Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely! If you are planning on hiring someone to take aerial photographs with a UAV (drone), then the FAA requires the pilot to be 107 Certified. The fines from the FAA are up to $250,000 if you get caught hiring someone who is not certified. If you want to know if someone is FAA 107 Certified, just simply ask to see their credentials. The FAA sends every certified pilot a hard plastic card.

Legally, I can only fly my UAV's as far as I can see them. The hexacopter that we use is large enough to comfortably see about 3/4 of a mile away, but most of the projects we do are within a couple hundred feet of where we're standing. Our folding quadcopter is much smaller, and comfortably visible about 1/2 mile away. The FAA limits all UAV flights to 400 feet above ground level, or 400'4 feet above the fixed object they are inspecting. There are many different classifications of airspace. Southeast Virginia and Northeast North Carolina have Classes C, D, E, and G. Around airports, I can fly my UAV's inside airport airspace with permission from the FAA. I can have clearance within 10-15 minutes in most cases. Unlike many other UAV manufacturers, none of my UAV's restrict me from flying near an airport.

No. But, if you would like specific shots, they need to be discussed either prior to the shoot date, or meet me at the location. If you would like interior photos of any real estate, you would need to be present.

Approximately 23 minutes per battery on the hexacopter, and 35 minutes per battery on the folding quadcopter. Wind conditions, outside air temperature, and humidity will greatly effect the drone's performance.

Both of our drones can hold their position and fly safely in high sustained winds. The hexacopter will fly in winds up to 35mph, and the folding quadcopter will fly in winds up to 39mph. Both can fly in a very light rain, but neither of them are capable of flying in heavy rain. Water and electronics do not mix.

Waterway Aerials, LLC is a small local business registered with the Virginia State Corporation Commission, is licensed with the City of Chesapeake, only uses an FAA 107 Certified UAV pilot, every job is insured to $1M, and we deliver computer generated receipts for you to keep and use for writing off expenses. We are licensed to operate a drone commercially in North Carolina, with the NCDOT. We are also registered with the State of Virginia as an eVA vendor. Chris is one of the most professional people you will meet. He is never in a rush to leave and is willing to answer just about any question. Customer service is a lost art, and he always makes sure it comes first and foremost.