do things differently. Because we know you’re not just buying a video. You’re trusting us to do it right.
What Is FAA Part 107?
FAA Part 107 is the federal certification required to legally operate drones for commercial use in the United States. It’s not optional. It’s not a suggestion. It’s the law.
To be certified under Part 107, drone pilots must:
Pass a proctored exam on airspace regulations, weather patterns, flight operations, and emergency procedures
Register every aircraft with the FAA
Carry credentials on-site and be able to produce them if questioned
Re-certify every 24 months
This isn’t about gatekeeping—it’s about safety, accountability, and protecting both the client and the pilot in any commercial environment.
Why FAA Certification Protects You as a Client
When a drone pilot is not certified, you are assuming invisible risks. Real ones. Legal ones. Financial ones.
Imagine hiring someone to shoot a luxury real estate property who crashes into a neighboring rooftop—or worse, causes injury at a live event. If that pilot isn't certified and insured, you could be held partially liable. Your reputation is on the line, and the footage they deliver may not even be legally usable in commercial marketing.
Hiring a certified and insured drone company like Untethered Minds Media means:
You are covered by our commercial liability policy
Every flight we conduct is pre-cleared and legally compliant
You don’t have to worry about permits, waivers, or violations
You’re working with professionals who understand airspace, weather, safety zones, and ground control
It’s not just about staying out of trouble—it’s about showing clients, partners, and stakeholders that you take your own brand seriously.
How We Operate at UM Media
At Untethered Minds Media, we are:
FAA Part 107 Certified
Fully Registered with the FAA
Commercially Insured
Operating Legally in Arizona and Surrounding Regions
We don’t fly until the paperwork is in place. Every operation is logged. Every airspace request is filed properly. Every battery is tested. Every shot is backed by strategy and structure—not chaos.
We work with realtors, builders, creatives, and business owners who care about doing things right the first time. No cut corners. No legal gray areas.
What Happens If You Hire Someone Who Isn't Certified?
You might save a couple hundred dollars… but here’s what you risk:
Fines up to $32,666 per unauthorized flight (yes, per flight)
Legal liability for property damage or injury
Voided insurance coverage (many policies deny claims involving uncertified pilots)
Footage that can’t be legally used in real estate listings, ads, or business promotions
Google and MLS platforms are now cracking down on illegal drone content. If your listing or campaign uses unauthorized footage, it may be removed, flagged, or penalized.
Why risk that?
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I legally need to hire an FAA-certified pilot for my business or listing?
Yes—if you’re using the footage for commercial purposes, the drone pilot must be FAA Part 107 certified. That includes real estate, construction, social media marketing, or promotional content of any kind.
What if I just want a simple video of my property or event?
Even if it seems simple, any exchange of money for drone footage counts as a commercial use under FAA law.
Can’t any drone fly anywhere?
No. Certified pilots are trained to navigate airspace restrictions, flight ceilings, and no-fly zones. We use LAANC authorization systems to gain real-time flight clearance where needed.
Why It Matters
At UM Media, we’re building more than videos—we’re building trust. FAA certification isn’t just a box we check. It’s part of the standard we hold ourselves to so your brand stays protected, respected, and elevated.
You’re not just hiring a drone. You’re hiring expertise, experience, and legal protection.
Let’s Fly the Right Way
If you’re ready to partner with a licensed, insured, and professional drone team, you’re in the right place.
We’ll help you elevate your vision without ever cutting corners.
