There’s no denying the impact of a sweeping aerial shot on your real estate marketing material. Crisp drone footage can make an ordinary property feel cinematic, adding scale, context, atmosphere and drama before a potential buyer even walks through the door.
But if you’re working with an aerial real estate videographer who flies without the right licence or insurance, you could be risking a whole lot more than just a shaky video.
The Importance of Proper Licensing
In NZ, commercial drone operators must meet Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) regulations. Most real estate drone work falls under Part 101 rules, which require the operator to follow strict safety guidelines, such as not flying over people or above 120 metres without special clearance.
A real estate videographer should be 101-certified at minimum. This certification proves that they’ve been trained to fly responsibly and safely in residential environments.
Even if you’re not flying the drone yourself, you can still be held responsible for hiring someone who operates outside of CAA regulations. If the drone causes injury, property damage, or violates airspace rules, you could be named in any resulting legal action alongside the pilot.
Also, any insurance claims might be denied.
Insurance Isn’t Optional
Drones are fast and powerful, and they can cause serious damage if something goes wrong. If a drone crashes into a person or their property, it can cause damage. This means someone has to pay and it shouldn’t be you.
Professional drone operators carry public liability insurance, which protects clients, homeowners and the operator from costly claims. Before anyone takes off, always ask to see proof of current insurance.
Viewfindr’s drone operators are insured through Delta.
What to Ask Before You Book
Some drone operators are simply hobbyists with a good eye but no credentials. You want to hire an actual pro.
To be sure you’re hiring the right guy for the job, ask:
Are you 101-certified with the CAA?
Do you hold valid public liability insurance?
Do you conduct risk assessments for each flight?
A legitimate operator will have the answers ready.
Aerial Footage Adds Value if Done Right
Drone video is an investment in your marketing efforts. It adds a touch of professionalism and a sense of scale that ground-level shots simply can’t achieve.
However, all that value disappears if the footage is poorly captured or, worse, obtained illegally. It’s essential to work with a qualified and insured operator to ensure you get the benefits without the risks.
Ensure your aerial content is both legal and high quality. Contact Viewfindr today for a fully certified and insured aerial real estate videographer trusted across NZ.