Part 107 for roof and insurance inspections
Roof inspections, storm damage claims and solar surveys are Part 107 work. The rules that matter: neighbors, wires, disaster TFRs and flying near homes.
Updated
A roof inspection, a hail or wind damage claim, a solar layout survey: each one is business use, so it falls under Part 107 whether you are a roofer, an adjuster or a contractor hired by either. Residential work puts the drone close to houses, people, trees and wires, and storm season adds temporary flight restrictions.
Which rules come up on a typical inspection?
| Situation | Rule | Read more |
|---|---|---|
| Neighbors outside, people on the street | Operations over people | Operations Over People |
| Service drops and power lines at roof level | Wire hazards | Flight hazards |
| After a hurricane or wildfire | Disaster TFRs and the SGI process | Drone TFRs |
| Neighborhood near an airport | Controlled airspace needs authorization | LAANC guide |
| Gusty post-storm wind around houses | Turbulence near obstructions | Fog, icing and wind |
| Adjuster or homeowner wants a lower pass | You are the final authority | Client is not the remote PIC |
Why are storms the hardest time to fly?
Because damage, demand and restrictions arrive together. Disaster TFRs can cover the hardest-hit areas, wind keeps gusting around buildings after the storm has passed, and damaged power lines may be down or sagging. The FAA notes that hurricane TFRs do not ban properly authorized aircraft, including drones, from relief and recovery work, but you need that authorization before you fly inside one.
How close can you fly to a house?
Part 107 has no minimum distance from a structure; the limits are the people around it, the hazards and your own control margin. Houses create gusts and block GPS and radio signals close to walls, so keep enough distance to recover from a surprise. The emergencies post covers what to do if the link or GPS drops near a roofline.
Insurance work often means reports that a carrier relies on. Keep your flight log, the authorization if any, and the date and time with your photos. Part 107 does not require a flight log, but a claim file usually needs one.
How should an inspector study?
Inspectors know roofs and claims; the test is mostly regulations, airspace and operations. Begin with the free diagnostic, use the handbook for the areas you miss, and run the exam simulator until your score is stable well above 70%.
Frequently asked questions
- Do roofers and adjusters need Part 107 to inspect roofs with a drone?
- Yes. An inspection for a roofing job or an insurance claim is business use, so the recreational exception does not apply. Whoever acts as remote pilot in command needs a remote pilot certificate.
- Can I fly after a hurricane or wildfire to document damage?
- Check for a temporary flight restriction first. Disaster TFRs under 14 CFR 91.137 protect response aircraft. The FAA says each TFR lists who may be approved to fly in it, and urgent work may be possible through its Special Governmental Interest process with a current Part 107 certificate.
- Can I fly over the neighbors' houses to reach a roof?
- Passing over neighbors is limited by the operations over people rules when people are outside, and state and local privacy or trespass laws can also apply. Plan launch points and paths that keep the drone over the client's property where possible.