Operating drones commercially in Washington requires compliance with federal, state, and local laws. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Federal Rules: FAA Part 107 certification, Remote ID compliance, max altitude of 400 feet, and maintaining a visual line of sight.
- State Laws: Washington requires state registration, bans flying over critical infrastructure, and mandates $100,000 in liability insurance.
- Privacy Rules: No images of private areas (e.g., backyards) without consent.
- Permits: Required for state parks, municipal properties, and historic sites.
Key Steps for Compliance:
- Plan flights carefully – check restrictions, weather, and flight paths.
- Obtain necessary licenses, insurance, and permits.
- Conduct pre-flight safety checks.
Following these rules ensures legal and safe drone use while capturing stunning aerial views for your real estate listings.
Washington Drone Laws
FAA Rules and Remote ID
Federal guidelines set the foundation for drone operations:
- Commercial pilots must have FAA Part 107 certification.
- Remote ID compliance is mandatory for all drones starting September 16, 2023.
- Drones cannot fly higher than 400 feet above ground level.
- Operators must maintain a visual line of sight at all times.
State-Level Requirements
Washington state adds its own layer of rules under RCW 9A.88.010:
- State registration is required for commercial drone use.
- Flying over critical infrastructure or correctional facilities is prohibited.
- Operators must carry at least $100,000 in liability insurance.
Public Property Permits
Certain locations in Washington require special permits for drone use:
- State Parks: Permits are issued by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission.
- Municipal Properties: Contact the local jurisdiction for approval.
- Historic Sites and Monuments: Specific permissions are needed for these areas.
Now, let’s take a closer look at the privacy measures in place for drone operations in Washington.
Where to fly and drone laws in Washington State! Everything …
Privacy Rules and Guidelines
Washington has clear rules to protect privacy when it comes to drone use.
Privacy Laws
These laws prohibit recording or taking images of private areas – like home interiors, backyards, patios, or pool spaces – without the owner’s permission.
Steps to Protect Privacy
- Get consent from property owners and notify neighbors if there’s a chance their property might be included in your footage.
- Carefully plan your drone’s flight path to ensure it only captures the intended property.
Up next, we’ll dive into flight planning and licensing requirements to help you stay compliant.
Compliance Steps
Once privacy measures are in place, follow these steps to ensure all compliance requirements are met during real estate drone shoots.
Flight Planning
Planning your drone’s flight path is crucial for safe and efficient real estate photography. Here’s what to do:
- Check NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen) and any temporary flight restrictions before heading out.
- Review weather conditions, focusing on wind speed and visibility.
- Map out your flight path to steer clear of restricted airspace and obstacles.
- Schedule flights during daylight hours for the best lighting and visibility.
Required Licenses
Make sure you have all the necessary certifications and documentation:
- A valid FAA Part 107 remote pilot certification.
- Drone registration in Washington state.
- Proof of $100,000 liability insurance.
- Physical copies of all permits and certifications should be with you on-site.
Safety Checklists
Before launching your drone, run through these safety checks to avoid issues:
- Inspect the drone thoroughly before the flight.
- Confirm battery levels and have backup power ready.
- Identify and document emergency landing spots.
- Check the area for power lines or other obstacles.
- Test all control systems and camera functions to ensure they’re working properly.
HomeJab Professional Services
Once you’ve taken care of permits, flight plans, and licensing, HomeJab makes your drone shoots hassle-free. They connect you with licensed local photographers who handle all the technical and legal details, so you can focus on showcasing your listings.
Here’s what HomeJab offers:
- High-resolution aerial photos and videos
- FAA Part 107 certified pilots, registered in Washington
- Fast media delivery within 24 hours, with packages starting at $249
(Rated 4.8/5 from 887 reviews)
“HomeJab’s photographers always do a wonderful job! This time, Mr. Vincent did drone fly over and still photography that showed my listing beautifully!” – Betsy Moston
Summary
Real estate professionals in Washington need to follow both federal and state drone regulations, including privacy laws. Working with HomeJab helps ensure compliance while minimizing risks and providing top-notch aerial media. HomeJab offers drone photography services with a strong track record, boasting a 4.8 out of 5 rating from 887 reviews [1].
“This was my first time using HomeJab and I was extremely impressed. The website was easy to schedule a photoshoot, the response was quick and the photos were delivered within 48 hours. The finished photos were OUTSTANDING! I was a little nervous of what we would get with me not being at the site, but I couldn’t have been happier. Also, the prices were very reasonable. Can’t wait to use them again in other projects.”
– BWE Investment Sales, HomeJab Customer [1]
