Why Every Creative Should Have a Part 107 Drone License
The creative industry is more competitive than ever, and standing out means having a diverse skill set that allows you to take on bigger, higher-paying projects. Whether you’re a freelance photographer, videographer, or working in a large advertising agency, one of the smartest moves you can make is getting your FAA Part 107 drone license.
Drone photography and videography are no longer just niche add-ons—they’ve become essential tools in commercial production. Clients expect aerial shots in everything from real estate and tourism to automotive and lifestyle branding. If you’re not legally allowed to offer this service, you’re leaving money on the table.
But it’s not just about making more money—it’s about staying legal, staying competitive, and opening new creative opportunities. If you’re working professionally in any creative industry, here’s why you should get your Part 107 license ASAP.
What Is the Part 107 Drone License and Why Does It Matter?
The FAA Part 107 certification is a legal requirement for anyone using drones for commercial purposes in the U.S. If you fly a drone for anything other than a hobby—whether it’s for a paid gig, content creation, or even to sell stock footage—you must be certified under FAA regulations.
Many creatives don’t realize that flying without this license while making money can result in massive fines—up to $32,666 per violation. If a client hires you for aerial work and you’re not certified, both you and the client could be at risk.
Even if you’re working for an ad agency or production company, you still need a Part 107 license to fly legally on commercial projects. It doesn’t matter who owns the drone—the person operating it must be certified.
Now that we’ve covered the legal side, let’s talk about the career benefits of getting certified.
Why Freelancers Need a Part 107 License
As a freelancer, every skill you add to your portfolio increases your earning potential. Having a Part 107 license gives you a serious competitive advantage over other photographers and videographers who don’t have it.
1. Expand Your Service Offerings
With a drone, you’re no longer just offering standard photography and video—you can pitch high-value services like:
✅ Aerial real estate photography
✅ Cinematic drone shots for commercials and social media ads
✅ Event coverage from the sky
✅ Landscape and tourism photography
✅ Drone footage for music videos and films
If you don’t have a Part 107, you’re missing out on an entire revenue stream that many clients are already budgeting for.
2. More High-Paying Opportunities
Aerial photography and drone cinematography aren’t just cool add-ons—they’re services that can add thousands of dollars to a project’s budget. Clients specifically seek out licensed drone operators because they know hiring an uncertified pilot is a liability.
By getting your license, you can:
📌 Charge more for your projects
📌 Take on bigger clients who require drone work
📌 Offer full production services instead of outsourcing aerial shots
3. Protect Yourself from Legal Trouble
As mentioned earlier, flying commercially without a Part 107 license is illegal and can result in hefty fines. Even if you think, “No one will ever know,” all it takes is one social media post or one client report for the FAA to investigate.
It’s simply not worth the risk when getting certified is easy and affordable.
Why In-House Creatives & Ad Agency Professionals Need a Part 107 License
You might be thinking, “I work for an agency or production company, so I don’t need my own license.” But here’s why that’s a big mistake.
1. Agencies Need Legal Drone Operators on Staff
Ad agencies, marketing firms, and production studios frequently use drones for commercial shoots, branded content, and tourism campaigns.
Even if your employer owns the drone, every person who flies it must have their Part 107 license for commercial use. If they ask you to operate a drone without one, both you and the company are violating FAA regulations.
2. Clients Expect Certified Operators
Major brands and corporations require proof of FAA compliance before they approve any aerial footage for commercial use. Without a Part 107, you might lose the opportunity to work on big-budget projects simply because you’re not legally cleared to fly.
3. Career Growth & Job Security
The more valuable you are to your company, the more opportunities you’ll have for growth. If you’re the only creative on the team with a Part 107 license, you become the go-to person for any drone-related projects. That means:
💡 More high-profile assignments
💡 A higher salary potential
💡 More leadership roles on creative projects
Companies love multi-skilled creatives. If it comes down to hiring or promoting someone with drone skills versus someone without, the licensed operator wins every time.
How to Get Your Part 107 License
The good news? Getting certified is easier than you think. Here’s the process:
1. Study for the Test
The FAA Part 107 test covers:
✅ Airspace classifications and flight restrictions
✅ Weather and aviation safety
✅ Drone operation rules
✅ FAA regulations and legal compliance
There are plenty of online courses, YouTube tutorials, and practice tests available to help you prepare.
2. Take the Exam
Find an FAA-approved testing center and schedule your test. The fee is usually around $175.
3. Pass & Get Certified
Once you pass, you’ll receive your Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, allowing you to fly commercially. The license is valid for two years before you need to renew it.
4. Start Flying Commercially
With your license in hand, you can legally offer drone services, charge more for your work, and take on bigger projects.
Final Thoughts – Don’t Wait to Get Certified
Drones aren’t going anywhere. They’re already a standard tool in commercial production, and clients expect professionals to have the proper certifications.
By getting your Part 107 license, you’re not just staying legal—you’re:
🚀 Opening new income streams
🚀 Making yourself more valuable to clients and employers
🚀 Ensuring you’re ready for the future of content creation
If you’re serious about your creative career, there’s no reason to delay. The investment is small, but the payoff is huge.
So, what are you waiting for? Get certified, start flying, and watch your creative opportunities take off. 🚁✨