Frequently Asked Questions

We are committed to complying with all legal regulations regarding drone operations. Below are answers to the most common questions related to legal compliance and Suave Droning's qualifications.

Yes! Suave Droning is fully insured for all drone operations. We carry both $1 million in general liability insurance and $2 million in dedicated drone insurance. This comprehensive coverage ensures that we are fully prepared to mitigate any risks involved with drone flights, both in the air and on the ground.

Our insurance policies protect not only our team but also our clients, ensuring that any unforeseen incidents are fully covered, giving you peace of mind during the entire operation.

Drones are heavily restricted in Manhattan due to the dense airspace and safety concerns, making it almost impossible to fly legally over much of the city. But we didn’t let that stop us from capturing the data we need.

When the skies are off-limits, we bring our LiDAR technology to the ground. LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) uses lasers to scan and map the environment in incredible detail. We use this cutting-edge tech to create 3D maps of rooftops, buildings, and entire city blocks — without ever needing to take flight.

Our LiDAR equipment allows us to map and analyze structures with pinpoint accuracy, giving us the ability to create highly detailed, accurate models of anything from individual buildings to large construction sites. Whether it’s for inspections, planning, or surveying, our ground-based solutions provide the data you need, even in areas where drones can’t fly.

So while Manhattan might be a no-fly zone for drones, our creative solutions keep us at the forefront of aerial mapping and data collection — all while staying fully compliant with local regulations.

  • FAA Part 107 Certification: This certifies that our operators are legally permitted to fly drones commercially.
  • OSHA and HAZWOPER 40 Certifications: These ensure that we maintain safety in hazardous environments.
  • TWIC Clearance: Allows access to restricted areas such as ports and other critical infrastructures.
  • CPR/First Aid Certified: We are certified in emergency response to ensure safety on the ground as well.

Ignoring the rules can cost you — big time. When you hire a drone operator who isn’t licensed or insured, you’re not just cutting corners — you’re opening the door to serious legal trouble.

Under FAA regulations, it’s illegal to hire a drone operator for commercial purposes if they aren’t Part 107 certified. Flying without this certification isn’t just a breach of protocol — it’s a direct violation of federal law. The fines? They can reach up to $32,666 per incident for unauthorized commercial drone flights. And that’s just the beginning.

If something goes wrong — and with unlicensed operators, it often does — you could be held liable for any damage or injury caused during the flight. Without proper insurance, you’re risking financial disaster, lawsuits, and damage to your reputation. What’s worse? If you’re caught using drone footage obtained illegally, you could face additional legal penalties, not to mention the cost of redoing the work with a certified pilot.

Unlicensed drone operators are out there giving professionals like us a bad name, flying recklessly and disregarding the rules that keep everyone safe. When we fly, we don’t just follow the rules — we own them. We’re Part 107 certified, fully insured, and know exactly how to navigate the complex airspace regulations in even the toughest locations, like Manhattan.

Hiring Suave Droning means you’re hiring professionals who do things right — legally, safely, and with precision. We take care of all the legal groundwork before we fly so you don’t have to worry about a thing. When you work with us, you can rest easy knowing we’re handling your project with the highest standards of compliance and expertise.

Don't gamble with illegal operators. The risks are too high. Hire certified and insured professionals like us, and we’ll make sure your project is not only legal but exceptional.

Suave Droning isn’t just about drones; it's about delivering results, safely, professionally, and legally.

With offices strategically located in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York, we are certified and legally authorized to operate across these states. Our Certificates of Authority ensure that we comply with all local and federal regulations, providing you with peace of mind that your projects are in expert hands.

At Suave Droning, we take pride in our rigorous due diligence before every flight. Whether it’s navigating complex drone laws in highly regulated environments, such as Manhattan, or assessing the feasibility of operations in other challenging airspaces, we ensure that we are fully prepared to take on any project.

