February 16, 2017
If you’re looking to hire a drone pilot for whatever reason, there are a few things you need to check on to be sure you’re getting the best pilot possible. In addition to questions involving price or scope of work, here are some questions to ask when you hire a drone pilot.
Do you Have a Portfolio of Previous Work?
Whenever hiring anyone to do video or photography work, be sure you take the time to look through their previous work to get a good idea of their quality. Just because someone has a website and a drone doesn’t mean they have the ability necessary to create a quality product. If the drone pilot doesn’t have a portfolio of work or any references, ask about their refund policy if the finished product isn’t up to par.
Do you Have Drone Insurance?
Ask the drone pilot if they have drone insurance so you can rest assured if an accident happens they are covered. Otherwise, you could be on the hook for expensive property damage or medical bill. While there are many different types of drone insurance, it’s important the drone pilot at the very least has some type of liability drone insurance policy which will cover any damage they may cause.
What Type of Drone Licenses do you Have?
In certain cites and states, you will need specialized licenses to perform certain tasks. Be sure you ask the drone pilot you plan on hiring if they have the appropriate licensing to fly their drone for whatever need you are hiring them for. Sometimes, licensees aren’t required and the pilot will be able to tell you that one way or the other; but be sure to do your own research to double-check.
What Back-ups do you Have for your Drone?
If you’re hiring a drone pilot for filming an important event, be sure to ask the drone pilot what types of back-ups they have. Things happen and drones can break down, batteries can die, and the video they film can get corrupted. Asking the drone pilot what back-ups they have will help you understand their level of professionalism to ensure the finished product is what you want.
Have you had any Previous Drone Accidents?
No matter the event, you probably want to ask the drone pilot if they’ve had previous accidents. Their answer will help you in determining how accident-prone the pilot is, and whether or not you would want to obtain non-owned coverage drone insurance for your event. Either way, this answer will help you in determining if the pilot is capable enough for the task you aim to hire them for.
For more information on drone insurance and what questions to ask when you hire a drone pilot, get in touch with American Heritage Insurance Agency, Inc. American Heritage offers a unique, comprehensive drone insurance program for commercial drone operations. Give American Heritage a call at 410-552-1200 or visit our website for more information today!
