No, commercial drone operations are not illegal as long as you have the appropriate licensing. Our drone operators all hold, at a minimum, a FAA Part 107 UAS Airman Certificates, which became a requirement as of August 29, 2016, for commercial applications. For more information, please refer to the chart at the bottom of this page.

Any drone operation that is tied to generating income is considered commercial by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This includes contractors using drone footage for project estimates and realtors showcasing property listings. Essentially, if you're not using your drone strictly for hobby or recreational purposes, you are required to comply with commercial regulations and secure the proper licenses.

According to FAA guidelines, small UAS can fly up to 400 feet Above Ground Level (AGL), unless a Certificate of Waiver is obtained, or 400 feet above a structure. Most operations do not require going above 200 feet. There are, however, exceptions for certain industrial needs like wind turbine inspections, cranes, and other high-level infrastructure.

Sometimes. The FAA is always updating their regulations and recently has allowed night flying for Part 107 pilots. However, there are lighting requirements and line of sight requirements to consider. There is also the possibility of exceptions on a case-by-case basis. Nighttime operations come with additional risks and thus require special training and permission from the FAA. Big Brother Aeronautics meets the requirements for training to engage in night operations.

Flying near airports requires special permissions that vary from one airport to another. It is also highly dependent on the type of airspace around your specific airport. It is essential to know the regulations and if necessary, reach out to the FAA, or sectional air map for guidance. Feel free to contact for more specific information on your project location.

Our drones can typically fly for 15 to 41 minutes on a single battery, depending on factors like wind conditions, air temperature, and payload. We carry multiple batteries to extend the overall flight time.

The FAA restricts flying over people who are not involved in the drone operation. Exceptions can be made on a per-flight basis, but a valid reason is required.

Yes, this is possible. But we generally advise against it. Flying indoors can be risky due to the absence of GPS and FAA guidelines that restrict flying near people. Our pilots have received additional training and our indoor pilots have shown proficiency in this arena.