The process
From first message to final files
A clear path from your request to your download link. Here’s what happens at each step, and what we need from you along the way.
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WP 01
Tell us what you need
Fill out the quote request form, or email drew@drewsdrone.services. The form asks about the location, your timing, the deliverables you want and anything unusual about the site. The more you tell us, the more accurate the quote.
Not sure what you need? Choose “Not sure yet” and describe your goal. We’ll recommend an approach.
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WP 02
Get a written quote
Drew reviews your request, checks the airspace for your location, asks any questions and sends a written quote. It lists the deliverables, file formats, how the files may be used and the price. Nothing is scheduled until you approve it.
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WP 03
Confirm the airspace and the site
Once you approve the quote, we confirm the airspace for your location and the dates you have in mind. Near many airports the FAA requires authorization before any drone flies. Many requests go through the FAA’s LAANC system, which can often approve a request within minutes. Others need a manual FAA review, either a “further coordination” request through LAANC (filed at least 72 hours ahead) or a request through FAA DroneZone. Manual reviews take longer and can be denied.
We also check for:
- temporary flight restrictions and other airspace limits
- local rules on where drones may take off and land, such as parks, HOAs and venues
- site hazards like power lines, trees, towers and busy roads
- people, animals or activity on site that affect the flight plan
If a location can’t be flown, or only with limits, we tell you before we set a date.
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WP 04
Pick a date, with a backup
We choose a date and time window that suits the job: light on the front of a home, a dry roof, a quiet moment on a job site. We also agree on a backup date.
Weather makes the final call. FAA rules require at least 3 statute miles of visibility and set minimum distances from clouds, and we also watch wind, rain and light. We check the forecast with you before the day.
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WP 05
Flight day
On arrival we walk the site, confirm the takeoff and landing spot, check the aircraft and brief anyone helping. Then we fly the planned shots, keeping the drone within sight and clear of anyone who isn’t part of the flight crew.
Most exterior jobs don’t need you on site, but it helps to have a contact we can reach.
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WP 06
Edit, process and check
Photos are selected and edited for color, exposure and straight horizons. Video is cut to the agreed length. Maps and 3D models are processed from the photos and checked for gaps. Roof photo reports, when ordered, are labeled and dated.
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WP 07
Get your files
Your files arrive by private download link, organized by type, and by date for recurring jobs. Download them, keep a backup, and tell us if anything isn’t right.
What we need from you
A few details make the day go smoothly.
- Permission for the flight from the property owner or manager, including where we can take off and land
- The address, or a map pin for land and job sites without one
- Access details: gates, parking and any site check-in, PPE or orientation rules
- A heads-up to anyone who lives or works on the property
- Your shot list or the features you care about most
- Where the files will be used: MLS, website, ads, insurance, internal records
- Any HOA, venue or site rules we should know about
- If your project needs a certificate of insurance, the requirements
Please don’t send gate codes, alarm codes or other security details through the website. We’ll ask for access details closer to the day.
Weather and rescheduling
Safety sets the schedule. If weather or an airspace restriction makes a flight unsafe or not allowed, we reschedule with you, ideally to the backup date we already agreed.
Sometimes conditions are legal but still wrong for the job: a wet roof for roof photos, or flat, hazy light for a listing. When that happens we’ll talk it through and pick a better day.
The final go or no-go call on the day belongs to the pilot in command, as FAA rules require. If you need to change the date yourself, just let us know as early as you can.
Recurring visits
Construction sites, seasonal land records and multi-building properties often need repeat flights. We set the plan on the first visit (vantage points, heights, headings) and repeat it each time wherever the site allows, so each set lines up with the last. Weather can shift a visit by a day or more; we keep the schedule as close to plan as conditions allow.
As early as you can, especially if you have a deadline such as a listing date. Weather can push a flight back, and some locations near airports need a manual FAA review that can take a while. A little flexibility on dates makes everything easier.
Usually not, for exterior work. We do need permission to take off and land on the property, access through any gates, and for anyone living or working there to know we’re coming. For roof photos and job sites, it helps to have a contact we can reach on the day.
Usually for one of two reasons: weather, or a temporary flight restriction. The FAA can close airspace on short notice for wildfires, VIP visits and emergencies, and major sporting events carry standing restrictions around game time. We check for restrictions before every flight, and if one covers your site, we reschedule.
Only with your permission. We don’t publish a client’s images, name or address without asking first, and we avoid showing identifiable people.
Yes. Revision rounds for edited video and graphics are set in your quote. For photos, tell us if something looks off and we’ll take another look.
Still wondering about something?
Email drew@drewsdrone.services and you’ll hear back from Drew directly.
Ready to start?
Tell us about the job. The quote form walks you through everything we need.
Or write to drew@drewsdrone.services
- Project
- Your property, site or land
- Service
- Photo · Video · Maps · 3D models
- Plan
- Airspace checked, shot list agreed
- Quote
- In writing, before we fly
- Reply
- From Drew, directly