The Most Profitable Waiver for Commercial Operators

Sponsored Content.  Part 107 opened the portals for commercial drone operators.  But faced with growing competition, many small drone operators struggle to find a profitable niche in the commercial industry.  That’s why it might be worth the trouble to apply for a night ops waiver.

Night ops are currently the most commonly granted waiver- they are easy for the FAA to grant, with proven equipment and a predictable safety framework.  But a night ops waiver isn’t just about being able to film evening weddings or take nighttime beauty shots.  Combine the waiver with a moderate investment in some powerful thermographic equipment, and drone operators have a desirable  – and profitable – niche.

Thermographic equipment doesn’t require a special drone: drone manufacturers like DJI have partnered with industry leaders to provide packages of aerial thermal imaging kits, like this one  which include a professional grade drone, thermal cameras and the accessories required to deliver a thermal imaging solution to clients right out of the box.  That thermal imaging equipment is an absolute necessity for a variety of commercial and public sector applications: utility, solar, roofing and construction inspections all benefit from thermography; and first responders and search and rescue teams rely heavily on thermographic equipment.

Night operations are not just about search and rescue, although the benefits there are enormous.  Thermographic equipment for industrial applications is often best used at night, when the sun is not contributing to surface heat.  Roofing inspections, for example, where thermographic and radiometric equipment can identify a potential leak instantly, are an application where drones offer a significant ROI over doing the work with a person on the roof; and are better performed at night.

Thermal imaging company FLIR, the experts in thermographic equipment for drones, say that daylight is no longer necessary for safe flight. “You don’t need different equipment to fly at night,” says Jay James, FLIR’s VP Worldwide Sales. “With thermal imaging it doesn’t matter – you aren’t restricted to needing to ‘see’ during the day.”  That ability to see means that operators with a night ops waiver have a unique advantage in working with law enforcement or insurance companies who need to document accident scenes – most of which occur at night.  And some clients, such as business offices open during the day, simply prefer that drone activity take place at night when the site is less populated.

Industrial and public sector clients are more likely to offer repeat business to operators with specialized equipment and licensing, and the ability to work at any hour of the day adds a major benefit to your offering.  If your business is trying to move into the commercial realm, a night ops waiver might be the way to start.