Frequently asked questions

VSI Aerial is a commercial drone services company founded in 2015 and headquartered in Triangle, Virginia. We combine professional photography and videography expertise with over 20 years of military and civilian aviation experience. Our team includes FAA Part 107 certified pilots, military veterans, cinematographers, and UAS specialists who have completed over 1,000 projects across the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast United States. We are also a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Certified business.

Our pilot team includes professionals with deep aviation and military backgrounds: Geoff Green (CEO/Founder/Pilot) - Naval Aviator and Marine Corps veteran with 20+ years of military and civilian aviation experience.Gretchen Vollmer (COO/Pilot) - USCG veteran with 6 years in maritime law enforcement and search & rescue. Co-founded our industrial drone division in 2022.Ramiz Baig (Chief Pilot) - UAS professional with 1,000+ flight hours including wildfire management, Tier 1 utilities, and Fortune 500 oil & gas operations.Ethan Davila (UAS Pilot) - Photographer and videographer blending ground and aerial photography.Every active pilot holds FAA Part 107 certification.

Several things set us apart from typical drone operators: Military aviation pedigree - Our leadership team includes a Naval Aviator, a Coast Guard veteran, and a pilot with 1,000+ UAS flight hours in demanding industrial environments. This isn't a side hustle; it's a professional operation. Full-service crews - For TV & Film, we deploy a three-person crew: a dedicated pilot, camera operator, and tech. For inspections and construction, we bring specialized software and data capabilities that go far beyond photos. Regulatory fluency near DC - Flying legally in the Washington DC area is uniquely complex. We have established relationships with local and federal law enforcement and handle all FAA paperwork, LAANC authorizations, and FRZ waivers on your behalf. Comprehensive insurance - We carry up to $5M in General Liability and $1–5M in Aviation Liability coverage, with rider options to increase limits for specific projects.