Do I Need to Hire a Licensed Drone Pilot for My Commercial Video in Massachusetts? Here’s Everything You Need to Know.
If you’re planning a video shoot for your business in Boston – or anywhere in Massachusetts – and aerial footage is on your wishlist, you might be wondering: “Do I really need to hire a licensed drone pilot?”
The short answer? Yes.
The better answer? Absolutely.
Whether you’re showcasing a property, producing a branded video, or capturing sweeping shots of the city, hiring a licensed drone pilot isn’t just the law—it’s the smartest way to protect your business, ensure quality footage, and avoid costly fines.
In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about commercial drone regulations in Massachusetts, what FAA certification means, and why hiring a professional drone team (like us at Bunker Hill Media) is worth every penny.
What Counts as Commercial Drone Use?
If you’re flying a drone for anything that directly or indirectly benefits a business – think marketing videos, real estate listings, construction site monitoring, or promotional content – it’s considered commercial drone use under the FAA’s rules.
Yes, even if it’s unpaid. Even if it’s just a “quick drone shot” for your company’s Instagram.
If there’s a business purpose behind it, you’re in commercial territory – and the FAA requires a licensed (Part 107 certified) drone pilot.
FAA Part 107: What It Means and Why It Matters
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) governs the national airspace – including all drone operations. Anyone flying a drone commercially must pass the Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification test.
This includes knowledge of:
U.S. airspace classifications and restrictions
Weather patterns and aviation forecasts
Pre-flight inspections and safety checks
Emergency procedures
Rules for flying near people, buildings, and vehicles
Nighttime and low-light flight regulations
Sectional aeronautical chart reading
It’s not just a formality – it’s a real exam, and it must be renewed every 24 months. Pilots are also required to log and report their flights.
For your business, this means:
✅ Your pilot is qualified
✅ Your shoot is legal
✅ Your footage is safe to publish and promote
What Happens If You Don’t Use a Licensed Pilot?
This is where things can get a little risky. To be totally honest, there are some scenarios in which you might be able to get away with flying a small drone and using the footage for your business. But we wouldn’t recommend leaving it up to chance.
The FAA does investigate unauthorized commercial drone activity, and when violations occur, both the pilot and the business can face serious consequences:
Fines up to $32,666 per flight
Cease and desist orders
Legal liability for accidents, injuries, or property damage
Insurance companies may refuse to cover unlicensed drone incidents
Local laws matter too – especially in Boston.
While Boston does not have a blanket ban on drones, there are many areas where drone use is restricted or heavily regulated. Public parks, government buildings, crowded public spaces, and certain historical landmarks may require permits or prohibit drone flights altogether.
And perhaps the most important factor? Logan Airport’s approach patterns. Boston is surrounded by controlled Class B airspace, and much of the city—including downtown, the Seaport, and parts of Cambridge and Somerville—falls within zones that require FAA airspace authorization before a drone can legally take off.
A licensed drone pilot understands how to:
Check for restricted areas using FAA sectional charts and apps like B4UFLY or AutoPylot
Request airspace authorization through the LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) system
Plan alternate flight paths or shot angles when necessary
Operate safely and legally even in complex urban environments
If you’re filming anywhere near central Boston, Logan’s flight paths can pose serious challenges – but a certified pilot will know exactly how to navigate them.
A Licensed Drone Pilot = A Better Final Product
Sure, legal compliance is important – but it’s not the only thing to consider when producing drone video. The quality of the video itself is just as important, and a licensed drone pilot brings more than credentials.
✅ Cinema-Grade Equipment
Certified operators invest in top-tier drones with 4K+ cameras, stabilizers, ND filters, and high-end controllers for smooth, cinematic movement.
✅ Aerial Cinematography Expertise
There’s a difference between flying and storytelling. Pros understand composition, pacing, motion, and lighting—especially in tricky New England conditions.
✅ Complex Maneuvers
Need a flyover of your campus? A crane-like rise from street level to rooftop? A reveal shot of the Boston skyline? Certified pilots have the experience (and software) to pull off high-end moves safely.
✅ Post-Production Support
At Bunker Hill Media, we don’t just fly—we handle editing, color correction, music selection, and delivery. You get stunning visuals and a polished final product that’s ready to share.
Choosing the Right Drone Video Partner in Boston
If you’re based in Boston or the surrounding area, here’s what to look for in a commercial drone partner:
✅ FAA Part 107 Certification
✅ General liability + drone-specific insurance
✅ Local knowledge of Boston airspace and permitting
✅ Portfolio of commercial drone work
✅ On-site professionalism and safety protocol
✅ Editing and post-production capabilities
We’ve flown in every corner of Boston—from Downtown to Charlestown, South Shore to North Shore, MetroWest, and beyond. We know how to get the shot and stay compliant.
Don’t Cut Corners – Fly Legal, Fly Smart
Trying to save a few bucks by hiring an unlicensed drone pilot? Don’t do it. You could end up with shaky footage at best—or a fine and a lawsuit at worst.
When you hire a licensed drone pilot, you get:
✅ Legal compliance
✅ Higher-quality visuals
✅ Better storytelling
✅ Peace of mind
If your business is investing in video, don’t leave the aerials to chance.
Work With Boston’s Trusted Drone Team
At Bunker Hill Media, we’re FAA-certified, deeply experienced, and passionate about creating cinematic aerial video content for businesses across Massachusetts. We work with brands, agencies, developers, and organizations of all sizes – and we’d love to help your next project take off.
👉 Explore our Drone Videography Services
Let’s fly!
