Have you followed this 7-item aerial property coverage checklist?

If you plan to add drone photography or aerial video to a listing in Greater Vancouver, Maple Ridge, or Vancouver Island, this checklist helps you avoid delays, legal hiccups, and wasted time on shoot day. Use it to confirm permissions, staging, safety, and exact deliverables before the pilot arrives. The checklist is written for realtors, property developers, and homeowners who want a straightforward, shareable list to attach to listing instructions.

1. Confirm legal authorizations and liability coverage

What to ask the pilot: request written proof that the operator can fly commercially in Canada. For many commercial aerial uses, operators must hold an appropriate permission such as a Special Flight Operations Certificate or equivalent authorization, and they should carry liability insurance for commercial work. Industry guidance highlights the need to verify both permission to fly and insurance prior to conducting commercial shoots in Canada, so get documentation in writing before booking from the Appraisal Institute of Canada.

Decision checklist

• Ask for the pilot’s authorization or SFOC status in writing.
• Require evidence of liability insurance for commercial operations.
• Accept bookings only after you have clear documentation.

Warning signs

Vague answers about permits, refusal to show insurance paperwork, or an operator who cannot explain how they legally undertake commercial shoots are valid reasons to pause the booking.

2. Check strata, property owner and neighbour permissions

Strata rules and neighbour privacy concerns are common reasons drone shoots are postponed. If the property is a strata unit, confirm whether the strata corporation has bylaws that restrict drone activity, and get written approval when required. In British Columbia, strata insurance and individual unit owner coverage differ, so owners should check what their strata policy covers and consider their own insurance for personal property and related risks as explained by the Government of British Columbia.

Practical actions

• Request a written note or email from the strata council or property owner authorizing the flight.
• Notify immediate neighbours when shots will include shared areas or views into adjacent yards.
• Offer to limit low-altitude passes over neighbouring lots if privacy is a concern.

3. Confirm site access, timing and potential airspace constraints

Coordinate precise arrival, parking and a secure launch area before the crew arrives. Ask the provider to confirm they have already checked for controlled airspace, Notices to Air Missions, or other local advisories that could affect the flight. Operators familiar with the region will account for nearby airports, helicopter routes and marine traffic when planning Metro Vancouver and Vancouver Island shoots. For properties near busy airports or heliports, the pilot may require extra time to secure clearance.

Timing and light

• Schedule early morning or late golden hour for low wind and flattering light, but confirm with the pilot who will decide on the day.
• Agree a weather window and a backup date when possible.

Logistics to confirm

• Exact meeting point and where the crew can park.
• Safe, unobstructed area for launch and landing.
• Phone contact for the client and the pilot to coordinate access.

When you work with a full-stack provider who lists regional coverage and local experience, they will typically coordinate these logistics as part of the booking process. For examples of regional drone services and how providers describe airspace planning, see Silver Valley Studios’ drone service information on their site.

4. Stage the property for aerial frames and remove safety hazards

Aerial frames read differently from ground photos. Tidy the yard, remove visible clutter, and secure items that could move in wind. Clearing driveways and patios, parking cars out of shot, and temporarily storing garbage bins make a dramatic difference to aerial compositions. Mark or remove trip hazards and identify low overhead obstructions such as wires, tall hedges, and tree limbs so the pilot can plan safe flight paths.

High priority prep

• Remove vehicles and toys from the main angles.
• Secure loose furniture and umbrellas so they will not blow into the frame or the propellers.
• Trim long grass or overgrown shrubs that distract from roof lines and yard usability.

Safety checklist

• Confirm the chosen launch area is clear of people and pets.
• Keep occupants inside during launches and landings unless the pilot requests a walkaround for safety reasons.
• Identify any temporary no-go zones, such as children playing nearby or open gates to heavy traffic.

5. Confirm provider credentials, equipment and deliverables

Before the shoot, request the pilot’s credentials and ask which drone and camera they will use. Confirm the image resolution they deliver for stills and video codecs for footage. Ask for recent sample aerials from similar properties in Greater Vancouver or on Vancouver Island so you can judge how their work will represent the listing. Clearly list expected deliverables: number of stills, 4K landscape video files, 9:16 vertical clips for social, retouched stills, and the expected turnaround time.

