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    Aerial Inspections for Real Estate Appraisers

    The image features an aerial view of downtown Charleston, South Carolina, highlighting the historic steeple of St. Michael's Church with the Appraisal Institute Alaska Chapter Logo

    Drawing from the highlights of my seven-hour educational LIVE program, this condensed webinar will introduce real estate professionals to the practical applications of how aerial imagery can provide valuable perspectives and information for real estate inspections.

    The webinar will be organized into three sections:

    Section One: Types of Drones

    An introduction to drone technology, including different types of aircraft and the environments they fly in.  We will also discuss additional cost in equipment, cameras, sensors, and other necessary items needed for an aerial inspection. 

    Section Two: Uses and Trends

    An examination of drone aerial applications in appraisal, property inspections, construction, insurance, property management, and marketing. We will also explore the technologies, including thermal imaging, 3D modeling, mapping, and LiDAR.

    Section Three: Mission Day (From Contract to Payment)

    A in-depth look at a professional drone assignment, beginning with the client inquiry and contract and continuing through mission planning, preparation, flight operations, data collection, delivery of the finished product, invoicing, and payment.  Along the way, I will introduce the class to FAA rules, operational requirements, and safety considerations.  They will be incorporated throughout the presentation.

    About the Instructor

    Lamar Ellis, III hold the MAI and SRA designations and have more than 35 years of experience in real estate. He is President of Drone Education Services, an FAA Safety Team Representative, and a Georgia DronePro. His experience combines real estate appraisal, drone operations, professional education, and aviation safety.

    Seminar Details

    • Duration: 3 hours
    • Audience: Real estate appraisers and other real estate professionals
    • Continuing Education: Received approval from South Carolina.  Waiting for approval from North Carolina and Georgia.

    This is a visually engaging presentation that introduces appraisers to the opportunities, capabilities, and practical considerations of using drone technology in real estate.

    Topics:
    Technology and Software
    Valuation Approaches
    Continuing Education
    Who Should Enroll

    Ideal for appraisers looking to expand their practice or better understand reports that use drone technology.
    Course Offerings
    Sponsor Date Location Format
    South Carolina Chapter February 25-27, 2027 Synchronous View Details Register
    Course Objectives

    Course Objectives

    After completing this webinar, participants will be able to:

    1. Identify the main types of drones, the environments they’re suited for, and the equipment, cameras and sensors an aerial inspection requires
    2. Estimate the added costs of starting and running a drone program
    3. Describe how drones are used in appraisal, property inspection, construction, insurance, property management and marketing
    4. Explain the uses and limits of thermal imaging, 3D modeling, mapping and LiDAR in real estate
    5. Outline a professional drone assignment from start to finish: client inquiry, contract, mission planning, flight operations, data collection, delivery, invoicing and payment
    6. Recognize the main FAA rules, operating requirements and safety considerations for commercial drone flights
    7. Evaluate whether drone imagery and data would add value to an appraisal assignment or an existing practice
    Course Materials & Recommended Books
    State Approvals
    State QE/CE Course & Exam Course Only Exam Only Delivery Format Start Date Expire Date State Code
    SC CE 3 Synchronous 11/09/2026 12/31/2028 20-1425989' (South Carolina Chapter)