Frequently Asked Questions

We strive to provide clear, easy to understand answers to your questions.
Please call or contact us if your question is not answered below.

How much does it cost?

Please see our Rates in the navigation menu at top of page.

How long does it take?

That depends on many factors, but generally between 1-7 days.

We'll complete your project as quickly as possible!

Typically, it shouldn't take more than five to ten minutes by phone to discuss the specifics of your project and schedule times to conduct flights at the location. We immediately send you (by text or email) a pre-filled Work Order detailing the specifics of your project, along with our UAS Service Agreement. You review, accept with your electronic signature... then we go to work!

We only operate on-location at the dates and times mutually agreed upon in the Service Order, and will essentially be on stand-by during those times waiting for the best possible opportunity to make the flights required to accomplish your specific objective. We monitor the current weather conditions and forecasts very carefully and we try to anticipate the best possible times for flight operations, to maximize safety and the quality of final results.

Once the drone flights are completed, raw photos and video will normally be available for DOWNLOAD in one (1) day.

Is it legal to have someone I know use their drone?

No, it's a violation of federal law, unless they hold a valid FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification.

In June 2016 the FAA published a new set of "drone laws", then later revised them in April 2021. The "drone laws" are also known as FAA Part 107. Under the current drone laws, most flights for commercial drone (sUAS) use are covered by Part 107. If your flights meet those FAA Part 107 regulations for commercial drone use, such as use of photos and/or video "in furtherance of a business", rental properties, promotional or marketing purposes, or ANY commercial application then you are required to use an FAA Part 107 Licensed "Pilot In Command". Additionally, any sUAS (drone) used to take photos or video for business, is required to be registered for commercial use with the FAA.

Will I really get in trouble using an unlicensed drone pilot?

Using Drone Photos & Video on the Web or Social Media makes it easy for the FAA to find you!

The FAA actively targets violators for enforcement and someone like a Real estate agent or business owner who hires an unlicensed drone pilot to shoot photos or videos could face FAA fines of up to $75,000 per incidence.

"Violating the drone regulations puts lives at risk in the air and on the ground," says FAA administrator Mike Whitaker. "Flying a small drone means you are flying an aircraft, and unsafe behavior will cost you." And, according to a recent article posted on DroneDJ.com the FAA has been instituting harsher penalties than in the past due to some recent legislation increasing fines for violations of drone laws.

A Boston man faces fines of up to $5,000 and loss of his $4,000 drone after he flew his drone near the Boston Marathon finish line in April, 2024. The incident lead to a mid-air interception of the drone. Once the drone was in the posession of law enforcement it was traced back to the owner.

On January 28, 2024 an ignorant recreational drone pilot wound up facing FEDERAL CHARGES for violating a TFR ( Temporary Flight restriction ) at an NFL playoff game in Maryland after being apprehended by State Police. The drone operator claimed he had no knowledge of the rules he was supposed to be following when operating his UAS and blamed the drone manufacturer for allowing the drone to operate in that area. Except, you ARE ordinarily allowed to fly in that area, and it was only because of the TFR that he was violating Federal Regulations... something only a licensed drone pilot is likely to know to even check for. The U.S. attorney’s office in Baltimore charged him with violating four aviation laws that carry possible prison terms adding up to three years.

In November of 2020 a Philedelphia based YouTuber and drone pilot was fined $184,500 by the FAA after posting videos on YouTube showing multiple violations of numerous regulations in CFR Part 107. The incidents involved several different types of violations including flying in poor weather conditions, flying beyond line of sight, loosing control of the drone and perhaps worst of all flying in Philadelphia's Class B airspace (KPHL) without proper waivers or clearance... potentially putting people's lives at risk by interfering with manned aircraft operations.

An incident at the 2020 Super Bowl underscores the seriousness of the drone laws and potential penalties for violating them! The civil penalties for flying a commercial sUAS without first obtaining a remote pilot's certificate from the FAA are up to $32,666 for each incidence, and The FAA may impose criminal sanctions, which include fines of up to $250,000 and/or a prison sentence of up to three years upon conviction.

In another incident originally reported by FOX5 Las Vagas in 2019 a drone pilot was fined $20,000 after he lost control of his drone and had a "fly-away", then it made an uncontrolled landing next to an active runway at McCarran International Airport. The pilot was completely oblivious to FAA regulations and was cited for nine (9) violations as a result. He was quoted as saying: "That's half of my year's paycheck for trying to take a picture." The $20,000 fine has now been turned over to the U.S. Treasury Department where they will effort collecting money through (the pilots) income tax returns.

None of that takes into account the potential for property damage, or worse yet, the possibilty of someone being accidentally injured if something goes wrong with a drone that is improperly registered, configured, maintained or operated. Out-of-control drones can cause serious, even catastrophic injury. If one of your customers, or anyone in the vicinity were hurt by an unlicensed, uninsured operator working for you, it could put you in a situation where you are facing enourmous civil law suits.

Are you an FAA licensed drone pilot?

YES.

