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FAA Investigates The Use of Drones in Real Estate

  • July 7, 2014

by Lark Turner

FAA Investigates The Use of Drones in Real Estate: Figure 1

Realtors are using drones to capture aerial photos of properties in New York City and in the Hamptons, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) isn’t exactly excited about it.

The FAA recently demanded to know exactly how realtors are using the devices, according to the New York Post. That’s an ominous sign for the practice, because the commercial use of drones is prohibited in the U.S.

A broker told the Post that using drones to photograph new projects in the city was cheaper than the alternative.

“You can get them online for 1,500 bucks,’’ the broker told the paper. “It’s a lot cheaper than hiring a photographer and a plane for an aerial shot. As long as they aren’t used for spying, what’s the problem?’’

Technically the FAA says the problem is that commercial uses are prohibited, although some realtors claim their use isn’t commercial because they don’t charge clients for the photos, at least not directly. But safety is another issue. Last October drone crash-landed in Manhattan and nearly hit a pedestrian.

Inman reports that several real estate companies in New York City and the Hamptons have received subpoenas from the FAA regarding the practice.

Image: Flickr user Don McCullough

See other articles related to: realtors, faa, drones

This article originally published at http://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/faa_wants_to_investigate_realtors_using_drones_to_take_listing_pictures/8699

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