FAQ

What type of equipment do you use?

DST Drones currently operate three unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The newest to our fleet is a DJI Mavic 3, which is the top-of-the-line professional portable drone offered by DJI. This quad-copter is capable of providing amazing photographs through its 4/3 sensor 20 megapixel camera.  It is also capable of generating 5.1K video at 50 frames per second.  We also fly a DJI Phantom 4 Professional V2.0 and a Mavic Mini for use in specialized applications.

What does it mean to be FAA Part 107 certified?

In order to provide commercial drone services, remote pilots must be certified through the FAA's Part 107 program.  This involves studying for and taking a test through the FAA.  The test covers many aspects of responsible unmanned UAV flight, including how to identify restricted airspace and how to operate UAV equipment safely and legally. 

Do you have insurance (ie. what happens if the drone malfunctions and flies through a window)?

Yes, all of our commercial flights for clients are insured up to $500,000 through Verifly or SkyWatch.  These on-demand services allow us to take out an insurance policy to cover each and every  flight.  Proof of insurance can be provided upon request.

How high can you fly?

Flying under FAA rules generally requires that drones fly no higher than 400 feet from the altitude at which they were launched.  However, if flying near a radio tower (perhaps performing an inspection), the drone is permitted to fly 400 feet higher than the highest point of the tallest nearby structure.

Can you fly at night?

Yes, flying at night is now legal. We maintain the proper lighting equipment and follow strict standards to make sure that our night and evening flights are just as safe as our daytime operations.

My property is near an airport, is drone operation allowed?

Operations within FAA controlled airspace must be first authorized by the FAA.  The FAA maintains the LAANC system to authorize flights on a near real-time basis. However, the bad news is that that system has not been rolled out to most of the Central Pennsylvania restricted airspace yet (Johnstown and Altoona in particular). In other areas, including the communities of Martinsburg, Roaring Spring, and Richland, restricted airspace does require going through another FAA authorization process that usually can be completed two weeks prior to the flight. Flying in these areas is possible, but it does require some additional planning.  If you have questions, please contact us and we will look your property up to determine if it falls within restricted airspace.

Do I have to use a certified remote pilot for my commercial imagery?

Yes.

According to Federal Aviation Administration, any UAV acquired imagery that is to be used for commercial purposes must be obtained through a FAA certified remote pilot.  For example, realtors are liable for up to $12,100 in fines if they use photos or videos captured by a non-certified drone operator.  Before hiring a remote pilot, check that they are properly certified using the FAA Registry.