Frequently Asked Questions

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I am FAA certified and have extensive experience in photography, filming, digital media production and flying drones for commercial use. I have filmed and created content for websites, YouTube, and social media for over 12 years and am dedicated to producing eye catching imagery using the photos and video I capture with drones, along with high-quality ground level cameras and audio equipment. 

•  Recreational Drone Flying is for personal enjoyment and hobby use. Pilots must follow the FAA’s Exception for Recreational Flyers, which includes registering drones over 0.55 lbs., keeping them within visual line of sight, flying below 400 feet in uncontrolled airspace, and staying away from airports and restricted areas. No special license is required, but pilots should follow safety guidelines from the FAA and organizations like the AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics).
• Commercial Drone Flying involves using drones for business, professional, or financial gain, such as real estate photography, construction surveys, or marketing. Commercial pilots must be Part 107 certified by the FAA, which requires passing an aeronautical knowledge test. They must also follow strict operational rules, such as obtaining authorization for controlled airspace, maintaining detailed flight logs, and adhering to additional safety regulations, including restrictions on flying over people and at night without a waiver.

In short, if you’re flying for fun, you’re a recreational pilot, but if you’re making money or using drones for business purposes, you must operate under Part 107 commercial regulations.

My service rates are tailored to each client’s unique needs, ensuring you only pay for what truly benefits you or your business. Pricing is based on the complexity of the project, the level of editing required, and the specific goals you want to achieve. Despite offering high quality imagery, my rates remain below the national average for similar services, allowing you to access professional marketing materials, photography and content creation without exceeding your budget. 

Guardian Drone Services uses top-of-the-line equipment including photography and FPV drones, cameras, audio recorders and editing software to ensure the highest quality footage and content possible. I invest in the latest technology and equipment to provide my clients and customers with the best results.

An FPV (First-Person View) Drone and a Photography Drone serve different purposes and have distinct features:

• FPV Drone: Designed for high-speed, immersive flying, FPV drones provide a real-time video feed through goggles or a monitor, giving the pilot a first-person perspective. These drones are typically used for racing, freestyle flying, and capturing dynamic, high-action footage, such as fast-moving cinematic shots through tight spaces. FPV drones require manual control, often lack automated stabilization, and demand advanced piloting skills.
• Photography Drone: Built for aerial photography and videography, these drones focus on stability, high-resolution imaging, and smooth flight. They come with features like gimbal stabilization, GPS-assisted flight, and automated shooting modes to capture stunning, high-quality images and videos. Popular for real estate, marketing, and surveying, photography drones prioritize precision and ease of use rather than speed and agility.

 Guardian Drone Services provides high-quality drone and imagery services to a wide range of clients, including real estate agencies, construction companies, cities and towns, small business owners, golf courses, roofing companies, restaurants, and the general public, to name a few. My services go beyond drone photography—I utilize multiple cameras, including ground-based cameras and audio equipment, to ensure that every aspect of your project, property, event, or gathering is captured from all the best angles. 

Certified commercial drone pilots, operating under the FAA’s Part 107 regulations, are allowed to fly in uncontrolled (Class G) airspace without special authorization. However, flights in controlled airspace (Classes B, C, D, and E) require FAA approval, which certified remote pilots can obtain through an application process with the FAA. Pilots must always keep drones within visual line of sight, fly below 400 feet above ground level (unless otherwise approved), and avoid restricted areas such as airports, military bases, and national parks without proper clearance. Additionally, commercial drone operations must follow specific rules regarding night flying, flying over people, and operating near critical infrastructure to ensure safety and compliance with federal laws.

I have the capability to fly drones and film with my equipment in rain and snow; however, the decision to proceed will be at my sole discretion to ensure safety and protection of my equipment. While some drones and cameras are weather-resistant, extreme conditions can impact flight stability and image quality. If weather conditions pose a risk, I will postpone services to a safer time. Any services delayed due to bad weather will be rescheduled at no additional cost, ensuring you receive the high-quality results you expect without compromise.

Yes, I will travel to capture aerial and ground level footage/photos for clients outside of my local area. Travel rates may apply but you can contact me anytime to discuss your project. Rates for travel follow current federal reimbursement. Please see "Travel Rates" in the menu options for more information. 

Drones offer far more than just photography and video—they are powerful tools for a variety of industries and applications. They can be used for mapping and surveying land, conducting infrastructure and roof inspections, monitoring construction progress, assisting in agriculture with crop analysis, and even supporting search and rescue operations. Drones also play a crucial role in thermal imaging for energy audits, security surveillance, and wildlife tracking. Their ability to access hard-to-reach areas quickly and safely makes them invaluable for improving efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing decision-making. Whether you're a business owner, contractor, or homeowner, drones provide innovative solutions that save time, improve safety, and deliver precise data tailored to your needs.

I am available to provide services as soon as a client schedules them, ensuring a smooth and efficient process from start to finish. With flexible availability, I can accommodate urgent projects, last-minute requests, and planned events, delivering high-quality results when you need them most. Once a service is scheduled, I handle all necessary preparations, including flight planning, equipment setup, and obtaining any required authorizations, so there are no delays.