WHITFORD AERIAL

FAA Licensed Aerial Photography

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Whitford Aerial Photography?

According to The National Association of Realtors, 73-percent of homeowners are more likely to list their home with Realtors that use video. However, only 9-percent of Real Estate companies use video to sell properties. That means that Whitford Aerial can give you a competitive edge over 91-percent of your competitors!

Why should I use Whitford Aerial Photography when my nephew has a drone and won't even charge me for the footage?

Experience and Licensing. Whitford Aerial has the appropriate equipment and licensing. More importantly, your nephew isn't a licensed drone pilot. The FAA is cracking down on un-licensed drone pilots and are handing out hefty fines for realtors that use them to promote their listings. Any realtor who hires an UN-licensed drone pilot can be fined $11,000 for each instance. The drone pilot can be fined $1,100 for each instance. It's the same as hiring a truck driver without a CDL (Commercial Driver's License) Furthermore, if a realtor has their own UN-licensed drone, they are then responsible for BOTH fines. This is in effect if you pay for photos or not. There is no difference in the eyes of the FAA. They consider this “in furtherance of a business”.

Who is David Whitford?

I am a born and raised Texan. I discovered a love for flying at an early age.  I received my general aviation pilots license in 1994 and my part 107 remote pilot UAV license in early 2019.  I have 25+ years of architectural experience.  Mostly commercial but a good bit of residential as well.  I also love photography and the ability to capture a scene or moment in time.  Drones now give me a unique way and ability to photograph buildings, land and more.  I look forward to being able to capture your home, buildings, and land and creating that ‘story’ that it deserves.

Why should I hire Whitford Aerial Photography vs other companies?

Whitford Aerial Photography is licensed, insured, and will travel almost anywhere for a project. David, along with being a technical perfectionist can put together great views and tell a story of your property in a compelling way.

How much is this going to cost?

Prices are fair, negotiable and available upon request.

Can a Realtor get into trouble by hiring a Non-Licensed drone pilot?

The short answer is, YES.

Federal law prohibits anyone from flying drones for compensation unless they hold a valid FAA Remote Pilot license. If your photographer is providing "aerial" images for you and a drone is being used, make sure he or she is licensed. This is in effect if you pay for photos or not. There is no difference in the eyes of the FAA. They consider this “in furtherance of a business”.

Fines for the unlicensed pilot and the person hiring the pilot can be quite substantial. The fine is $1,100 per occurrence/flight where imagery is used commercially. More importantly perhaps, the fine for a real estate agent who contracts  an unlicensed pilot is $11,000. Of course, if you’re an agent who bought a drone and took the photos or video yourself, you will be liable for both fines. 

You can search for an active and valid license here: https://amsrvs.registry.faa.gov/airmeninquiry/main.aspx
Best thing is to enter the LAST name and STATE, then search.

My license,proof of certification, and Insurance are available upon request.