Liability Waiver
Professional California-specific liability waiver for FAA Part 107 drone pilots. Protect your sUAS operation from privacy and property damage claims.
Fill the form
Customized fields for your role
Preview live
See your document update in real time
Download PDF
Free watermarked or $9 clean copy
Operating sUAS (drones) in California involves navigating strict privacy laws and complex worker classification under AB 5. A robust Liability Waiver helps mitigate risks associated with property... Read more
Customize your Liability Waiver
11 fields · Takes about 2 minutes
Accept terms in the form to enable downloads
Customize your Liability Waiver
11 fields · Takes about 2 minutes
Legal Document
This Liability Waiver and Release of Claims (this "Waiver") is made and entered into as of [date] by and between [company_name] (the "Released Party"), including its officers, directors, employees, agents, representatives, successors, and assigns, and [participant_name] (the "Participant"). In consideration of the Participant being permitted to participate in the activities described herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Participant agrees as follows:
The Participant hereby acknowledges and agrees that participation in the following activity or activities provided by [company_name]: [activity_description] (collectively, the "Activities"), involves inherent risks, dangers, and hazards that may result in serious personal injury, permanent disability, paralysis, death, or property damage or loss. Such risks include, but are not limited to: physical exertion and strain; contact with other participants, equipment, surfaces, or natural features; adverse weather conditions; equipment failure or malfunction; inadequate or negligent instruction or supervision; the negligence of other participants or third parties; and any other risks inherent in or arising from the Activities, whether or not specifically identified herein. THE PARTICIPANT HEREBY EXPRESSLY AND VOLUNTARILY ASSUMES ALL RISKS OF INJURY, ILLNESS, DAMAGE, OR LOSS ARISING FROM OR RELATED TO THE ACTIVITIES, WHETHER ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASED PARTY OR OTHERWISE, AND WHETHER SUCH RISKS ARE KNOWN OR UNKNOWN, FORESEEABLE OR UNFORESEEABLE, AT THE TIME OF EXECUTION OF THIS WAIVER. The Participant acknowledges that the Participant has had a full and adequate opportunity to review and consider the nature of the Activities and the risks described herein, and the Participant's assumption of risk is made knowingly, voluntarily, and without coercion or duress of any kind.
In consideration of being permitted to participate in the Activities, the Participant, on behalf of the Participant and the Participant's heirs, executors, administrators, personal representatives, assignees, and next of kin, hereby FOREVER RELEASES, WAIVES, DISCHARGES, AND COVENANTS NOT TO SUE [company_name], its officers, directors, employees, agents, representatives, volunteers, affiliates, subsidiaries, parent companies, successors, and assigns (collectively, the "Released Parties") from and against any and all claims, demands, actions, causes of action, suits, liabilities, obligations, damages, losses, costs, expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees), and judgments of every kind and nature whatsoever, whether known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, fixed or contingent, that the Participant now has, has ever had, or may hereafter have against the Released Parties, arising out of, connected with, or in any way related to the Participant's participation in the Activities, including but not limited to claims arising from the negligence (whether active or passive), gross negligence, or willful misconduct of the Released Parties, or from any defect or dangerous condition of the premises, facilities, or equipment used in connection with the Activities (collectively, the "Released Claims"). This release is intended to be as broad and inclusive as permitted by applicable law.
The Participant agrees to INDEMNIFY, DEFEND, AND HOLD HARMLESS [company_name] and the Released Parties from and against any and all claims, demands, actions, causes of action, suits, liabilities, obligations, damages, losses, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees and court costs) brought by or on behalf of the Participant, the Participant's heirs, executors, administrators, personal representatives, assignees, next of kin, or any third party, arising out of, connected with, or in any way related to the Participant's participation in the Activities, including but not limited to any claims arising from the Participant's own negligence, breach of this Waiver, or violation of any applicable law, rule, or regulation. This indemnification obligation shall survive the termination or expiration of this Waiver.
The Participant hereby authorizes [company_name] and its employees, agents, and representatives to obtain or provide emergency medical treatment for the Participant in the event of an injury, illness, or medical emergency arising during or in connection with the Participant's participation in the Activities, including but not limited to first aid, CPR, transportation to a medical facility, and any other emergency medical care deemed necessary by medical professionals or by [company_name] personnel. The Participant acknowledges and agrees that the Participant shall be solely responsible for all costs, fees, and expenses associated with any such medical treatment, including emergency transportation, hospitalization, surgery, and any follow-up care. The Participant releases the Released Parties from any and all liability arising from the provision of, or failure to provide, emergency medical treatment.
The Participant hereby acknowledges and represents that: (a) the Participant has carefully read this Waiver in its entirety and fully understands its terms and conditions; (b) the Participant is aware that this Waiver constitutes a legally binding contract and a complete release of all liability owed to the Participant by the Released Parties; (c) the Participant has signed this Waiver freely, voluntarily, and without coercion, duress, or undue influence of any kind; (d) the Participant is at least eighteen (18) years of age and is legally competent to enter into this Waiver; (e) the Participant has had the opportunity to consult with legal counsel of the Participant's choosing before executing this Waiver and has either done so or has voluntarily elected not to do so; (f) no oral representations, statements, promises, or inducements apart from the terms set forth in this Waiver have been made to the Participant; and (g) the Participant intends this Waiver to be a complete and unconditional release of all liability to the greatest extent permitted by applicable law.
