Drone & Technology Policy

Effective Date: 01/01/2025
Last Updated: 07/02/2025

At Bollard Inspection Services, we are committed to leveraging modern technology, including unmanned aerial systems (UAS/drones), mobile scanning tools, and digital data platforms, to enhance the accuracy, safety, and efficiency of our inspection services. This policy explains how we use these tools, how we comply with applicable laws, and how we protect your privacy and property.

1. FAA Compliance

All drone operations performed by Bollard Inspection Services comply fully with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 107 regulations. Our drone pilots are:

Licensed and certified under FAA Part 107
Trained in property inspection, safety, airspace awareness, and risk mitigation
Insured and compliant with applicable state and federal laws

We do not conduct drone flights in controlled airspace without prior FAA authorization, and all flights are conducted with the property owner's consent.

2. Use of Drones in Inspections

Drones may be used to:

Capture high-resolution aerial images of roofs, chimneys, outbuildings, and large properties
Access hard-to-reach or hazardous areas without the need for ladders or scaffolding
Provide supporting visuals for insurance documentation, real estate marketing, or damage assessment
Generate orthomosaic maps or acreage data (for agricultural inspections only)

Drone imagery is for visual documentation purposes only and does not replace certified engineering, structural evaluations, or code compliance inspections unless otherwise specified in writing.

3. Additional Technology Tools

In addition to drones, Bollard Inspection Services may use the following technologies during an inspection:

AR/3D scanning for room measurements and virtual tours
Thermal imaging for temperature differential assessments (e.g., HVAC, water intrusion)
Geotagged time-stamped photography for legal and insurance-grade reporting
Cloud-based reporting systems to securely generate and deliver digital reports
AI-enhanced tools (where applicable) to assist with image sorting, pattern recognition, or defect labeling

All data is reviewed and verified by a qualified human inspector prior to report delivery.

4. Client Consent & Flight Protocol

Drone usage on your property is conducted only with express or implied consent via:

Online booking acceptance
Signed inspection agreement
Verbal confirmation at the inspection site

All flights are conducted in a safe, non-intrusive manner. We avoid flying over neighboring properties unless necessary and legally permitted.

5. Privacy & Data Handling

We treat all captured drone and digital data as confidential. Your information:

Is stored securely in accordance with our Data Security Policy
Will never be sold or publicly shared without your permission
May be shared with authorized parties (e.g., your insurer, agent, or legal representative) as needed to fulfill the scope of inspection

Video or photo files may be retained for up to [insert retention period, e.g., 90 days] unless otherwise agreed upon or required for legal documentation.

6. Limitations

Drone inspections are weather- and airspace-dependent. We may cancel or postpone aerial operations if:

Wind speeds, rain, or visibility pose safety risks
The property is within controlled airspace (e.g., near airports)
Obstructions (e.g., trees, wires) make safe flight impossible

In such cases, we will offer alternate documentation methods or rescheduling.

7. Questions or Objections

If you have concerns about drone usage or prefer not to use certain technologies, please notify us prior to your scheduled inspection. We will do our best to accommodate your preferences within the limits of safety, regulatory compliance, and the scope of the inspection.

However, please note that if a specific technology (such as drone imaging, thermal scanning, or 3D measurement) is required to complete the inspection safely or accurately, and you decline its use, we may be unable to perform the inspection in full or at all. In such cases, the appointment may be canceled or rescheduled, and cancellation fees may apply per the terms of your inspection agreement.