Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

These Terms of Service ("Terms") constitute a binding agreement between you ("Client," "you") and USA Venture Group LLC, doing business as The Maryland Drone Company ("Company," "we," "us," "our"). By accessing this website, submitting an inquiry, requesting an estimate, or engaging our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree, do not use this website or engage our services.

2. Description of Services

The Company provides commercial unmanned aircraft system ("drone") services, including but not limited to 2D orthomosaic mapping, radiometric thermal moisture surveys, rooftop mechanical and drainage asset registers, and related diagnostic reporting (collectively, the "Services"). The specific scope, deliverables, pricing, and timeline for any engagement are set out in a separate estimate, proposal, or work order ("Project Agreement"), which forms part of the agreement between the parties alongside these Terms.

3. FAA Compliance & Flight Operations

All flight operations are conducted by pilots holding a current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, in compliance with applicable Federal Aviation Regulations, Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs), Notices to Air Missions (NOTAMs), and local airspace authorizations, including LAANC authorizations where applicable. The Company retains sole discretion over whether a flight is safe and legal to conduct. We may delay, reschedule, or decline to fly at any time due to weather, wind, precipitation, visibility, airspace restrictions, mechanical issues, site safety conditions, or any other factor the pilot in command reasonably determines affects the safety or legality of the flight. We are not liable for delays or rescheduling arising from these determinations.

4. Special Airspace Operations (DC Flight Restricted Zone & Military-Restricted Areas)

Portions of our service area fall within airspace subject to enhanced federal or military authorization requirements beyond standard LAANC clearance, including the Washington, D.C. Flight Restricted Zone ("FRZ") and military-restricted airspace surrounding installations such as Aberdeen Proving Ground. Flights in these areas are subject to the additional terms below.

DC Flight Restricted Zone. A flight requested within the FRZ requires a TSA Airspace Access Program waiver, which is mission-specific, site-specific, and pilot-specific, and is granted at the sole discretion of the TSA and FAA. Processing typically requires a minimum of 10 to 15 business days and can take 3 to 4 weeks or longer; the Company does not guarantee approval or any specific timeline. Client acknowledges that FRZ flights may require an on-site law enforcement escort and real-time coordination with the National Capital Region Coordination Center (NCRCC) immediately before and after the flight. FRZ engagements are quoted and billed as a distinct "Special Airspace Compliance & Inspection" package in the applicable Project Agreement, and generally include: a non-refundable Airspace Filing & Administrative Fee (typically $500–$1,500) covering paperwork, TSA coordination, and filing time regardless of whether the waiver is ultimately approved; a mandatory law enforcement escort fee (typically $100–$150 per hour, subject to a minimum call time), billed as a pass-through of the escort provider's cost plus the Company's coordination markup; and an elevated Mission Day Rate (typically $1,500–$3,500 or more) reflecting the added liability, staffing, and lead-time requirements of FRZ operations.

Military-Restricted Airspace. Facilities located near an active military installation, including Aberdeen Proving Ground, may sit within restricted or special-use airspace that is separate from, and not authorized by, standard LAANC clearance. Flights in these areas require case-by-case coordination with the relevant installation or controlling authority, may not be approved on Client's desired timeline, and may carry additional coordination fees quoted at the time of the request. The Company will advise Client if a requested flight location falls within such airspace before scheduling.

Client acknowledges that engagements under this Section are inherently subject to longer lead times and higher costs than standard flights, and that quoted airspace filing and administrative fees are non-refundable regardless of whether a waiver or authorization is ultimately granted.

5. Site Access & Client Representations

Client represents and warrants that it has the legal authority to grant the Company permission to operate a drone over, and access, the property or facility identified in the Project Agreement, and that such access does not violate any lease, covenant, easement, or third-party right. Client is responsible for: (a) identifying and disclosing any known hazards, restricted areas, or sensitive operations on site; (b) providing reasonable ground access and a safe launch and recovery area; (c) notifying tenants, neighboring property owners, or other affected parties where Client believes notice is appropriate or required; and (d) obtaining any additional consents required under lease agreements or local ordinances. The Company is not responsible for verifying property boundaries, lease terms, or third-party consents beyond what Client discloses.

6. Scheduling, Rescheduling & Cancellation

Flight dates are scheduled subject to weather and airspace conditions and are estimates, not guarantees. If a flight is rescheduled due to weather, airspace restrictions, or other conditions outside the Company's control, no cancellation fee applies and we will work with Client to find the next available window. If Client cancels or reschedules a confirmed flight with less than 24 hours' notice for reasons within Client's control, a rescheduling fee may apply as set out in the Project Agreement.