We hold current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification, required to operate drones (sUAS) for commercial purposes.This includes Aerial Photography & Cinematography, Real Estate, Construction, Infrastructure & Crop Inspections, and more. Any and all crew members are thoroughly trained on drone operations and procedures before working with us on your project.

Additionally, all of our equipment is properly registered for commercial use with the FAA.

Do you have insurance?

YES.

By default we carry $500,000 liability insurance coverage‡ during outdoor commercial operations and our clients (you) are named as an "Additional Insured" on the policy for each flight and will be provided with a PDF copy of the certificate of insurance upon request. Greater coverage limits up to $5,000,000, and coverage for indoor operations available on request for an additional charge (as determined by policy underwriter, Global Aerospace, Inc.)

Do you offer a guarantee?

Our goal is for you to be satisfied with the aerial photos and video we shoot for you and we work with our clients to to acheive that goal.

Do I own the copyrights?

YES.

Pursuant to our UAS Service Agreement governing "Work for Hire" operations, once payment has been received in full we will transfer to you all copyrights of photos, videos and/or data collected as specified per each UAS Work Order.

Can I license (stock) photos/footage I saw on YouTube or this web site?

YES.

Please visit our YouTube Channel to view some of the video footage of Montauk we have compiled over the years.

If you would like to use our footage in your project or web site we offer licensing on a large library of Stock Drone Footage of Montauk, including footage of: Montauk Lighthouse, Montauk Beaches, Boating in Montauk, Surfing in Montauk, Beach Driving in Montauk, Surfcasting in Montauk, Montauk Architectural Landmarks, Montauk Landscapes, Sunrises, Sunsets, various wildlife and animals including Whales, Seals, Birds, Horses, Dogs, Deer, etc. in and around Montauk

If you are interested in a specific type of shot, area of Montauk, or a specific subject please do not hesitate to contact us and we will search our library for the type of footage you require.

Can you fly over water?

YES.

Being based in Montauk, NY, nearly ALL our flights are near, if not directly over water to some degree. Beyond that, we have some special capabilities & equipment, including a boat to operate from, enabling us to conduct operations out on the water (e.g. to photograph or video a charter or party boat).

Since wind becomes a major factor, this type of flying takes special preparation and planning and often requires extra crew and chase boat to complete successfully.

Can you fly over people and moving vehicles?

YES.

We hold a current FAA Waiver for 14 CFR § 107.145 (Operations over Moving Vehicles) and 14 CFR § 107.39 (Operation over People) and are able to legally fly and operate over both large crowds of people at outdoor events as well as moving vehicles within uncontrolled Class G and Class E Airspace (exluding Class E2.)
 
NOTE: FAA Waiver requires the use of special equipment with limit of 15MPH wind speed and a dedicated Visual Observer.

Can you fly at night?

YES.

We have proper certification (FAA ALC-677 & ALC-703) and equipment to operate safely, legally and effectively for commercial purposes outside daylight hours within uncontrolled Class G and Class E Airspace (exluding Class E2.) We can provide photos of your location at night to show dramatic landscape lighting or perform an aerial photographic survey of commercial property lighting to help businesses assess compliance with dark skies regulations, etc.

NOTE: Night operations within Controlled Airspace may be possible, but will require additional FAA Authorization, potentially increasing project lead time and incurring additional charges associated with obtaining required authorization.

Can you fly in controlled airspace?

YES.

Flights inside controlled air space require prior FAA and ATC (Air Traffic Control) authorization. Aquiring FAA authorization can take up to 90 days, dramatically increasing project lead time. We have experience at obtaining authorization from the FAA to fly in controlled air space, such as the Class D Controlled Air Space surrounding (KHTO) East Hampton Airport.

All flights in controlled airspace are subject to final clearance from ATC and specific drone altitude restrictions exist, as published on the FAA's UAS Facilities Map. However, we are experienced at requesting special FAA authorization to fly in areas with a 0 altitude ceiling on the published UASFM, so we may be able to complete your project even if the location is in an area where drones are not ordinarily allowed to fly.

Any flights at locations within 2 miles from the airport require the use of a designated Visual Observer in the Flight Crew.

Call us for a no-charge, no-obligation review of limitations and altitude restrictions of your location.

What is an sUAS?

sUAS is an acronym for "small Unmanned Aircraft System".

The terms "drone" and sUAS are commonly used interchangeably. As far as the FAA is concerned, an sUAS is comprised of not just the "drone" (aircraft), but rather every component and piece of equipment associated with operating the aircraft, including but not limited to: Ground Control Station, Display Screens, Aviation-band Radios to monitor manned aircraft pilots and ATC, Crew Communication Equipment, right down to the Pilot In Command's Sunglasses! (Yes, really!!)

What is a Visual Observer?

A Flight Crew member who serves as a second set of eyes for the (Drone) Pilot In Command

In some areas, like in controlled airspace near airports, the FAA requires that a Visual Observer be part of the Flight Crew to monitor for any potential hazards or danger, especially low-flying manned aircraft in the area. A Visual Observer may also be required by the terms of some operational waivers granted by the FAA ( eg. operating over people or moving vehicles. )