This Waiver shall be governed by, construed, and enforced in accordance with the laws of the state in which [company_name] maintains its principal place of business, without regard to any conflict of laws principles that would require the application of the law of any other jurisdiction. In the event that any dispute arises under or in connection with this Waiver, the Participant irrevocably consents to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the state and federal courts located in the jurisdiction of [company_name]'s principal place of business, and the Participant hereby waives any objection to such jurisdiction or venue, including any objection based on inconvenient forum. If any provision of this Waiver is held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality, or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision of this Waiver, and the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect. This Waiver constitutes the entire agreement between [company_name] and the Participant with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior or contemporaneous agreements, understandings, and representations, whether written or oral.
[airspace auth details]
BY SIGNING BELOW, THE PARTICIPANT ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THE PARTICIPANT HAS READ THIS WAIVER, FULLY UNDERSTANDS ITS TERMS, UNDERSTANDS THAT THE PARTICIPANT HAS GIVEN UP SUBSTANTIAL RIGHTS BY SIGNING IT, AND SIGNS IT FREELY AND VOLUNTARILY WITHOUT ANY INDUCEMENT.
Participant
Name: Participant
Date: ___________________
Operating sUAS (drones) in California involves navigating strict privacy laws and complex worker classification under AB 5. A robust Liability Waiver helps mitigate risks associated with property damage, FAA Part 107 violations, and CCPA data handling. By ensuring your clients acknowledge the inherent risks of aerial operations and the necessity of airspace authorizations, you shield your business from costly litigation rooted in California Civil Code § 1550 and § 1624 requirements.
Beyond the standard liability waiver sections, this template adds fields specific to Drone Pilot:
The core legal purpose of a Liability Waiver is to reduce or eliminate the legal liability of an organization or entity by having the participant acknowledge and accept the risks involved in an activity, thereby waiving their right to sue for damages or injuries incurred as a result of their participation.
FAA Regulation Violations
Contracts can specify that pilot maintains active Part 107 certification and compliance with all FAA guidelines.
Privacy Invasions
Agreements often include clauses ensuring compliance with federal and state privacy laws, as well as specifying data collection practices.
Property Damage
Service contracts typically include indemnity clauses and require the pilot to have sufficient insurance to cover potential damages.
Airspace Violations
Contracts may require pilots to obtain necessary airspace authorizations and provide proof of compliance with flight plans.
For this liability waiver to be legally valid:
Common mistakes to avoid:
FAA Part 107
Governs the commercial operation of small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS), detailing requirements for operation, pilot certification, and aircraft limitations.
Enforced by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
FAA Section 336
Regulates model aircraft operations primarily for hobbyists, which can sometimes impact drone pilots in determining the commercial vs. recreational distinction.
Enforced by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
State-specific drone laws
Each state may have specific laws regulating drone use, such as registration requirements, privacy laws, and restricting operations in certain areas (e.g., near critical infrastructure or private property).
Enforced by State Aviation Authority or Department of Transportation
Recommended coverage: Aviation Liability Insurance · Commercial General Liability Insurance · Drone Hull Insurance (covers damage to the drone) · Errors and Omissions (E&O) Insurance
The document includes critical clauses addressing California-specific privacy concerns, ensuring compliance with the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) regarding the capture of imagery on private property and the resulting data handling practices.
Since AB 5 (Cal. Lab. Code §§ 2750.3) reclassified many independent contractors using the ABC test, this waiver is designed to clarify the scope of work and worker classification, reducing the risk of misclassification disputes during high-stakes flight operations.
Yes. To be enforceable under California law, the waiver must clearly detail specific flight risks—such as payload failure or LiDAR interference—to prove the participant provided informed consent and acknowledged the potential for property damage or airspace restrictions.
This waiver is specifically governed by California law, including Cal. Lab. Code § 925, which ensures that dispute resolution occurs within the state, and Cal. Civ. Code § 1624 regarding the statute of frauds for commercial aerial service agreements.
Liability Waiver
Create a California barber shop liability waiver. Protect your business from client injury claims, sanitation disputes, and Cal-OSHA violations. Easy to use.
Liability Waiver
Secure your California legal consulting practice. Create a professional liability waiver addressing scope creep, AB5 compliance, and Cal. Civ. Code requirements.
Liability Waiver
Protect your California paralegal practice with a customized liability waiver. Addresses UPL risks under California Business & Professions Code, confidentiality, and work
Liability Waiver
Create a California-compliant courier liability waiver addressing AB5, Cal-OSHA, & Civil Code. Protect your last-mile delivery business from claims today.
Employment Contract
Create a California-compliant drone pilot employment contract. Includes FAA Part 107 compliance, AB5 worker classification, CCPA, and Cal-OSHA safety standards.
Demand Letter
Create a California-compliant demand letter for drone pilots. Resolve Part 107 contract disputes, unpaid flight services, and liability issues under AB5.
Non-Disclosure Agreement
Protect your flight plans, LiDAR data, and Part 107 operations with a New Jersey-specific NDA compliant with NJ Consumer Fraud Act and CEPA whistleblower laws.
Non-Disclosure Agreement
Secure your flight plans, LiDAR data, and FAA Part 107 operations with a Pennsylvania NDA. Compliant with PA trade practice and wage collection laws.