With the increasing popularity of drone technology in the construction industry, general contractors have new tools to help manage and market their projects. As this technology continues to advance and become more widely available, there’s a question that contractors must consider: Should they develop their own in-house drone teams or use other dedicated drone service providers? Both approaches have their benefits, but a strong argument can be made for selecting a dedicated provider, or using both approaches, to guarantee dependability, legality, and innovation.
The Appeal of Internal Drone Teams
Having an in-house drone team can be a cost effective and convenient solution for many construction companies. Internal teams can be utilized for such things as basic site documentation or periodic inspections. Some of the advantages include:
- Quick Deployment: Internal teams are always on hand to capture footage or data as needed.
- Tailored Focus: Teams can prioritize tasks that align directly with the company’s specific needs.
- Potential Cost Savings: Frequent use of drones for standard operations can offset upfront investment costs over time.
However, managing an internal drone program comes with challenges like keeping up with advancements in drone technology, ensuring operations, and maintaining FAA compliance.
The Advantages of Dedicated Providers
Dedicated drone service providers offer a host of benefits that internal teams may find difficult to match. Here’s why partnering with a provider can be the better choice:
- Regulatory Compliance: Drone operations are subject to strict FAA regulations, especially for advanced tasks like Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flights. Providers ensure compliance, eliminating potential risks and delays.
- Comprehensive Insurance: Providers carry liability insurance, giving clients peace of mind and reducing exposure to financial risks.
- Advanced Creativity: Beyond routine documentation, providers bring storytelling expertise, combining aerial footage with ground videography and interviews to craft compelling narratives that showcase projects in their best light.
- Reliability: Providers guarantee professional-grade results with experienced pilots and cutting-edge equipment. This reliability is essential for high-stakes projects where accuracy and quality are non-negotiable.
- Scalable Services: Whether it’s a single site or a multi-phase project, providers can adapt to meet evolving needs, offering flexibility that internal teams may lack.
A Balanced Approach: Internal Teams and Providers
For general contractors who are interested in both approaches, combining internal drone teams with dedicated providers can be a winning strategy. This approach enables companies to:
- Optimize Resources: Let internal teams handle day-to-day tasks, while providers manage advanced operations or larger-scale projects.
- Elevate Marketing Efforts: Use a provider’s creative capabilities to produce polished marketing materials that stand out in a competitive landscape.
- Ensure Compliance and Safety: Rely on providers for complex operations, such as BVLOS flights or navigating restricted airspace, where regulatory expertise is crucial.
Key Considerations for Internal Drone Teams
When constructing an in-house drone program as a contractor, several factors should be considered for success:
- Regulatory Training: Pilots need proper certifications, and teams must stay current with evolving FAA guidelines.
- Insurance Coverage: Adequate insurance is essential to protect against potential liabilities.
- Equipment Maintenance: Keeping drones in peak condition requires ongoing investment in updates and repairs.
- Pilot Expertise: Operators must have the skills to capture high-quality footage and handle unforeseen challenges on-site.
Why Arch Aerial is the Right Partner
At Arch Aerial, we specialize in providing drone solutions tailored to the construction industry. Our services go beyond simple data collection—we deliver:
- Creative Storytelling: From stunning aerial shots to ground-level interviews, we create engaging marketing materials that tell the complete story of your project.
- Regulatory Assurance: Our experienced pilots adhere to FAA guidelines, ensuring safe and compliant operations.
- Reliable Expertise: With a proven track record, we bring the skill and equipment needed to handle any project, no matter the complexity.
- Flexible Partnerships: Whether you need full-service drone solutions or supplemental support for your internal team, we adapt to your needs.
Conclusion
The choice between using internal drone teams and dedicated providers doesn’t have to be mutually exclusive. For the general contractors looking to elevate their operations, teaming up with a trusted provider like Arch Aerial will provide access to advanced technology, creative expertise and regulatory compliance. By combining the strengths of both approaches, construction companies can harness the real potential of drone technology, coming up with excellent results and the peace of mind that goes with them.
Learn how you can enhance your construction projects with our professional drone solutions by contacting Arch Aerial today.
