FAA Flight Height Limitations & How to Submit a Waiver

Posted on May 2nd, 2023

If you're a real estate agent or property owner looking to capture stunning aerial footage of your property using a drone, it's important to understand the flight height limitations set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

In this blog post, we'll explore why the FAA has these limitations and what you need to do to submit a waiver to fly higher than the standard limit. Additionally, we'll show how Real Estate Flight can help you capture the best essence of the property you are looking to sell.

Why Does the FAA Have Flight Height Limitations?

The FAA has set flight height limitations for drones to ensure the safety of people and property on the ground as well as manned aircraft in the airspace. The FAA has designated airspace for different types of operations, including low-level airspace (up to 400 feet) where drones typically operate. Above this airspace, there are additional regulations to ensure the safe operation of manned aircraft.

Additionally, the FAA's flight height limitations help to ensure that drones do not interfere with other types of operations, such as emergency response or military operations.

Submitting a Waiver for Higher Flight Altitudes

If you need to fly your drone above the standard flight altitude limit of 400 feet, you will need to submit a waiver to the FAA. To do this, you will need to provide detailed information about your proposed operation, including the reason for the waiver and the specific airspace you plan to operate in.

In addition, you will need to demonstrate that your operation can be conducted safely, without posing a risk to people or property on the ground or other aircraft in the airspace. This may include providing details about your pilot's qualifications, the equipment you will use, and any additional safety measures you plan to implement.

When is a Height Waiver Necessary for Real Estate Drone Operations?

While the standard flight altitude for real estate drone operations is 400 feet above ground level, there are situations where a height waiver may be necessary to capture the best footage of your property. Here are some examples of when a height waiver may be necessary:

• Large properties: If you have a large property with multiple buildings, features, and amenities, capturing it all within the 400-foot altitude limit may not be possible. In such cases, a height waiver can allow for higher altitude flight, enabling us to capture more of your property in a single shot.
• Overcoming obstacles: In some cases, obstacles such as trees, buildings, or other structures may obstruct the view of your property from 400 feet. In these cases, a height waiver can allow us to fly higher to capture a clearer view of your property.
• Unique perspectives: To capture truly unique and stunning footage of your property, sometimes it's necessary to fly higher than the standard altitude limit. With a height waiver, we can capture breathtaking footage from high above your property, providing a truly immersive experience for potential buyers.

Contact Real Estate Flight for Professional Drone Services

If you're interested in capturing stunning aerial footage of your property, we encourage you to get in touch with Real Estate Flight today. Whether you need standard 400 feet flight or want to submit a waiver for higher flight altitudes, we can help you capture the best essence of the property you are looking to sell.

Contact us at +17272386269 or email us at [email protected] to learn more about our services and how we can help you showcase your property in the best possible light. We look forward to hearing from you!