When you hire a drone videographer, you're not just paying for footage. You're hiring a pilot. A professional. Someone operating high-speed equipment in the sky, often around homes, events, construction zones, and people.
Not everyone flying a drone is operating legally. Many "creators" you see online fly without certification, without insurance, and without proper clearance.
At Untethered Minds Media, we do things differently. Because 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 is not optional. It is the law.
To be certified under Part 107, drone pilots must:
- Pass a proctored exam on airspace, weather, flight operations, and emergency procedures
- Follow FAA registration requirements for aircraft
- Be able to produce credentials if requested
- Maintain currency based on FAA requirements
This is not about gatekeeping. It is about safety, accountability, and protecting both the client and the pilot in a commercial environment.
Why FAA Certification Protects You as a Client
When a drone pilot is not certified, you may be taking on invisible risks, legal and financial. If something goes wrong, property damage, injury, or a dispute, the consequences can land on more than just the pilot. Your brand and reputation can be affected.
Hiring a certified and insured operator means:
- You are covered by a commercial liability policy
- Flights are planned for airspace compliance and safety
- You don't have to worry about clearance, restrictions, or violations
- You're working with a professional who understands airspace, weather, safety zones, and ground risk
It's not only about staying out of trouble. It's about showing clients, partners, and stakeholders that you take your own brand seriously.
How We Operate at Untethered Minds Media
At Untethered Minds Media, we are:
- FAA Part 107 certified
- Operating with commercial insurance
- Compliant with applicable federal and local requirements
- Based in Arizona and serving projects across the region
We don't fly until the details are handled. Every operation is planned. Every flight is approached with safety and structure, not chaos.
What Happens If You Hire Someone Who Isn't Certified?
You might save money up front, but you can also increase risk:
- Potential regulatory consequences for unauthorized commercial operations
- Legal liability for property damage or injury
- Insurance issues if the operator is not properly covered
- Footage that may create problems for commercial use if obtained unlawfully
If you're using drone footage for marketing, real estate, construction updates, or promotions, it's worth doing the right way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I legally need to hire an FAA-certified pilot for my business or listing?
If the footage is used for commercial purposes, the operator must comply with FAA rules for commercial drone operations, which typically includes Part 107 certification.
What if I just want a simple video of my property or event?
If money or compensation is involved, and the footage supports a business purpose, it is generally considered commercial use.
Can a drone fly anywhere?
No. Airspace restrictions, controlled zones, temporary flight restrictions, and local rules can all apply. Certified pilots are trained to navigate these constraints and seek authorization where required.
Why It Matters
We're building more than videos. We're building trust. FAA compliance is part of the standard we hold ourselves to so your brand stays protected and elevated.
You're not just hiring a drone. You're hiring expertise and a professional process.
UM Media is FAA Part 107 certified and carries $10M commercial liability insurance for every aerial engagement. See the full Visual Production capabilities. For a detailed breakdown of what Part 107 requires in Arizona, read the FAA Part 107 requirements guide.