From Part 107 waivers to FAA enforcement defense, we help commercial drone operators fly legally and profitably, with over 15 years of drone law experience.
Since 2010, our drone law practice has served operators nationwide, from Fortune 500 companies to innovative startups. We understand that drone regulations directly impact your ability to serve clients, generate revenue, and grow your operations.
Our approach combines deep regulatory knowledge with practical business guidance to keep your aircraft flying legally and profitably.
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Standard Part 107 regulations restrict many commercially valuable operations. Night flights, operations over people, and beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) missions all require FAA waivers. We help commercial operators develop and submit compelling waiver applications that demonstrate safety and regulatory compliance.
Common Part 107 Waivers We Handle
| Waiver Type | What It Enables | Common Applications | Starting Legal Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Night Operations | Flights between civil twilight | Infrastructure inspection, emergency response, commercial filming, agricultural monitoring | $1,000+ |
| Operations Over People | Flights above persons not directly involved in operations | Events, construction sites, commercial filming, public safety operations | $5,000+ |
| Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) | Extended range operations beyond the pilot’s visual line of sight | Pipeline inspection, large-scale surveying, utility monitoring, search and rescue | $10,000+ |
| Operations from Moving Vehicles | Launch, recovery, or control from moving platforms | Railroad inspection, maritime operations, convoy monitoring | Custom Quote |
| Multiple Aircraft Operations | Simultaneous control of multiple UAS | Agricultural applications, large-area mapping, coordinated inspections | Custom Quote |
Our waiver services include developing detailed safety case documentation, conducting thorough risk assessments, and creating comprehensive risk mitigation plans. We work with your existing operations manuals and safety procedures, or help you develop them from scratch.
The FAA approves waiver applications that demonstrate professional operations backed by solid safety documentation.
Our thorough approach provides:
| Application Component | What We Provide |
|---|---|
| Operational Concept | Detailed description of proposed operations, mission profiles, and operational limitations |
| Safety Risk Assessment | Comprehensive analysis of potential hazards and failure modes |
| Risk Mitigation Plan | Specific procedures, equipment requirements, and operational controls |
| Equipment Documentation | Technical specifications, performance data, and safety features |
| Pilot Qualifications | Training records, experience documentation, and competency evidence |
| Insurance Evidence | Documentation supporting the insurability of proposed operations |
This documentation serves dual purposes: maximizing FAA approval chances and demonstrating insurability to carriers and brokers. While we do not guarantee FAA approval or insurance coverage, thorough preparation significantly improves the likelihood of success.
FAA enforcement actions can ground your operations and threaten your business. Whether you received a letter of investigation, a notice of proposed civil penalty, or a phone call from an FAA inspector, contact us before responding. How you handle initial FAA contact can significantly impact the outcome.
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Typical FAA Concerns: Flying for compensation without a Part 107 certificate
Our Defense Approach: Clarify operational nature, negotiate settlement, protect certificate
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Typical FAA Concerns: Operations in controlled airspace without authorization
Our Defense Approach: Document authorization attempts, challenge evidence, negotiate penalties
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Typical FAA Concerns: Operations deemed hazardous to persons or property
Our Defense Approach: Present operational context, challenge characterization, expert testimony
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Typical FAA Concerns: Unregistered aircraft or improper markings
Our Defense Approach: Demonstrate compliance efforts, negotiate administrative resolution
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Typical FAA Concerns: Failure to broadcast required identification
Our Defense Approach: Clarify exemptions, document equipment issues, negotiate compliance timeline
We represent drone operators in responding to letters of investigation, negotiating with FAA counsel, challenging proposed penalties, and representing clients in administrative proceedings. Many cases arise from misunderstandings of Part 107 requirements, overzealous reporting, or
confusion about recreational versus commercial operations.
Commercial drone operations require contracts, terms of service, privacy policies, and other business documents that address unique aviation and data considerations.
Legal Documents We Prepare
| Document Type | Purpose | Key Provisions We Address |
|---|---|---|
| Service Agreements | Customer contracts for drone services | Scope of work, deliverables, liability limitations, insurance requirements |
| Independent Contractor Agreements | Contracts with pilots and visual observers | Payment terms, equipment requirements, insurance, regulatory compliance |
| Terms of Service | Website and platform user agreements | Service limitations, user responsibilities, data rights, dispute resolution |
| Privacy Policies | Data collection and handling practices | What data is collected, how it’s used, retention periods, third-party sharing |
| Non-Disclosure Agreements | Protection of confidential information | Proprietary technology, customer data, operational procedures |
| Joint Venture Agreements | Partnerships between operators and technology providers | Revenue sharing, intellectual property, operational responsibilities |
Drone companies that employ foreign nationals, conduct international business, or develop advanced technology must comply with strict US export control regulations.
Step 01
Controls defense-related technology and data.
Criminal penalties, even for unintentional violations.
Step 02
Controls dual-use commercial technology.
Strict liability offenses, no “good intentions” defense.
Step 03
Restrictions on access to controlled technology.
Personal and corporate criminal liability.
These are strict liability criminal offenses that do not recognize good intentions as excuses. We provide export control compliance guidance to help companies avoid violations while conducting legitimate international business.
Our team includes a commercial airline pilot flying Boeing 737, 757, and 767 aircraft. We understand aviation operations, safety management, and regulatory environments from the cockpit to the boardroom.
We prepared Section 333 exemptions when commercial drone operations first became legal and obtained some of the first Part 107 night waivers approved by the FAA.
DJI selected our practice for their Professional User Referral Program. We participate in ASTM’s UAS committees developing standard practices globally.
We handle FAA matters in all federal jurisdictions. Federal aviation law applies consistently nationwide, allowing us to serve you regardless of location.
We serve Fortune 500 companies and innovative startups across infrastructure inspection, cinematography, surveying, agriculture, and construction.
Schedule Your Free, Confidential Consultation – Call (312) 201-8310
If you need a Part 107 waiver, face FAA enforcement action, require business documents for your drone company, or have regulatory questions about your operations, contact us for an initial consultation.
Everything we discuss is protected by attorney-client privilege. We discuss your specific situation, explain applicable regulations, and outline how we can help you achieve your operational goals while maintaining FAA compliance. Commercial drone operations present tremendous opportunities, but regulatory compliance requires knowledgeable guidance. We help operators navigate the system successfully while building sustainable, legally compliant businesses.
Contact Antonelli Law at (312) 201-8310 or contact us today.