Property marketing
Identify the listing, leasing, website, proposal or campaign that will use the media.
Free planning resource for Dallas-Fort Worth projects
DFW Commercial Drone Project Checklist
Use this checklist before requesting commercial drone photography or video for an industrial property, construction site, office, retail center, multifamily community, venue or development site.
Quick answer
A strong drone brief identifies the location, intended use, must-have views, access contact, safety restrictions, preferred date and delivery deadline. The pilot can then review airspace, weather, site conditions and FAA requirements before confirming the flight.
FAA Part 107 PlanningAirspace + Site AccessPhoto + 4K VideoDFW Coverage
1. Define the business purpose
Construction progress
Choose recurring viewpoints, visit frequency and the stakeholders who need visual updates.
Roof or exterior documentation
List the elevations, roof areas, access points or conditions a qualified professional needs to review.
Brand video
Define horizontal, vertical or both; target duration; platform; and whether ground or FPV footage is needed.
Information to send first
- Project address or site coordinates
- Business use and intended audience
- Preferred shoot date and delivery deadline
- On-site contact and access instructions
- Must-have views or a marked site plan
- Photo, horizontal video or vertical reel needs
Site details to confirm
- Operating hours and approved access window
- Active construction or vehicle movements
- People, tenants or sensitive areas to avoid
- Known hazards, security rules and PPE
- Permission for takeoff and landing areas
- Certificate of insurance requirements
2. Build a useful shot list
Wide context
Property placement, nearby roads, surrounding development and overall site scale.
Building identity
Hero angles, entrances, signage, frontage and recognizable architectural features.
Operational details
Parking, loading, access, service areas, roof context and circulation when relevant.
Delivery formats
Full-resolution images, web copies, 4K masters, vertical edits and organized filenames.
3. Allow for airspace, weather and safety
Planning note
A requested date is not a guaranteed flight date until airspace, weather, access and site safety are confirmed. Controlled airspace may require authorization. High wind, rain, poor visibility or an unsafe site condition can require rescheduling.
Commercial flights should be completed by a pilot operating under applicable FAA rules. APS Drone reviews the project location and conditions before confirming the scope. For federal guidance, see the FAA information for commercial drone operators.
4. Confirm delivery and usage
File types and sizes
Specify high-resolution, MLS-size, web-ready, 4K, vertical or another required format.
Turnaround
Standard APS Drone photo and short-form packages are typically delivered in 24–48 hours after a successful flight.
Usage
State whether the media is for a listing, website, organic social, paid advertising, internal documentation or another commercial use.
Review process
Name the decision-maker, delivery contact and any agreed revision step before production begins.
Checklist last reviewed: August 30, 2026.
Commercial drone planning questions
What should I send for a quote?
Send the project location, intended use, requested deliverables, preferred date, deadline, site contact and any access or safety restrictions.
How far ahead should I schedule?
Early scheduling is helpful when airspace authorization, property access, insurance documentation or a firm campaign deadline is involved.
Can a drone pilot fly anywhere in DFW?
No. Every flight depends on airspace, access, weather, site safety and applicable FAA rules.
Does aerial roof imagery replace an inspection?
No. APS Drone provides visual capture and organized documentation. Interpretation belongs to the client’s qualified inspector, engineer or other professional.