“If you’re using it for your own purposes, as a company or as a private individual, and you’re not out as a vendor essentially flying services for a fee, I don’t think you’re in violation of the FAA’s ruling that you are operating it under a service‑for‑fee agreement and so that’s not authorized. I never say “illegal” because there’s technically not a law that says you can’t do it. There’s just a rule that says you shouldn’t do it.”
Be careful with “I think”. To me it still seems like a commercial operation of a UAV which whould in fact put you in violation of the Federal Aviation Administration Regulations. As someone with a pilots license….I would not want to get caught by the FAA using a UAV for work or these types of purposes without express written permission from the FAA.
I think there was a court decision a couple days ago stating that UAV’s are not subject to FAA rules. This would seemingly mean the “FAA approval” may not apply any longer.
Not that I disagree with either of the above points, but I recall a CE seminar last year that included this topic. As I understood the speaker, non-governmental operators of UAVs were limited to line of sight operation by FAA Regs. Any “over-the-horizon” use was being strictly forbidden (the practicality of enforcement notwithstanding). If correct, that means no centralized Insurance Airborne Ops Center. On the other hand, I saw the reports that Facebook is supposedly in talks with Titan Aerospace (builer of the solar powered drone that reportedly can stay in the air for years at a time). Who knows what that mix could mean.
Great article, and not so future. We have been flying our quad and hexcopters for insurance companies in our area for over a year now. They are quick. Images is clear, and we contact all the nearby neighbors before each flight so no one feels like they are being spied on. We cover large automobile and truck accidents, fires and legal documentation for attorneys. The county uses us for search and rescue missions. We do roof and building inspection for home inspectors and maintenance managers. We use regular still, video and infrared cameras. The future is now. The industry is growing and the FAA’s regulations are being written. Certified training will come soon. But the FAA will have a hard time stifling the growing industry before they have rules to even enforce. Hopefully we will be able to help the FAA set their regulations in a way that will be fair to the industry and, above all, SAFE for the communities.
Cloud View, are you saying the neighbors willingly allow the drones to fly over their homes, or just over the street and the home with the damage? I for one would not allow it over my home.
And next the insurance industry will use their drones to bombard you with junk mail on your lawn. Buy the lizard’s insurance! Buy the insurance of the 4 star General!
“If you’re using it for your own purposes, as a company or as a private individual, and you’re not out as a vendor essentially flying services for a fee, I don’t think you’re in violation of the FAA’s ruling that you are operating it under a service‑for‑fee agreement and so that’s not authorized. I never say “illegal” because there’s technically not a law that says you can’t do it. There’s just a rule that says you shouldn’t do it.”
Be careful with “I think”. To me it still seems like a commercial operation of a UAV which whould in fact put you in violation of the Federal Aviation Administration Regulations. As someone with a pilots license….I would not want to get caught by the FAA using a UAV for work or these types of purposes without express written permission from the FAA.
I think there was a court decision a couple days ago stating that UAV’s are not subject to FAA rules. This would seemingly mean the “FAA approval” may not apply any longer.
I meant be careful with the “I don’t think” comment…
“The Future of Drones in the Insurance Industry”.
There have ALWAYS been drones in the insurance industry. Mostly in middle management roles.
LOL!
My thoughts exactly. Congratulations on being first with the comment!
God forbid anyone meets face-to-face these days. Maybe the insured can just ‘facebook’ or ‘tweet’ damage pics to their adjuster…
Not that I disagree with either of the above points, but I recall a CE seminar last year that included this topic. As I understood the speaker, non-governmental operators of UAVs were limited to line of sight operation by FAA Regs. Any “over-the-horizon” use was being strictly forbidden (the practicality of enforcement notwithstanding). If correct, that means no centralized Insurance Airborne Ops Center. On the other hand, I saw the reports that Facebook is supposedly in talks with Titan Aerospace (builer of the solar powered drone that reportedly can stay in the air for years at a time). Who knows what that mix could mean.
Let me make sure I understand this: insurance people flying mechanical objects with cameras for long distances. What could go wrong??
Great article, and not so future. We have been flying our quad and hexcopters for insurance companies in our area for over a year now. They are quick. Images is clear, and we contact all the nearby neighbors before each flight so no one feels like they are being spied on. We cover large automobile and truck accidents, fires and legal documentation for attorneys. The county uses us for search and rescue missions. We do roof and building inspection for home inspectors and maintenance managers. We use regular still, video and infrared cameras. The future is now. The industry is growing and the FAA’s regulations are being written. Certified training will come soon. But the FAA will have a hard time stifling the growing industry before they have rules to even enforce. Hopefully we will be able to help the FAA set their regulations in a way that will be fair to the industry and, above all, SAFE for the communities.
Cloud View, are you saying the neighbors willingly allow the drones to fly over their homes, or just over the street and the home with the damage? I for one would not allow it over my home.
Next up- drone dr’s for obamcareless. Just step out on your patio and drop your shorts.
And next the insurance industry will use their drones to bombard you with junk mail on your lawn. Buy the lizard’s insurance! Buy the insurance of the 4 star General!
Buy a shot gun to shoot down the drones!