Do I Need to Hire a Licensed Drone Pilot for My Commercial Video in Boston? Here’s Everything You Need to Know
Drone footage has become a staple in modern video production. Whether you’re showcasing a Boston skyline, capturing a real estate property, or highlighting an event, aerial shots add cinematic impact that makes your video stand out. But here’s the catch: not just anyone can grab a drone and start flying — especially not in Boston’s crowded and heavily regulated airspace.
If you’re a business owner looking to hire a Boston videographer for a commercial project, it’s critical to understand what kind of licensing and clearance your drone operator should have. Choosing the wrong person could put you at risk for fines, legal issues, and even safety hazards.
Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know about FAA certification, flight clearance, and how to make sure you’re hiring the right professional for your Boston video project.
FAA Part 107 Certification: The License Every Commercial Drone Pilot Needs
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulates all drone flights in the U.S., and anyone flying a drone for commercial purposes — meaning anything that benefits a business — must hold a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
This certification requires pilots to:
Pass an aeronautical knowledge exam.
Understand airspace classifications, weather, and flight restrictions.
Know how to safely operate drones around people and property.
Follow strict safety guidelines, including altitude limits and line-of-sight rules.
Why does this matter for your business?
Legal compliance: Hiring an uncertified pilot for commercial work is against federal law.
Liability: If there’s an accident, and the pilot isn’t licensed, responsibility could fall on you as the client.
Professionalism: Certified pilots have proven knowledge and experience, which means fewer headaches for you on set.
In short: if your videographer can’t show proof of FAA Part 107 certification, that’s a red flag.
Flying in Boston: Why Airspace Clearance Matters
Boston is a unique and challenging place to fly a drone. With Logan International Airport right on the harbor, the downtown skyline, and several hospitals with heliports, much of the city is under controlled airspace. That means drone pilots can’t just launch wherever they want — they need official clearance to fly.
LAANC: Instant Authorization (Sometimes)
The FAA uses a system called LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) to grant near-instant approval for drone flights in controlled airspace. Through LAANC, a licensed pilot can request access via an app and get automated clearance within minutes.
When LAANC Isn’t Enough
Not every area of Boston is available through instant LAANC authorization. Some flight zones — especially near Logan Airport, medical centers with heliports, or areas with national security restrictions — require a manual waiver or authorization directly from the FAA.
Here’s how that process works:
Identify the airspace restriction
Using tools like FAA’s UAS Facility Maps or apps like Aloft or AirMap, a pilot checks if LAANC covers the area. If not, manual approval is required.
Submit a request through the FAA DroneZone portal
Licensed pilots log into the FAA’s DroneZone website and file an Airspace Authorization request.
This includes details such as flight location, planned altitude, dates/times, and purpose of the flight.
FAA + ATC review
The FAA coordinates with the local Air Traffic Control (ATC) facility responsible for that sector of Boston airspace.
ATC evaluates whether the proposed flight would conflict with manned aircraft operations, airport traffic patterns, or sensitive facilities.
Approval (or denial)
If safe, the FAA issues a written authorization with specific conditions — such as altitude limits, daylight-only restrictions, or required notice to ATC before takeoff.
This process usually takes several business days to a few weeks, so experienced pilots know to plan ahead.
Why this matters: if you hire someone who doesn’t understand this process, your shoot could get delayed or canceled at the last minute. An experienced Boston videographer will know whether LAANC will cover your project or if a manual ATC authorization needs to be filed well in advance.
What Businesses Should Look for in a Drone Videographer
When you’re evaluating videographers for a project that includes drone work, here are the key things to ask:
Are you FAA Part 107 certified?
They should be able to show proof of their Remote Pilot Certificate.
Do you handle airspace authorizations (LAANC/ATC)?
A professional will not only say yes, but explain how the process works.
Do you carry insurance?
Liability coverage is a must for commercial drone operations, especially in urban areas.
Do you have experience filming in Boston?
Flying in a rural field is one thing; navigating Boston’s dense, restricted airspace is another.
Can you share examples of past drone work?
Look for high-quality footage that matches the style and professionalism you’re aiming for.
The Bottom Line
Hiring a licensed, experienced Boston videographer for drone work isn’t just a box to check — it’s the difference between a smooth, stress-free shoot and a potential legal or safety nightmare.
At Bunker Hill Media, our drone team is:
FAA Part 107 certified ✅
Fully insured ✅
Experienced flying in Boston’s unique airspace ✅
Focused on capturing cinematic footage that elevates your brand ✅
If you’re planning a commercial or business video project in Boston and want aerial footage that’s stunning, safe, and 100% legal, we’d love to help.
