FAQ

Why can't every request be immediate?
Rapid response deployment availability is impacted by FAA airspace authorization requirements, weather conditions, visibility, flight safety assessments, operational scheduling, and temporary flight restrictions (TFRs). American Drone Team prioritizes rapid deployment requests whenever conditions safely allow.
What can impact FAA authorization approvals?
Certain locations require FAA authorization prior to flight, particularly near airports, military installations, controlled airspace, and temporary restricted zones. Authorization timelines can vary based on operational conditions and federal airspace requirements.
Can operations be conducted in bad weather?
Weather conditions directly affect safe flight operations. High winds, precipitation, lightning activity, low visibility, and coastal weather conditions may delay or prevent deployment in accordance with FAA safety regulations.
How quickly can you respond?
Rapid response requests are prioritized based on pilot availability, travel distance, weather conditions, FAA authorization status, and operational safety considerations. Same-day deployment may be available depending on location and conditions. 12-to-24-hour response time in most situations.
What areas do you serve?
We serve Fort Walton Beach, Destin, Pensacola, Niceville, Crestview, Navarre, Gulf Breeze, Panama City, and surrounding Florida Panhandle communities.
Are your pilots and aircraft certified and insured?
All flights are conducted by FAA Part 107 Remote Pilots in Command. We carry $1M+ in commercial drone liability insurance and can issue a certificate of insurance naming your firm or client as additional insured on request.
How do you handle chain of custody and authentication?
Original media is hashed (SHA-256) at capture, transferred to write-protected storage, and never altered. You receive the unedited originals plus any annotated working copies, a timestamped flight log, GPS metadata, and pilot credentials. Our pilot is available for deposition or trial testimony.
What deliverables do we receive?
High-resolution stills (JPEG + RAW/DNG), 4K video (MP4), and — when scoped — orthomosaic maps, 3D models, and measured site diagrams. Files are delivered via secure download link with a written flight report, equipment log, and FAA Part 107 certification for use as exhibits.
How fast do we get the files?
Court-ready packages are typically delivered within 24 hours after flight authorized via secure download link. Rush turnaround is available for trial deadlines or mediation prep — let us know your deadline when you call.
What does it cost, and how is it billed?
Pricing depends on scene complexity, deliverables, and travel. Most accident-scene documentations fall within a predictable flat-rate range; large mapping or multi-day projects are quoted in writing. We invoice firms directly with NET-15 terms or accept card payment.
How do I request documentation?
Click 'Request Documentation' or call/text 850-803-7663. Tell us the location, what happened, and your deadline. We'll confirm scope, ETA, and pricing within minutes during business hours — usually within the hour after-hours.