When you order drone work for an active site, you are bringing an aircraft into an area under your responsibility. So the choice is not only about image quality. Here is what is worth asking.
1. What licence do you hold?
According to a training company's guide (in Hebrew), anyone paid to fly a drone needs a commercial licence, and the tracks are divided by the weight of the aircraft. Ask for a copy of the licence and check that it is valid and suits the aircraft coming to the site. TSR holds an air operating licence from the Civil Aviation Authority of Israel and a commercial operating licence from the Minister of Transport.
2. What does your insurance cover?
Ask for proof of third-party insurance and check the amount, the validity, and whether it applies to the type of work and the aircraft. Our cover is up to ILS 5,000,000, on all the company's aircraft.
3. Who actually flies?
Some companies pass jobs to subcontractors. Ask who will come, what experience they have and what licence they hold.
4. How do you handle the flight rules on our site?
A good provider can explain how the work complies with the rules. This is how the 2024 regulations are summarised by a training provider (in Hebrew):
- A maximum height of 100 metres above the ground, or 60 metres if that is the limit on site.
- Distance from a person not taking part: the greater of the flight height or 50 metres.
- A flight over infrastructure requires the owner's consent.
5. Can we see similar work?
A beautiful video says nothing about the ability to measure. If you need an orthophoto, ask for an orthophoto. If you need a thermal report, ask for a sample report. You can see our projects here.
6. What exactly will we get, and when?
Define formats, accuracy, delivery date and storage location. That avoids disputes and lets you compare quotes. What affects the price?
7. What happens when the weather does not cooperate?
Wind, rain and cloud interfere with flying. Ask how a flight is postponed and who bears the cost, especially if you have a hard deadline.
8. Who looks after the material?
Images of an active site, infrastructure or a sensitive facility may be sensitive information. Agree on who holds the rights, how long the material is kept and who can access it.
Summary checklist
- A valid licence, suited to the aircraft and the type of work.
- Proof of third-party insurance.
- A known pilot with relevant experience.
- Safety and permission planning.
- Samples that match the deliverable you need.
- Deliverable, dates and rights defined in writing.
