FAA allows Surf City realtor to use drone technology

SURF CITY, NC (WWAY) — The FAA has given a Surf City realtor permission to use drone technology to help sell and lease homes. Chris Rackley, president of Lewis Realty Associates, petitioned on behalf of the company about six months ago to be able to use his drone to take video and pictures of the homes the company is selling or renting.

“It’s going to give a great vantage point of homes and properties. You’ll be able to see the layout of a home, landscaping, the yard, it’s going to be a lot more informative and eye catching,” said Rackley.

Rackley said drones are the future when it comes to economic development.

“It’s a good thing because it proves that the FAA is taking UAVs and drones seriously, that they do realize what the economic impact could be for real estate and other industries,” said Rackley.

Rackley said there still some hoops to jump through to be able to use his drone commercially. For example, he still needs to get a sports/recreation or private pilot’s license to be able to fly his drone commercially.

He said he hopes to be using his drone for his work by the late fall.

To read more about drones you can check out the Lewis Realty Associates Inc. blog post.