Drone Lawyer Services
Legal support for FAA waivers, compliance, and enforcement.
Call: (312) 201-8310
If you run a commercial drone operation, an FAA issue can put your business at risk. Flying BVLOS without the required approval could lead to enforcement, while a poorly handled response to an FAA letter may make things harder to resolve.
Antonelli Law® helps commercial operators deal with the FAA and can put contracts in place that protect your business. Whatever issue you are facing, chances are we have handled something similar before.
Call: (312) 201-8310
Our Services for Commercial Drone Operators
We help commercial drone operators with four areas of the law. Your needs may change as your operation grows or you take on new work.
| Service | What We Do | Best If |
|---|---|---|
| Part 107 waivers | We prepare the safety information and FAA documentation you need to request a waiver. | You need approval for a mission that standard Part 107 rules do not cover. |
| FAA enforcement defense | We respond to FAA letters and handle discussions with the agency on your behalf. | The FAA has contacted you about your operations. |
| Business and contract services | We draft contracts and policies that address the legal issues your drone business faces. | You need agreements that address drone-related liability or data concerns. |
| Export control and ITAR compliance | We help you meet ITAR and EAR requirements before a compliance issue turns into a much bigger legal matter. | You work with foreign nationals or operate across international borders. |
Legal Experience in the Drone Industry
Our experience comes from years of working in drone law and aviation.
More Than 12 Years in Drone Law
Since 2014, we have represented drone operators at Fortune 500 companies and worked with independent startups.
Experience in Commercial Aviation
Our team includes a commercial airline pilot who flies Boeing 737, 757, and 767 aircraft. That aviation experience adds another perspective to our work with commercial drone operators.
Knowledge of Industry Rules
We prepared Section 333 exemptions when commercial drone operations first became legal. We also obtained some of the first Part 107 night waivers issued.
Part of the Drone Community
DJI selected our practice for its Professional User Referral Program. We also sit on ASTM committees that write UAS industry standards.
How Antonelli Law Compares With Other Attorneys
Our aviation experience changes how we approach the legal needs of your drone business.
| What Matters to You | Antonelli Law | Other Attorneys |
|---|---|---|
| Building a waiver the FAA accepts | We write safety cases with a pilot’s understanding of flight risk and the FAA’s requirements in mind. | Attorneys without aviation experience may need more time to understand the flight risks involved in a waiver request. |
| Responding to an FAA letter | We know how FAA counsel approaches legal issues. | General business attorneys may have less experience with FAA enforcement. |
| Getting contracts that fit a drone business | We build service agreements and contractor terms around the legal issues that come with operating aircraft over people and property. | General contract templates may leave drone-specific issues out of the agreement. |
| Avoiding export control exposure | We help you meet ITAR and EAR requirements before a compliance issue becomes a larger legal battle. | Attorneys without export control experience may not spot every requirement that applies to your operation. |
Why a Strong Waiver Application Matters Beyond the FAA
A well-prepared waiver application can also give you documentation that insurers and clients may want to see.
Your safety case can serve more than one purpose:
Carriers and brokers might review the same risk controls and safety information you provide to the FAA.
You can avoid duplicate paperwork:
A thorough application gives you one set of safety documentation to use when questions come up with insurers or clients.
Insurance can affect new work:
Some clients want proof of coverage before they sign a contract, especially for higher-risk operations.
What to Expect When Working With Us
We start by understanding your operation and then help with the legal work you need as your business grows.
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Initial consultation:
We review your business and the specific regulatory question you are facing.
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Strategy and documentation:
We handle the work your situation calls for, such as a waiver application or a response to an FAA letter.
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Ongoing support:
We stay available as your operations and the regulations around them change.
Get Your Operations Compliant Before It Costs You
When you face a waiver request or an FAA letter, getting legal advice early gives you time to address it properly. Reach out before you file anything with the FAA or send a response. We offer free and confidential consultations, so schedule your first call and talk through your situation.
Call: (312) 201-8310
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Part 107 waiver cost?
Legal fees start at around $1,000 for a night operations waiver and $5,000 for operations over people. Beyond visual line of sight waivers typically start at $10,000 because the FAA requires more safety documentation. We quote waivers involving moving vehicles or multiple aircraft based on the details of your operation. The amount of work depends on the type of operation and the safety case you need to present.
Does hiring you guarantee my waiver gets approved?
No attorney can guarantee FAA approval. We prepare your application carefully and support it with the safety information the agency needs to review your request. The FAA makes the final decision on every application.
I got a letter from the FAA. What should I do first?
Do not respond yet. A formal letter of investigation requires a different response than a call from an inspector. Talk to us before you respond or provide information to the FAA. Early legal advice can help you avoid saying something that creates a bigger problem later.
What kind of contracts do you draft for drone businesses?
We draft the contracts your drone business needs, including customer service agreements and contractor terms for pilots. We also handle platform policies and technology partnership agreements as your business grows.
Can you represent operators outside Illinois?
Yes. We handle federal aviation matters throughout the United States. Where you operate does not change the federal rules that apply to your case.