Vantage Aerial Imaging, LLC
Serving Northwest Oklahoma
Resources
Preparing for Imaging
Ready to have some aerial imaging done? Here's a quick checklist of things to consider.
Vantage Aerial Imaging, LLC will go over these details and more during a personal consultation to make certain you are capture exactly what you're after.
The Basics
- Organize non-essential equipment like athletic gear, toys, and lawn equipment
- Remove unaesthetic items like porta potties and trash cans
- Tend to tasks like as lawncare or stowing equipment
Timing
- Consider dramatic lighting during sunrise or sunset
- Plan for a sequence of sessions through multiple seasons
- Determine if activity like pedestrian traffic is desirable, then plan accordingly
- Assess extent of nearby scheduled functions, then plan accordingly
Moments
- Moments prior to or following an event can add to your story
- Plan for staged photos and known activity
-
Spontaneity can showcase your event-- be open to tangential footage
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much do drones cost?
A: It varies, significantly! Hobby drones can be less than $100. High-quality hobby drones with a camera can exceed $1,000. Drones for professional use range from less than $1,000 to over $5,000. Cinematic film drones and/or drones used for infrared imaging or carrying payloads can exceed $10,000 (and even $50,000 or $100,000).
Q: What are the requirements to become a commercial drone pilot?
A: To fly commercially, the pilot in command must successfully pass the FAA Part 107 examination, complete follow up/refresher requirements, and register their drones with the FAA. There are a few more steps--interested individuals should go directly to the FAA Become a Certified Remote Pilot webpage for information. Vantage Aerial Imaging, LLC's pilot has maintained their Part 107 sUAS license since 2024. For more information, check out the FAA's Drone Zone.
Q: Do commercial drone pilots have to be insured?
A: No, commercial drone pilots do not have to be insured to conduct business--however, it is best practice. Vantage Aerial Imaging, LLC is fully insured with an agency specializing in drone pilot insurance coverage.
Q: Can drone pilots fly their drones out of sight / beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS)?
A: This is a fantastic question, as policy in this area is a hot topic among drone pilots and the FAA. There are current provisions under which commercial pilots may operate drones BVLOS. Vantage Aerial Imaging, LLC is not currently set up for BVLOS and therefore will limit operations to near-proximity flights only.
Q: Is it true that only US-made drones can be used commercially?
A: No. At this time, foreign-made drones may be used for commercial purposes. While there is movement among law makers to further restrict the use of foreign-made drones, these units can still be used commercially in the US. Vantage Aerial Imaging, LLC has secured US-made drones for commercial purposes, nonetheless.
Q: I saw someone flying a drone close to an airport--is that legal?
A: Short answer: It depends. Smaller airports do not have permanent restrictions on surrounding airspace. Even larger airports may permit use of drones near it's perimeter (though there may be alititude restrictions). So drone pilots may operate near many airports legally. It is the responsibility of the drone pilot to be aware of any restrictions in the area. Vantage Aerial Imaging, LLC utilizes two airspace apps (Air Control and Air Aware) prior to each flight to ensure the airspace is not restricted.
Q: What is the maximum altitude you can fly a drone?
A: Generally, 400 ft above ground level or 400 ft above the subject being imaged. If an operator is flying a drone in restricted air space, permitted altitudes may vary.
Q: Is flying a drone at night legal?
A: It is legal for drones to operate at night when it is dark, provided certain criteria are met. Additionally, drone pilots may submit a waiver to the FAA in advance for approval for night flying if they do not meet the criteria. For safety reasons, Vantage Aerial Imaging, LLC does not currently conduct flights at night.
Q: Is flying a drone over people legal?
A: It is legal for drones to operate over people (and moving vehicles), provided certain criteria are met. Additionally, drone pilots may submit a waiver to the FAA in advance for approval for flying over people (and moving vehicles) if they do not meet the criteria. For safety reasons, Vantage Aerial Imaging, LLC does not currently conduct flights over people (or moving vehicles) not actively participating in missions/projects.
Add your product description that will be useful for your customers. Add the exclusive properties of your product that will make customers want to buy it. Write your own text and style it in Store properties on Style tab.
Add your product description that will be useful for your customers. Add the exclusive properties of your product that will make customers want to buy it. Write your own text and style it in Store properties on Style tab.