FAA regulations under Part 107 restrict flying directly over moving vehicles and people who aren't part of the operation. For events with large gatherings, we plan flight paths carefully to stay clear of crowds, work from designated launch/landing zones, and in some cases can obtain a specific FAA waiver to fly over people when needed. We'll discuss your event needs upfront so there are no surprises on shoot day.

Yes. Night operations are permitted under Part 107 as long as the drone is equipped with anti-collision lighting visible from at least three statute miles — our equipment meets this requirement. Night flights can produce stunning results for real estate twilight shoots, events, and marketing content. Just let us know if a night or twilight shoot is part of your vision.

The standard FAA ceiling for Part 107 operations is 400 feet above ground level (AGL). In most cases, this is more than enough for real estate, construction, and event work. Near airports or in certain controlled airspace, we may operate at lower altitudes as required by authorization. We never exceed our authorized altitude.

Not quite. U.S. airspace is carefully managed, and many areas require prior authorization before a drone can fly — especially near airports, military installations, stadiums, and certain government facilities. We use FAA-approved tools to check airspace before every flight and obtain digital authorization (called LAANC) when required. Some areas, like Washington D.C. and certain restricted military zones, are simply off-limits. We'll always confirm your location is flyable before we show up.

FAA regulations govern the airspace, not the ground below — but that doesn't mean property rights are irrelevant. For commercial shoots, we always coordinate with the property owner or their authorized representative beforehand. For real estate, that typically means working directly with the listing agent or homeowner.

Yes. Excelsior Aerial Solutions carries commercial general liability and hull (drone) insurance. We can provide a certificate of insurance upon request, which is often required by property managers, HOAs, golf courses, construction sites, or event venues before we fly.

Safety comes first — we won't fly in rain, high winds, or conditions that compromise image quality or safety. If weather forces a reschedule, we'll work with you to find the next available window at no additional charge. For time-sensitive projects like listing launches, we keep a close eye on the forecast and communicate early if a weather delay is likely.

Our pilot holds an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, which is the federal license required for any commercial drone operation in the United States — meaning any flight where money is exchanged. Recreational hobbyist pilots are not authorized to fly for hire. When you work with Excelsior Aerial Solutions, you're working with a properly credentialed commercial operator.

Deliverables depend on the project scope, but standard turnaround is 1-2 business days for photos and video. Specific file formats, resolution, and usage rights are spelled out in your service agreement before we start.

FAA Part 107 regulations apply to the National Airspace System — meaning outdoor, uncontrolled, and controlled airspace. Indoor flights are technically outside FAA jurisdiction, but we evaluate indoor work case by case based on the space, lighting, and safety considerations. Reach out and we can discuss whether an indoor shoot is a fit.