When you choose us, you're choosing a team that doesn’t just meet expectations — we exceed them. Our knowledge and experience in navigating strict FAA regulations, coupled with cutting-edge technology, enable us to capture stunning aerial content while remaining fully compliant. Our results speak for themselves — accurate data collection, breathtaking visuals, and a level of professionalism that sets us apart in the industry.

Our operations aren't limited to just the tri-state area. With proper notice, we have the capability to extend our services nationwide. No matter where you are in the U.S., Suave Droning is equipped to bring our expertise to you, ensuring you get the high-quality content and data your project requires.

Why Choose Suave Droning? Because we combine precision, expertise, and a deep commitment to delivering exceptional results, even in the most challenging environments. Whether it's a bustling cityscape, a vast construction site, or a restricted zone, we get the job done — safely, legally, and impeccably.

In addition to drone mapping, LiDAR, and thermal imaging, Suave Droning offers a range of services, including:

  • Real Estate Aerial Photography and Videography: Capture stunning aerial views of properties to enhance marketing and promotional efforts.
  • Inspections: Safely inspect rooftops, towers, and other difficult-to-reach areas with high-resolution drone imagery.
  • 3D Modeling: Generate detailed 3D models of structures and landscapes for various industries, from architecture to film production.

Aerial photography and videography offer a unique perspective for real estate marketing, allowing potential buyers to get a comprehensive view of the property and its surroundings. Benefits include:

  • Showcase Property Features: Highlight features like large yards, pools, and nearby amenities from an elevated viewpoint.
  • 360-Degree Views: Provide potential buyers with an immersive experience by showcasing properties from all angles, including hard-to-see details like rooftops and landscaping.
  • Competitive Advantage: Drone footage helps your listing stand out from the competition by providing high-quality, professional visuals that capture attention.

Case Studies:
How Suave Droning Can Solve Your Problems

Scenario: A construction company needs to monitor the progress of a large development project but struggles with outdated information from traditional site visits.

How Suave Droning Can Help: By providing aerial progress monitoring with high-resolution photography and videography, Suave Droning can deliver regular, real-time updates on the site's progress. Project managers can view 360-degree images of the site remotely, helping them make faster decisions, avoid delays, and keep the project on schedule.

Potential Result: Reduced site visits, faster decision-making, and improved communication with stakeholders through detailed visual updates.

Scenario: A property management company suspects they have energy leaks in their commercial buildings, driving up heating and cooling costs.

How Suave Droning Can Help: Using thermal imaging drones, Suave Droning can quickly scan the entire property to spot areas where heat is escaping. We’ll identify poorly insulated areas, helping you address the problem before it becomes more costly.

Potential Result: Lower energy costs, increased tenant satisfaction, and improved building efficiency.

Scenario: A luxury real estate company wants to showcase expansive properties, but regular photos aren't capturing the full scope of the estate's features.

How Suave Droning Can Help: Suave Droning can provide stunning aerial shots that highlight key features like large gardens, pools, and surrounding amenities. Our high-quality imagery will give potential buyers a new perspective on the property.

Potential Result: Increased interest in listings, faster sales, and higher property values as potential buyers can appreciate the property’s full potential from the first glance.

Scenario: A developer in Manhattan needs to map a high-rise building but faces strict airspace restrictions that prevent drone flights.

How Suave Droning Can Help: With ground-based LiDAR technology, Suave Droning can scan the building from the ground, creating accurate 3D images without the need for aerial flights. This technology ensures compliance with local regulations while delivering detailed mapping data.

Potential Result: Full 3D mapping without breaking airspace regulations, allowing the project to move forward smoothly.

Scenario: A renewable energy company is worried that some of their solar panels are malfunctioning but doesn't have a cost-effective way to inspect them all.

How Suave Droning Can Help: Our drones equipped with thermal imaging can quickly scan the solar panels, identifying any "hot spots" that indicate overheating or underperformance. This allows the company to focus repairs only where they’re needed.

Potential Result: Minimized repair costs, improved panel efficiency, and maximized energy output.