Part 107
Regulations & Certification (Part 107)
The rules for commercial drone flight and the Remote Pilot Certificate.
Part 107 Basics
Commercial small drone (sUAS) operations are governed by FAA Part 107. A small UAS weighs LESS THAN 55 pounds (including payload).
To fly commercially you need a REMOTE PILOT CERTIFICATE with an sUAS rating (pass the aeronautical knowledge exam). You must be at least 16, able to read/speak/understand English, and in a condition to operate safely.
Operating Limits
Key Part 107 limits: • Max altitude 400 feet AGL (above ground level), or within 400 ft of a structure. • Max groundspeed 100 mph. • Day or night operations are both permitted; night flight requires anti-collision lighting visible for at least 3 statute miles (no waiver needed since the 2021 rule change). • Minimum 3 statute miles visibility; stay below/clear of clouds. • Fly within VISUAL LINE OF SIGHT (VLOS).
Waivers & Registration
Most drones must be REGISTERED with the FAA. Many Part 107 limitations can be WAIVED if you apply and show you can fly safely (e.g. flying over people, beyond visual line of sight, at night previously).
You cannot operate over people or moving vehicles unless you meet the operational category rules or have a waiver. Certificates require recurrent training to stay current.
📖 Key Terms
- Part 107
- FAA rules governing commercial small drone operations.
- sUAS
- Small Unmanned Aircraft System weighing less than 55 lbs.
- VLOS
- Visual Line of Sight — the remote pilot must keep the drone in sight.
- AGL
- Above Ground Level — the reference for the 400-foot altitude limit.
💡 Exam Tips
- ▸A small UAS weighs less than 55 lbs including payload.
- ▸Max altitude is 400 ft AGL (or within 400 ft of a structure).
- ▸Maintain at least 3 statute miles visibility and visual line of sight.
- ▸Many Part 107 limits can be waived with FAA approval.