Some firms worry that their professional liability insurance might not cover them for drone usage. The Victor and CNA professional liability program provides coverage when professionals use drones as tools to perform their professional obligations. Firms using unmanned aerial vehicles, such as the drones often used to document new construction for evaluation by the design... Continue Reading →
Design professionals frequently use drones (unmanned aerial systems) to help provide professional services. A recent article by Mark A. Dombroff, “Lessons in Liability: Drones 101,” reminds us to consider the regulatory and risk management issues that can arise from your relationship with a third-party drone provider. First, consider that accidents, while rare, do occur. Drones... Continue Reading →
Back in June, new rules covering a broad spectrum of commercial uses for drones weighing less than 55 pounds were put in place. The Operation and Certification of Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems, or UAS requirements, are contained in Part 107 of the FAA rules. The rules take effect August 29, 2016, with a fact sheet... Continue Reading →
As expected, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced that anyone who owns a consumer drone weighing between 0.55 pounds and 50 pounds must register it before February 19 or be fined up to $27,500 in civil penalties—or face jail time and $250,000 in criminal penalties. The new registration requirement is part of the FAA's... Continue Reading →
The use of drones in the planning, design, and evaluation of the construction of a capital asset continues to evolve. Often, such usage is by inexperienced operators who lack both knowledge of and respect for the legal and practical aspects of drone use. There are many issues professional service firms need to confront if they... Continue Reading →
Although only one Schinnerer policyholder has been approved by the Federal Aviation Administration to use unmanned aircraft as part of the firm’s provision of professional services, the insurance industry is moving forward on preparing coverage for drone use. The issue is not one of professional liability insurance coverage; the Schinnerer program covers the professional liability... Continue Reading →
Drones are coming to construction. They are not legally in use yet, but the U.S. Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) has been moving forward on granting exemptions and there is a collective push from commercial entities to tap into the potential of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The hesitancy of the FAA to authorize drone use is... Continue Reading →
