FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Are your pilots licensed?

Yes. THE FLYING LIZARD operates under Federal Aviation Administration Part 107 requirements, and our pilots hold the appropriate Remote Pilot Certificates for commercial unmanned aircraft operations.

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Our approach goes beyond simply meeting the minimum licensing requirement. Aviation experience, mission planning, airspace awareness, weather, site conditions, and operational discipline are part of how we approach every flight.

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How high can you fly?

Most commercial small unmanned aircraft operations are limited to 400 feet above ground level, although there are circumstances in which operations may be conducted higher or lower depending on the location, surrounding structures, airspace, and applicable Federal Aviation Administration rules.

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The important point is that altitude is not chosen simply because the aircraft can fly there. It is selected based on the mission, airspace, required ground resolution, site conditions, and the type of data being collected.

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Do you carry insurance?

Yes. THE FLYING LIZARD maintains both business and aviation insurance appropriate for our commercial operations.

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Insurance is only one part of risk management. Mission planning, regulatory compliance, aircraft condition, weather, site coordination, and operational judgment are equally important parts of how we manage each assignment.

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What services do you provide?

THE FLYING LIZARD provides aerial mapping, photogrammetry, 3D modeling, site documentation, aerial acquisition support, construction documentation, claims and litigation support, environmental documentation, and specialized aviation photography.

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We do not begin with a menu of drone products.

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We begin by understanding what needs to be documented, measured, compared, preserved, or understood. The mission and deliverables are then designed around that objective.

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How long can your aircraft remain in the air?

Flight time varies depending on the aircraft, payload, weather, temperature, wind, mission profile, and operating conditions.

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For professional mapping and documentation work, individual battery duration is rarely the meaningful limitation. Larger missions are planned around multiple flights and battery changes so the required coverage can be completed safely and consistently.

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Are you licensed surveyors?

No.

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THE FLYING LIZARD is not a licensed land surveying firm, and we do not establish property boundaries or perform work that legally requires a licensed surveyor.

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We can provide aerial data, imagery, orthomosaics, point clouds, surface models, and other products that may support surveyors, engineers, contractors, and other professionals. When licensed surveying services are required, those services should be provided by the appropriate licensed professional.

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How accurate is your mapping?

There is no single accuracy number that applies to every aerial mapping project.

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Accuracy depends on factors such as flight altitude, camera system, ground sampling distance, image geometry, ground control, Real-Time Kinematic positioning, coordinate reference system, terrain, and processing workflow.

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When accuracy matters, the mission should be designed around the required level of confidence and the resulting dataset should be evaluated rather than assumed to be accurate.

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What happens if weather or airspace conditions prevent the flight?

If weather, airspace restrictions, site activity, aircraft traffic, or other conditions affect safety or the quality of the data, the mission may be modified, postponed, or rescheduled.

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The objective is not simply to get the aircraft airborne.

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The objective is to complete the mission safely and return with usable information.

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Can you fly near airports?

In many cases, yes.

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Operations near or within controlled airspace may require Federal Aviation Administration authorization and, in some environments, coordination with airport personnel or other stakeholders.

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Airport work is planned around the specific airspace, operational environment, and requirements of the mission.

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Do you provide the raw imagery and data?

That depends on the project.

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Some clients need finished deliverables only. Others may require source imagery, point clouds, georeferenced files, models, or other project data for their own workflows.

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The deliverables are defined during project planning so the client receives the information needed for the work that follows.

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What does a project cost?

Aerial data projects do not price particularly well from a simple menu.

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Site size, airspace, terrain, access, ground control, accuracy requirements, processing, deliverables, travel, and whether the mission will be repeated over time can all affect the scope.

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We price the project around what the dataset needs to accomplish rather than around how long the aircraft will be in the air.

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What’s the Lizard’s name?

He still doesn’t have one.

Some mysteries are better left unresolved.