Not every drone operator is legally allowed to fly for hire in Colorado. Here's what FAA Part 107 certification means, why it matters, and what to ask before you book.
If you've looked into hiring a drone operator in Colorado, you've probably seen "FAA Part 107 Certified" listed as a credential. But what does it actually mean — and why should you care?
The short answer: Part 107 is the FAA's certification for commercial drone pilots. Any drone operator flying for compensation — including for real estate photos, wedding videos, or construction documentation — is legally required to hold it.
What Part 107 Requires
To earn a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, pilots must pass a comprehensive FAA knowledge test covering airspace classifications, weather effects on drone performance, emergency procedures, and aviation regulations. The test must be taken at an FAA-approved testing center and renewed every 24 months.
Certified pilots are also required to follow strict operating rules: flying below 400 feet AGL, maintaining visual line of sight, avoiding restricted airspace without authorization, and more.
Why It Matters in Colorado
Colorado has some of the most complex airspace in the country. Denver International Airport sits northeast of the city, and several military operations areas and class D airports are scattered across the Front Range. Flying commercially near any of these without proper authorization is illegal and dangerous.
Part 107 pilots use the FAA's LAANC system (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) to request real-time airspace authorization. This means shoots near DIA, Centennial Airport, or Buckley Space Force Base can still happen — legally — when the right authorizations are in place.
What to Ask Before You Book Any Drone Operator
Before hiring anyone to fly a drone for commercial purposes in Colorado, ask these three questions: Are you FAA Part 107 certified? Can you provide your certificate number? Do you carry liability insurance?
A legitimate operator will answer yes to all three without hesitation. If a pilot offers suspiciously low rates and can't answer those questions, you're assuming legal and financial liability for an unauthorized flight.
ColoDrone's Credentials
ColoDrone is FAA Part 107 certified and fully insured for every flight. We handle all LAANC airspace authorizations before any shoot, and can provide a certificate of insurance to venues, HOAs, or clients who require it.
If you have questions about whether a specific location in Colorado is flyable, reach out — we'll check airspace and give you a straight answer.
