Few technological advancements have created the buzz and captured the imagination of roofing professionals like the advent of drones. The potential to simplify the roof inspection, estimation, and sales process at a relatively low cost can deliver a high-rate of return on investment — not to mention the ability to keep crews safer.
But regulatory challenges with multiple layers of government remain, and debates over drone safety and privacy concerns are ongoing in communities across the country. As president of the Property Drone Consortium (PDC) and chief industry strategist at EagleView Technologies, Charles Mondello remains on the forefront of the development of drones — or Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) — for commercial use. The PDC is comprised of leaders from the insurance industry, construction trades and several support enterprises dedicated to promoting further research and developing reason-able regulations for UAS use for commercial purposes. Currently, only those with a pilot’s license or a Rule 333 exemption from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) can operate them in this capacity.