Decision checklist for choosing a provider

• Valid pilot credentials and a clear explanation of their commercial authorization.
• Proof of insurance supplied in writing.
• Sample work that demonstrates the style and framing you need.

Negotiation points

• Agree file formats and naming conventions before the shoot.
• Ask for social-first verticals if you plan Reels or TikTok promotion.
• Include a short clause on retouching and any additional editing fees.

Providers that describe a cohesive real estate media offering, and who show client reviews about timely delivery and professional communication, are often easier to coordinate with on these details. See Silver Valley Studios’ regional drone and aerial examples for reference on expected outcomes and formats.

6. Prioritised aerial shot list and social‑first verticals to request

Time or weather may change on site, so give the pilot a short priority order of shots to capture the most valuable material first. Prioritise the views that best sell the property for your market. Include social formats so you can immediately use clips for marketing.

Recommended priority shots

1. Top-down site overview showing lot size and boundaries.
2. Neighbourhood approach that demonstrates access and streetscape.
3. Backyard panorama that highlights usable outdoor space or views.
4. Roof and amenity sweep to show condition and outbuildings.
5. Property approach from the road to frame curb appeal.
6. Boundary sweep to show proximity to parks, water or other selling points.
7. Short vertical clip for Reels or TikTok featuring a reveal or approach into the front door.

Delivery tips

• Request labelled clips and a short edited reel plus raw masters if you plan heavier edits.
• Ask the pilot to deliver a 9:16 vertical and a 16:9 landscape version when possible.
• Send the pilot a one-line shot order 24 hours before the appointment so everyone agrees on priorities.

Including a concise shot order improves efficiency and reduces the risk of missing a critical angle if weather turns.

7. Day‑of confirmations, contact sheet and reusable deliverables

On the morning of the shoot confirm the weather check, and let the pilot make the final go or no‑go decision for safety reasons. Provide a single client contact who will meet the crew and manage access. Agree where the pilot will launch and land and confirm a simple contact sheet with the expected filenames and delivery timeline.

Quick handover checklist for agents

• Show the crew the agreed launch site and any restricted areas.
• Keep pets secured and occupants aware of takeoff and landing timing.
• Confirm contact details for the person who will approve final deliverables.

Preferred quick‑share formats

• JPG stills labelled by shot number.
• 4K H.264 or H.265 landscape masters for listing video.
• Vertical MP4 clips for Reels and TikTok.

Make a habit of storing the provider’s confirmation emails, insurance proofs and the final contact sheet with the listing paperwork. Those documents protect you and your client if questions or claims arise later.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a special permit to use a drone for commercial real estate photos in BC?

Commercial drone use usually requires the operator to hold the appropriate commercial authorization, such as a Special Flight Operations Certificate or equivalent. You should request written proof from the operator and confirmation of liability insurance before proceeding as noted by industry guidance.

What should I ask my strata before scheduling aerial photos for a condo or townhouse?

Ask whether the strata has any bylaws limiting drone use, whether written approval is required from the council, and what the strata insurance covers. In British Columbia, unit owners should check their own insurance for personal property because strata policies do not always cover owner contents according to BC government guidance.

How far in advance should I book aerial coverage and what weather window should I expect?

Book as soon as the marketing schedule is set. A two week lead time reduces scheduling friction in busy markets. Expect your provider to propose a primary date and one or two backup weather windows, with the pilot confirming the final go/no‑go on the morning of the shoot.

Which aerial shots get the most engagement for Vancouver and Island listings?

Top-down lot overviews, neighbourhood approach clips, backyard panoramas with usable outdoor space, and roof condition sweeps perform well. Short vertical reveal clips are particularly effective on Reels and TikTok.

What documentation should I keep after the shoot to protect myself and my client?

Retain the pilot’s authorization and insurance proof, any strata or owner permission emails, the day‑of contact sheet, and the final deliverables. These documents simplify resolution if questions or claims arise later.

For a concise printable checklist to attach to listing instructions, copy the seven headings and the brief actions under each item and share them with your sellers and team before the shoot.

Want a regional provider who combines aerials with photos, video tours and 2D floorplans? See Silver Valley Studios’ drone service page for examples and booking details about drone real estate photos.

Ready to schedule a compliant aerial shoot for your next listing?