Drone Flight Reservations: Weather Cancellations and Refunds

As with any flight operation, current and future weather conditions play an integral role in the safe outcome. We here at ProAerial Media would like to take a minute to explain how drone flight reservations work here at PAM, and how we deal with weather-related cancelations and refunds. 

Often, we receive flight requests to occur on a specific date and or time (i.e., “I need my property at 123 Happy Street flown on Tuesday between 10 and 11 AM”), without any consideration for the weather. We’re also often asked about our cancellation policy when flights are grounded due to weather, and how we make those decisions.

As such, we put together this brief article to explain exactly how our Flight Reservation Process works, what our Cancellation Policies are, and when they go into effect.

Responsibility

First off, it’s important to understand that the Pilot in Command is solely responsible for the safe outcome of any flight. With that being said, what may appear as ‘nice enough’ weather conditions to you, may be identified as hazardous by properly trained UAV Drone Operators. Any formally trained pilot should have a basic understanding of micrometeorology and access to advanced aviation Aerodrome Weather Forecasts. Your pilot is the final say for day-of weather-related flight cancellations or delays.

Time-Sensitivity

Here at PAM, with every reservation, we determine if that is flight time-sensitive or not. Meaning, does the flight have a limited window of opportunity (such as a wedding or other special event), or is it a flight that can wait for optimal weather conditions (like real estate or inspections)?

For flights with a limited window of opportunity like weddings, we’ll issue a full and immediate refund for 100% of your flight costs (sans travel if it applies), should the weather prohibit your requested flight date, time, or location. For flights that are not deemed time-sensitive, we provide priority rescheduling should the weather prohibit us from completing your scheduled flight on your requested date. We provide full-refunds when our schedule doesn’t align with yours, or necessary waivers or authorizations from the FAA can’t be obtained.

Reservation Requests

So how does the reservation process work then you ask? Well, unless you specify it’s a wedding, special event, or another time-sensitive booking, your reservation date is viewed as a ‘request.’ We’ll do everything in our power to fly at your requested date and time, and we’ll be monitoring the weather very closely leading up to that date. We’ll remain in close communication to inform you of delays or cancellations and work with you to reschedule if necessary (which could even be an earlier date).

Preflight Weather Factors for Takeoff

  • Chance of precipitation less than 10%

  • Wind speed under 15 knots (or 17mph) 

  • Minimum cloud base of 900 feet

  • Visibility at least 3 SM (statute miles)

That’s about it. The main thing to remember is that as pilots, we are obsessed with safety. Planning for the weather isn’t only smart; it’s a necessary part of being a responsible UAV pilot. Flexibility with your flight dates is a must in order for your pilot to get the best shots/footage for you. Always trust their judgment, and never rush them.

Thanks for flying PAM!

ProAerial Media provides aerial photography and video for both residential and commercial real estate, commercial and industrial real estate, as well as other custom solutions like site surveying and inspections, or special events. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel to see our video work, and our Instagram feed to view our photography (@proaerialmedia). If you’re ready to fly, you can always book a flight from the ProAerial Media Website.

Take Flight. Take Pics. Get Clicks.

*Correction: At 3:19 Chris states there must be a minimum cloud base of 500' AGL for takeoff. Actually what he meant to say was; in order to fly at the maximum allowable altitude of 400' AGL we'd need a minimum cloud base of 900' AGL, in order to not violate the FAA's rule of maintaining a minimum of 500' below any cloud base.

Scheduling & Cancellation Policy

All booking requests are subject to the following; 1. Federal Airspace Restrictions, 2. Scheduling Availability, and 3. Weather. ProAerial Media LLC will make every attempt to accommodate your preferred flight date/window, but, in the unlikely event we can’t—there’s no need worry. We’ll let you know right away (usually within 48hrs), if either airspace waivers or our teams schedule conflicts with your requested dates and/or flight location. If so, we’ll work to promptly reschedule or issue a full refund, whichever you prefer.

Should weather present a cause for concern, our team will alert you in the days leading up to your scheduled flight as part of our pre-flight communications. Weather-related flight cancelations receive priority rebooking, and are not eligible for refunds. The on-site Pilot in Command is the final authority on all flight matters, and has the final say regarding day-of weather related delays and cancellations.