Film Locations Glossary
Drone permit
What is a drone permit?
Also called UAS permit, or unmanned aerial permit.
A drone permit is the authorization for unmanned aerial filming at a location, which in the United States means a certificated remote pilot under FAA Part 107 plus airspace authorization where the location sits in controlled airspace.
Flying over people, over moving vehicles, or beyond line of sight each needs its own waiver. The local film permit is separate again, so drone work carries two approval tracks running in parallel.
Example
A rooftop reveal needs a certificated remote pilot, airspace authorization because the block sits under an approach path, and a waiver to fly over people on the street below. Three approvals, three lead times, plus the ordinary film permit.
Figures are illustrative, chosen to show the mechanics rather than to quote market rates.
Where you'll see it
Run in parallel with the film permit by the aerial coordinator and the locations department.
Common mistake
Booking a drone operator and assuming the paperwork is theirs alone. Flying over people or in controlled airspace needs specific authorizations, and the local film permit is separate again.
Related questions
- What is needed to fly a drone on a film shoot?
- A certificated remote pilot, airspace authorization where the location is in controlled airspace, waivers for operations such as flying over people, and the local film permit.
- Can a drone fly over a crowd?
- Only under a specific waiver. Operations over people, over moving vehicles, and beyond visual line of sight each require their own approval.