7. Fees & Payment

Fees for Services are set out in the applicable estimate or Project Agreement. Unless otherwise agreed in writing, invoices are due upon receipt of final deliverables. Late payments may accrue interest at the maximum rate permitted under Maryland law and may result in withheld deliverables until payment is received in full. Online pricing estimates on this website are provided for informational purposes only and are not binding quotes; final pricing is confirmed in writing before a flight is scheduled.

8. Deliverables & Data Ownership

Upon full payment, Client receives a non-exclusive, perpetual license to use the final deliverables (orthomosaic maps, thermal imagery, CAD overlays, and written reports) for Client's internal business purposes related to the property inspected, including sharing with contractors, insurers, and consultants engaged by Client for that property. The Company retains ownership of all raw flight data, underlying imagery, and processing methods, and reserves the right to use de-identified or aggregated data, and non-confidential project imagery, for internal analytics, training, and general marketing or portfolio purposes. Client may request in writing that specific imagery be excluded from marketing use, and we will honor that request going forward.

9. Nature of Deliverables & Professional Limitations

Our deliverables are diagnostic aids intended to help Client identify areas warranting further attention. They are not a substitute for the judgment of a licensed structural engineer, roofing consultant, or other qualified professional, and are not a warranty, guarantee, or certification of the condition, safety, or remaining service life of any roof, structure, or mechanical system. Thermal imaging identifies temperature differentials consistent with possible moisture intrusion; it does not directly measure moisture content and can be affected by weather, roof construction, and other variables outside our control. Client is responsible for engaging appropriately licensed professionals before making repair, replacement, or structural decisions based on our deliverables.

10. Insurance

The Company maintains aviation liability insurance in the amount disclosed on this website at the time of engagement. Coverage amounts are subject to change and may be increased for specific projects upon request and confirmation prior to the scheduled flight. Proof of insurance is available upon request.

11. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, the Company's total liability arising out of or relating to the Services, whether in contract, tort (including negligence), or otherwise, shall not exceed the total fees paid by Client for the specific engagement giving rise to the claim. In no event will the Company be liable for indirect, incidental, consequential, special, or punitive damages, including lost profits or lost business opportunity, even if advised of the possibility of such damages. Nothing in these Terms limits liability for claims covered under the Company's aviation liability insurance policy up to the applicable policy limits, or for liability that cannot be limited or excluded under applicable law.

12. Indemnification

Client agrees to indemnify and hold the Company harmless from any third-party claims arising out of Client's breach of Section 4 (Site Access & Client Representations), including claims that Client lacked authority to grant site access. The Company agrees to indemnify and hold Client harmless from third-party claims for bodily injury or property damage directly caused by the Company's negligent operation of its aircraft, up to the limits of the Company's aviation liability insurance policy.

13. Confidentiality

Each party agrees to keep confidential any non-public business, technical, or facility information disclosed by the other party in connection with the Services, and to use it only for purposes of the engagement, except as required by law or as necessary to deliver the Services (including sharing deliverables with Client's own contractors and insurers as contemplated in Section 7).

14. Force Majeure

Neither party is liable for delay or failure to perform obligations under these Terms due to causes beyond its reasonable control, including severe weather, natural disaster, government action, FAA airspace restrictions, labor disputes, or other force majeure events.

15. Website Use

Content on this website — including text, sample deliverable images, pricing tools, and graphics — is provided for general informational purposes and is owned by or licensed to the Company. You may not reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works from this website's content without prior written permission. The interactive pricing calculator on this website provides estimates only and does not constitute a binding quote.

16. Termination

Either party may terminate an engagement prior to the scheduled flight date upon written notice, subject to any cancellation fees set out in Section 5. Sections 8 through 13 survive termination of any engagement.

17. Governing Law & Dispute Resolution

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Maryland, without regard to conflict-of-law principles. The parties agree to first attempt to resolve any dispute through good-faith negotiation. If a dispute cannot be resolved within 30 days, the parties agree to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the state and federal courts located in Maryland.

18. Severability & Entire Agreement

If any provision of these Terms is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions remain in full force and effect. These Terms, together with the applicable Project Agreement, constitute the entire agreement between the parties regarding the Services and supersede any prior agreements or understandings on the subject.

19. Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. Changes apply prospectively to engagements entered into after the updated Terms are posted. The "Last updated" date above reflects the most recent revision.

20. Contact

Questions about these Terms can be directed to ops@marylanddronecompany.com or the address listed in our website footer.