Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) or Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), commonly known as drones, are a type of aircraft that operate without a pilot, crew or any other person on board. They are operated by a remote pilot who is typically on the ground where the operation is taking place.  

Since 2014, drones have been approved for use on commercial film sets and while they, as well as the airspace in which they operate, are regulated by the FAA, FilmLA’s municipal partners require that all commercial filming activity utilizing drones requires a filming permit as well as FAA-mandated drone documentation and insurance and may be subject to other requirements such as additional personnel.  This requirement applies to location scouts, film shoots, camera tests, and b-roll activity.

It should be noted that any non-commercial filming/photography activity which typically would not require a film permit (such as photography for real estate listings, special events, etc.) would not become eligible for a film permit solely based on use of drones.

Permit Application and Timing

There are several required documents that must be submitted when applying for use of a drone for commercial filming, detailed information on the requirements can be found here:

FilmLA Drone Process Guide

FilmLA must receive drone paperwork by 12 p.m. (noon) on the date the permit application is due for the jurisdiction.  

Permit application deadlines can be found in the Area Requirements for each jurisdiction. Incomplete documentation will not be accepted, and the drone activity will be removed from the permit.

Required Documentation

1. Completed Drone Questionnaire
2. Pilot’s License and Knowledge Test 
   NOTE: If you are planning to fly more than 30 minutes before sunrise or more than 30 minutes after sunset, the pilot’s license/knowledge test must have been issued on or after April 21, 2021. Night waivers are no longer valid for night flight.
3. Commercial Drone Registration
4. Written Plan of Activity (POA) with Maps
5. Applicable Airspace Authorizations
   As needed. Review your drone app/GIS service to ensure proper authorization is obtained.

Order of Presentation

For quicker processing of drone documents, it is recommended that you send a single PDF to your FilmLA Production Coordinator with the required documents in the following order:

1. Completed Drone Questionnaire
2. Plan of Activities (POA)
3. FAA Airspace waiver (when required)
4. Copy of Pilot’s License
5. Airman’s Knowledge Test (when required)
6. Registration Certificate(s)
7. Insurance Documentation

Insurance Requirements

The following coverage requirements apply for use of drones for filming:

• A $2M aviation certificate and endorsement page naming FilmLA and its entities is required from the drone carrier.
• A $2M aviation certificate and endorsement page naming the jurisdiction in which the activity will be conducted.

Insurance verification processes vary by jurisdiction. If drone activity is conducted in the City of LA, verification is achieved by having brokers upload documents through Kwikcomply.org. A City of Los Angeles Hold Harmless is required for both the production company and drone company if activity is conducted in the City of Los Angeles.

Sample Drone Insurance Certificate

City of Los Angeles Hold Harmless - Drones

Personnel Requirements

Fire and/or police officers may be required depending on jurisdiction and specifics related to your drone activity. 

Fees

In addition to any personnel required, a FilmLA administrative fee for drone use is assessed to all locations where a drone is being permitted.  

FilmLA Basic Fees List

Restrictions  

Airspace

In certain areas, airspace may limit the altitude or the ability to operate a drone at all. FilmLA reviews all locations with drones for airspace restrictions and if necessary, the pilot will be required to provide proof of FAA airspace authorization. Screenshots from an approved LAANC app or other FAA approved site containing a verification number will suffice.  

Night Operation

Drones must have anti-collision lighting visible for at least three (3) statute miles. Lights must have a flash rate sufficient to avoid collision.  

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR’s):  

Temporary Flight Restrictions, or TFR’s are put in place by the FAA to prevent aircraft (including drones) in certain areas for various reasons. A TFR can be issued with very short notice, or it can be a regularly occurring TFR for a specific location.  

Stadiums 

In the LA area the TFR’s to be most aware of are the ones surrounding the following 4 stadiums:

• Dodger Stadium
• LA Coliseum
• SoFi Stadium
• The Rose Bowl

For these locations, FAA regulations prohibit all aerial activity (including drones) within 3 miles of the stadium during MLB, NFL and NCAA games.

The TFR is in effect from 1 hour prior to the scheduled start time of the game until 1 hour after the actual end of the game.  

Other TFR Scenarios

Besides the stadiums mentioned above, other scenarios that may lead to a TFR being issued include but are not limited to:

• Presidential or dignitary visit
• Natural disasters (most commonly brush fires)
• Civil unrest

When made aware of a flight restriction being implemented, FilmLA staff will work quickly to identify and contact any impacted productions.  

Resources

LAANC Information and FAA approved LAANC Service Suppliers

UAS Questionnaire Form

FilmLA Drone Process Guide

Sample Insurance – Drones

City of Los Angeles Hold Harmless – Drones  

Questions  

If you have additional questions about the permit process for use of drones for commercial filming not answered in this article, please reach out to FilmLA's Solution Services team for more information at (213) 977-8600 or info@filmla.com.