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Legal

Flight Safety & FAA Compliance

Every flight is planned, authorized and insured. Here's what that involves, and its limits.

Last updated October 1, 2026

Certified and insured

Commercial drone flights for NW Drone & Media are flown by a remote pilot holding an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Our aircraft are registered with the FAA, and we carry commercial drone liability insurance. Certificates of insurance are available to venues and clients on request.

How we plan every flight

  • Airspace check before quoting, including controlled airspace near airports and any Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs).
  • LAANC or FAA DroneZone authorization filed in advance where controlled airspace requires it.
  • Site review for obstacles, people, roads, wildlife and takeoff/landing areas.
  • Weather and wind checks on the day, with go/no-go limits set by the pilot.
  • Pre-flight equipment checks and fully charged backup batteries.

Where we can't fly

Some locations are off-limits or need special permission no matter the project, including:

  • National parks and many wilderness areas, where launching and landing drones is prohibited.
  • Some state parks and public lands, which require a permit or don't allow drones.
  • Areas under active Temporary Flight Restrictions, such as wildfires, VIP visits and large stadium events.
  • Over moving vehicles or crowds, except where Part 107 rules for operations over people are fully met.

We'll tell you before you book if your location has any of these limits.

The pilot has the final call

Safety comes first. The remote pilot in command may delay, change or cancel any flight because of weather, wind, airspace changes, equipment issues, people entering the flight area, or any other safety concern, even on the day of the shoot. When aerial coverage isn't possible, we make up for it with ground coverage where we can. Aerial footage is never guaranteed.

Privacy and property

We plan flights to avoid capturing private property or people who aren't part of the project, and we respect requests from neighbors and venues. Clients are responsible for permission to take off and land on the property they book us for.

Disclaimer

This page describes our general operating practices for information only. It is not legal advice and does not change the terms of any project agreement. FAA rules and local regulations change; flights are always conducted under the rules in effect on the day.

Questions about flying at your site? Email northwestdroneandmedia@gmail.com.