Drone roof inspections can help commercial property owners, facility managers, and roofing contractors document roof conditions without putting inspectors on every roof surface. However, when a drone is used for a commercial roof inspection in the United States, the operator must comply with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements. The primary rules are found in 14 CFR Part 107, the FAA’s Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) regulations.
Part 107 Generally Applies to Commercial Roof Inspections
A drone used outdoors for a paid roof inspection normally falls under Part 107 when the aircraft weighs less than 55 pounds. The person operating the drone for the inspection must generally hold an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate, and the drone must be registered with the FAA.
FAA registration is required for drones operated under Part 107, and each Part 107 drone must be registered individually. Registered drones are also generally subject to the FAA’s Remote Identification requirements.
Visual Line of Sight Is Important
One of the most important requirements for a roof inspection is maintaining visual line of sight (VLOS). The remote pilot must be able to see the drone without relying on binoculars or similar devices. If a visual observer is used with certain operations, the observer must be able to maintain the required visual awareness of the aircraft.
This matters when inspecting large commercial roofs. A pilot cannot simply send a drone beyond the building or property and continue flying based only on the camera feed unless the operation qualifies for an applicable FAA authorization or waiver.
Altitude and Airspace Restrictions
Part 107 generally limits drone operations to 400 feet above ground level, subject to the FAA’s rules concerning structures and other applicable limitations. The FAA specifically explains that the 400-foot rule interacts with operations near structures.
Airspace classification is also critical. Drone operations in Class B, C, D, and certain Class E controlled airspace require FAA authorization. Depending on the location, a commercial roof inspection may be able to obtain authorization through LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) or through the FAA’s DroneZone system.
Before a roof inspection, the operator should check the property’s exact location, applicable airspace restrictions, temporary flight restrictions, NOTAMs, and any required authorization.
Remote ID Requirements
Most registered drones operating under Part 107 must comply with Remote ID. Remote ID allows an equipped drone to broadcast identification and location information during flight. Part 107 operators must register each applicable drone or Remote ID broadcast module individually.
Flying Over People and at Night
Roof inspections sometimes occur at busy commercial properties where employees, tenants, customers, or pedestrians may be present. Part 107 contains restrictions on operating over people, although FAA rules provide circumstances under which such operations are permitted when specific requirements are met.
Night inspections are also possible under Part 107 when the applicable requirements are satisfied. For example, the drone must use appropriate anti-collision lighting visible for at least three statute miles, and controlled-airspace authorization requirements still apply where applicable.
What This Means for Commercial Roof Inspections
A professional drone roof inspection should therefore include more than simply launching a camera-equipped drone. The operator should verify Part 107 certification, drone registration, Remote ID compliance, visual line of sight, altitude limitations, airspace authorization, weather and flight restrictions, and applicable rules for people or nighttime operations.
For property owners, this is an important reason to use a qualified roofing professional or drone operator familiar with FAA requirements. Properly conducted drone inspections can provide valuable aerial documentation of membrane conditions, ponding water, flashing, rooftop equipment, drainage areas, seams, penetrations, and other potential roof problems while reducing the need for unnecessary roof access.
Bottom line: FAA rules generally allow commercial drone roof inspections, but they must be conducted within the requirements of Part 107 and any applicable airspace authorizations, Remote ID requirements, and operating limitations. Because FAA requirements can change, operators should verify current rules directly with the FAA before each inspection.
Related Questions
- Are infrared and drone roof inspections safe for the building and environment?
- Is a drone inspection as thorough as a physical inspection?
- How often should a commercial roof be inspected with infrared and drone technology?
- What are the limitations of drone imagery for roof assessment?
- How does thermal drone imagery differ from handheld infrared scanning?
- What kind of report can I expect after an IR and drone inspection?
Commercial Roof Replacement / Re-Roofing
