Regulatory
FAA Compliance
All drone operations conducted by Delaware Valley Aerial Photography Services are performed in full compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) Part 107. We do not operate outside the law — period.
Part 107 Certification
Our Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC) holds a current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. This federal certification requires passing a rigorous aeronautical knowledge exam administered at an FAA-approved testing center, covering:
- Regulations relating to small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) rating privileges, limitations, and flight operation
- Airspace classification, operating requirements, and flight restrictions
- Aviation weather sources and effects of weather on sUAS performance
- Emergency procedures and aeronautical decision-making
- Airport operations and radio communication procedures
- Physiology and human factors affecting remote pilot performance
The certificate must be renewed every 24 months through FAA-approved recurrent training, ensuring our pilot stays current with all regulatory updates.
Federally certified Remote Pilot in Command for commercial sUAS operations
Standard Part 107 altitude ceiling, with waiver capability for specific operations
All standard flights maintained within unaided visual line of sight per FAA requirements
Standard Operating Rules
Under 14 CFR Part 107, all DVAPS drone operations adhere to the following standard rules unless an FAA waiver is in place:
- Maximum altitude of 400 feet above ground level (AGL)
- Visual line of sight (VLOS) maintained at all times between the pilot and the aircraft
- Daytime operations only (30 minutes before official sunrise to 30 minutes after official sunset) unless a waiver is obtained
- Maximum groundspeed of 100 mph (87 knots)
- Minimum visibility of 3 statute miles from the control station
- No flight over moving vehicles or people not directly involved in the operation
- Yielding right-of-way to all manned aircraft at all times
- No operation from a moving vehicle unless in a sparsely populated area
Airspace Authorization
Many areas in the Delaware Valley, including airspace around Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), Doylestown Airport (DYL), Wings Field (LOM), and other controlled airspace, require FAA authorization before any drone flight may occur.
DVAPS uses the FAA's Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) system to obtain near-real-time airspace authorizations. For operations outside LAANC coverage or requiring special consideration, we submit formal waivers and authorizations directly to the FAA.
- All controlled airspace flights are pre-authorized through LAANC or formal FAA waiver
- Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) are checked prior to every flight
- NOTAMs (Notices to Air Missions) are reviewed as part of every pre-flight briefing
- We never fly in prohibited or restricted airspace without proper authorization
Aircraft Registration
All unmanned aircraft operated by DVAPS are registered with the FAA in compliance with 14 CFR Part 48. Registration markings are displayed on each aircraft as required. Aircraft registration is renewed annually.
Pre-Flight Safety Protocol
Every DVAPS flight begins with a structured pre-flight checklist developed from aviation and emergency management best practices. Our protocol includes:
- Weather assessment using aviation-grade forecast tools (wind, visibility, precipitation, cloud ceiling)
- Airspace check: LAANC authorization, TFR review, NOTAM review
- Site survey: hazard identification, obstacle mapping, emergency landing zone identification
- Aircraft inspection: battery health, propeller condition, firmware status, sensor calibration
- Communications check and lost-link procedure briefing
- Observer and crew briefing where applicable
Emergency Management Integration
Our operator's background in emergency management and fire/EMS service provides significant advantages when operating in disaster or public safety contexts. We understand Incident Command System (ICS) structure, radio communications, scene safety, and the importance of not adding risk to an already complex environment.
For emergency response activations, DVAPS can coordinate directly with Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs), incident commanders, and public safety agencies. We carry relevant credentials and can operate within unified command structures.
Insurance
DVAPS maintains commercial drone liability insurance appropriate for our scope of operations. Coverage documentation is available upon request for clients, municipalities, or agencies requiring proof of insurance prior to engagement.
Reporting and Incident Response
In the event of any in-flight incident, DVAPS follows FAA reporting requirements under 14 CFR Part 107.9, which requires reporting accidents resulting in serious injury to persons or property damage exceeding $500. Our operator is trained in incident documentation and reporting procedures.
Questions About Our Compliance
We are committed to transparency about our regulatory status. If you are a municipality, agency, or client with specific compliance questions or requirements, please contact us directly at info@dvaps.com or visit our contact page.
For official FAA Part 107 information, visit the FAA's official website at faa.gov/uas.