Hiring a licensed drone operator is serious business these days, as the FAA recently added regulations for commercial pilots last June. The regulations require all pilots wishing to operate commercially to pass the Part 107 sUAS (Small Unmanned Aircraft System) exam, which is a 60 question test covering rules related to airspace types, weather patterns, and best practices for drone pilots.
As of June, I hold this Part 107 certification, and am legally allowed to operate a drone for residential and commercial real estate shoots. Do not be negligent when it comes to hiring a Part 107 certified pilot, as the FAA has confirmed that not only the pilots will be held accountable for illegal operation, but also the “person who causes the operation” as well.