Understanding FAA Part 107: What You Need to Know

What is FAA Part 107?

Part 107 is the FAA regulation governing commercial drone operations in the United States. Passed in 2016, it requires anyone flying drones for business purposes to hold a Remote Pilot Certificate.

"Commercial purposes" means any drone use where compensation is involved, including:

• Real estate photography
• Construction site monitoring
• Insurance inspections
• Wedding videography
• Any service where payment is received

Why It Matters to You

Part 107 Requirements

To Obtain Certification

1. Age: Must be at least 16 years old
2. English Proficiency: Read, speak, write, and understand English
3. Physical/Mental Fitness: Meet requirements for safe operation
4. Pass Knowledge Test: Score 70% or higher on FAA exam
5. TSA Security Screening: Background check
6. Receive Certificate: Remote Pilot Certificate issued by FAA

Knowledge Test Topics

The 60-question exam covers:

• Regulations (airspace, weather minimums, operations)
• Airspace classification and requirements
• Aviation weather sources and effects
• Loading and performance
• Emergency procedures
• Crew resource management
• Radio communication procedures
• Determining drone performance
• Physiological effects on pilots
• Aeronautical decision-making

Operational Limitations

Standard Part 107 Rules

• Altitude: Maximum 400 feet above ground level
• Speed: Maximum 100 mph
• Time: Daylight only (or 30 minutes before sunrise/after sunset)
• Visibility: Minimum 3 statute miles
• Visual Line of Sight: Must see drone at all times
• Weather: Must remain clear of clouds
• People: Cannot fly over people (with exceptions for small drones)
• Moving Vehicles: Cannot fly over moving vehicles
• Weight: Drone must weigh less than 55 pounds

Waivers Available

You can apply to FAA for waivers to certain restrictions:

• Night operations
• Over people operations
• Beyond visual line of sight
• From moving vehicle

Airspace Authorization

Where You Can't Fly (Without Authorization)

• Class B, C, D Airspace: Major airports - requires LAANC approval
• Class E Surface Area: Some smaller airports
• Restricted Areas: Military operations, special use airspace
• National Security Areas: Washington DC, military bases
• Temporary Flight Restrictions: Wildfires, VIP movements, stadiums

LAANC System

Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) provides near real-time authorization to fly in controlled airspace:

• Apply through apps (AirMap, Kittyhawk, etc.)
• Approval in minutes for many areas
• Available 24/7
• Covers 700+ airports nationwide

Recurrent Knowledge Testing

Certificates expire every 24 months. To renew:

• Option 1: Complete online recurrent training course
• Option 2: Retake full knowledge test

Most pilots choose online training - faster and cheaper ($5 vs $175 for exam).

How to Verify a Pilot's Certification

Before hiring a drone operator, verify their credentials:

1. Ask for their certificate number
2. Visit FAA Airmen Registry: registry.faa.gov
3. Search by name or certificate number
4. Verify current, not expired
5. Confirm it's a "Remote Pilot" certificate

Insurance Requirements

Part 107 doesn't mandate insurance, but professional operators carry:

• General Liability: $1 million minimum (protects property/people on ground)
• Hull Insurance: Covers drone equipment
• Personal Injury: Covers privacy violations, defamation

Many clients (especially commercial) require $2-5 million coverage and named additional insured status.

State and Local Regulations

While FAA controls airspace, states and cities can regulate:

• Where drones can take off and land (not airspace itself)
• Privacy laws (photography restrictions)
• Noise ordinances
• Special permits for public property

Examples:

• Florida: Cannot use drones for surveillance of private property
• California: Restrictions near wildfires and emergency scenes
• Texas: Privacy protections for individuals and property
• New York: Many NYC parks prohibit drone takeoff/landing

Common Violations and Penalties

Operating Without Certificate

Penalty: Up to $32,666 per violation (civil), potential criminal charges

Flying in Restricted Airspace

Penalty: $1,100-$32,666, possible certificate suspension/revocation

Reckless Operation

Penalty: Certificate revocation, criminal prosecution possible

False Statements

Penalty: Up to $10,000, certificate suspension

Comparison: Recreational vs Commercial

Getting Your Part 107 Certificate

Study Resources

• FAA Remote Pilot Study Guide (free PDF)
• Online prep courses ($100-$300)
• Practice tests (RemotePilot101, Pilot Institute)
• YouTube training channels
• Study time needed: 10-20 hours

Testing Process

1. Schedule exam at FAA-approved testing center
2. Cost: $175
3. Duration: 2 hours
4. Passing score: 70% (42/60 questions)
5. Results immediate
6. Apply for certificate online
7. TSA background check
8. Receive certificate in mail (2-6 weeks)

What Hiring Managers Should Know

Questions to Ask Drone Operators

• "What's your FAA certificate number?"
• "When does your certificate expire?"
• "Are you authorized to fly in this airspace?"
• "What's your insurance coverage amount?"
• "Can you provide a certificate of insurance?"
• "Have you ever had an FAA violation?"

Red Flags

• Refuses to provide certificate number
• Can't explain airspace restrictions
• Doesn't have insurance
• Offers significantly lower prices (cutting corners?)
• Doesn't ask about airspace or restrictions

Future of Drone Regulations

Evolving rules include:

• Remote ID: Broadcast drone location (required starting 2023)
• BVLOS Operations: Expanding beyond visual line of sight
• Autonomous Operations: Drone-in-a-box systems
• Urban Air Mobility: Delivery drones in cities
• Increased Automation: Simplified authorization processes

International Operations

Part 107 only valid in USA. Other countries require:

• Canada: Basic or Advanced drone pilot certificate
• European Union: EU drone license (A1, A2, A3 categories)
• UK: Flyer ID and Operator ID
• Australia: RePL (Remote Pilot License)