Panelists at the "Using a Drone in Your Business: Knowing Your Risk" session, which was part of the 2015 Realtors® Conference and Expo, discussed the potential benefits that the real estate industry can get in the integration of unmanned aerial systems, also known as drones, into the National Airspace System by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The panelists for the abovementioned session consisted of Kolleen Kelley, Realtor® and 2015 Risk Management Committee vice chair; Eric Myers, vice president of Victor O. Shinnerer & Company; Lesley M. Walker, National Association of Realtors® associate counsel; and Dean Griffith with FAA's Office of the Chief Counsel.
"This technology is an incredible tool for real estate professionals," said Kelley. "But can be dangerous if the wrong person is in control."
According to the report of the National Association of Realtors, the members of the session's panel talked about the possible benefits of drones in the real estate industry, and at the same time warned their audience to follow the rules being imposed in the proper usage of drones (e.g. in photographing and taking aerial shots of certain areas) to avoid potential risks and liabilities.
OPP Today reported that the wild-scale use of commercial drones is presently banned, but the FAA made a waiver process for those individuals and businesses that want to utilize drones for commercial purposes.
Panel members also agreed that, "The use of drones for commercial purposes will only grow with time, even as issues related to safety, privacy, insurance and the regulatory framework continue to evolve."
They also advised individuals and businesses who want to use drones for commercial purposes that it is important to: hire approved operators with strong risk management practices; to have sufficient insurance coverage; to acquire the Section 333 waiver from the FAA; and to be thoughtful about agreements with outside companies to ensure the ownership of each photograph being taken in order to avoid violating intellectual property laws and rules.
