InspectDayBlog
Home inspection drone
The FAA lists roof inspections among non-recreational Part 107 operations, and InterNACHI's standard says the inspector is not required to walk on any roof surface.
By InspectDay ASHI, InterNACHI, FAA and eCFR pages, checked on 2 min read
Whether the flight is regulated
The FAA lists roof inspections among non-recreational Part 107 operations. The FAA also says compensation does not decide whether a flight is recreational.
What the pilot needs
Flying the drone needs a remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating, or direct supervision by a pilot who holds one. The certificate starts with the Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG) knowledge exam. Recurrent online training is due every 24 calendar months, and the FAA lists the recurrent course at no cost.
Registration costs $5 per drone and is valid for three years. A registered drone must comply with Remote ID.
The pilot, and a visual observer if one is used, must be able to see the drone throughout the entire flight. Operating in Class B, C or D airspace, or in the Class E surface area designated for an airport, needs prior authorization from air traffic control.
What the standards say about the roof
InterNACHI’s standard says the inspector shall inspect the roof “from ground level or the eaves”, and is not required to walk on any roof surface.
ASHI’s standard in force says the inspector shall describe the methods used to inspect the roofing.
ASHI’s 2026 standard, approved and not yet in force, says the inspector is not required to walk on roofs. It also lists small unmanned aircraft systems among the equipment the inspector is not required to use. Its implementation date is to be determined.
This page covers the ASHI and InterNACHI standards and the FAA rules. Your state’s rules may differ.
What the report shows
A finding takes photos and video on the phone, and the web app uploads photos and video. A video over 100 MB is refused on the phone, whether recorded or chosen. The published report lists each item’s findings with their photos. It shows no capture time for photos.
Sources
- American Society of Home Inspectors, Inc., “ASHI’s Home Inspection Standard of Practice: Approved Changes as of 1/8/26”
- American Society of Home Inspectors, Inc., “ASHI Standard of Practice Changes”
- American Society of Home Inspectors, Inc., “ASHI Standard of Practice for Home Inspections Effective March 1, 2014”
- Federal Aviation Administration, “Recreational Flyers & Community-Based Organizations”
- eCFR, “§ 107.12 Requirement for a remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating”
- Federal Aviation Administration, “Become a Certificated Remote Pilot”
- Federal Aviation Administration, “How to Register Your Drone”
- eCFR, “§ 107.31 Visual line of sight aircraft operation”
- eCFR, “§ 107.41 Operation in certain airspace”
- InterNACHI, “Home Inspection Standards of Practice”