MmowW's Vice Director Pippo here If you fly a drone for any kind of work or business purpose in the United States, 14 CFR Part 107 is the single most important regulation you need to understand. This guide breaks down every element of Part 107 using only official FAA sources — no guesswork, no outdated information. Let's get you compliant.

Quick Takeaways
  • Part 107 governs all commercial (non-recreational) drone operations for aircraft under 55 lb (25 kg)
  • You need a Remote Pilot Certificate — pass a 60-question knowledge test (~$175), then renew currency every 24 months for free
  • Key limits: 400 ft AGL altitude, 100 mph speed, 3 statute miles visibility, visual line of sight at all times
  • Remote ID compliance (14 CFR Part 89) is mandatory since September 16, 2023
  • Violations carry civil penalties up to $27,500 per occurrence

Table of Contents

  1. What Is Part 107 and Who Needs It?
  2. Getting Your Remote Pilot Certificate
  3. Core Operational Rules Under Part 107
  4. Airspace Authorization and LAANC
  5. Remote ID, Registration, and Operations Over People
  6. Waivers, Penalties, and What's Coming Next
  7. Frequently Asked Questions

    8.

    What Is Part 107 and Who Needs It?

    14 CFR Part 107, formally titled "Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems," is the Federal Aviation Administration's regulatory framework for commercial drone operations. It took effect on August 29, 2016, and applies to any drone operation conducted for compensation or economic benefit where the aircraft weighs less than 55 lb (25 kg) including payload. The FAA's UAS Integration Office (AUS) administers Part 107. The regulation sits within a broader framework that includes Part 89 (Remote ID), 49 U.S.C. Section 44809 (recreational exception), and proposed Part 108 (BVLOS operations).

    The Compensation Test

    The critical distinction between Part 107 and the recreational exception under Section 44809 is compensation. The FAA interprets "compensation or economic benefit" broadly. If your drone flight provides value to a business — even indirectly — Part 107 applies.

    Common Mistake: Flying a drone to photograph a property for a real estate agent "as a favor" without payment still triggers Part 107. The economic benefit accrues to the agent's listing. Even a single unpaid flight for business purposes requires a Remote Pilot Certificate under 14 CFR Section 107.12.

    Who Specifically Needs Part 107?

    Operator Type Governing Rule Required Credential
    Commercial (any compensation or economic benefit) 14 CFR Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
    Recreational (strictly personal enjoyment) 49 U.S.C. Section 44809 TRUST completion certificate
    Public / Government Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA) Agency-level authorization

    Getting Your Remote Pilot Certificate

    The Remote Pilot Certificate is your entry ticket to legal commercial drone operations in the United States. The process involves a knowledge test, an application, and a background check.

    Eligibility Requirements (14 CFR Section 107.61)

    Before you can sit for the knowledge test, you must meet four eligibility criteria:

    1. Age: 16 years or older
    2. Language: Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English
    3. Physical and mental condition: Must be in a condition to safely operate a small unmanned aircraft
    4. TSA security threat assessment: Must pass a Transportation Security Administration background check

    The Knowledge Test (UAG Exam)

    Path to Your Remote Pilot Certificate
    1. Study — Use the FAA Aeronautical Knowledge Study Guide (free at faa.gov)
    2. Schedule — Book your exam at an FAA-approved Knowledge Testing Center
    3. Pass the UAG — 60 multiple-choice questions, 2-hour time limit, 70% passing score (~$175 fee)
    4. Apply via IACRA — Submit your application through the Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application
    5. TSA background check — Automatic upon IACRA submission
    6. Receive temporary certificate — Issued immediately upon passing; permanent card mailed later

    The exam — officially called "Unmanned Aircraft General – Small" (UAG) — covers airspace classification (Classes A through G), Part 107 regulations, Remote ID requirements under Part 89, weather and meteorology, aircraft loading and performance, radio communications, crew resource management, emergency procedures, aeronautical decision-making, airport operations, and maintenance and preflight inspection procedures.

    Streamlined Path for Part 61 Pilots

    If you already hold a pilot certificate under 14 CFR Part 61 (manned aircraft), you qualify for a streamlined pathway. Instead of taking the UAG exam, you complete the free ALC online training course and apply through IACRA. No written test is required.

    Maintaining Currency (14 CFR Section 107.65)

    Your Remote Pilot Certificate itself never expires — the plastic card is permanent. However, your aeronautical knowledge currency does expire.

    Tip: You must complete the ALC-677 "Part 107 Small UAS Recurrent" training course every 24 calendar months. This course is free, online, and has no exam. If your currency lapses, you cannot legally exercise Part 107 privileges until you complete the training again. Check your currency date in your IACRA profile.

    Core Operational Rules Under Part 107

    Part 107 Subpart B establishes the operational boundaries for every commercial drone flight. These rules apply universally unless you hold a specific waiver under Section 107.200.

    Operating Limitations at a Glance

    Rule CFR Section Requirement
    Weight limit Section 107.1 Aircraft total weight including payload must be less than 55 lb (25 kg)
    Altitude limit Section 107.51(b) Maximum 400 ft AGL; exception within 400 ft of a structure (may fly up to 400 ft above the structure's top)
    Speed limit Section 107.51(a) Maximum 100 mph (87 knots) ground speed
    Visual line of sight Section 107.31 Remote pilot or visual observer must maintain unaided visual contact at all times
    Daylight operations Section 107.29 Civil twilight to civil twilight; night flight permitted with anti-collision lights visible 3 statute miles (since April 6, 2021)
    Visibility Section 107.51(c) Minimum 3 statute miles from the control station
    Cloud clearance Section 107.51(d) 500 ft below clouds; 2,000 ft horizontally from clouds
    Right of way Section 107.37 Must yield to all manned aircraft
    Hazardous operations Section 107.23 Prohibition on careless or reckless operations — this rule is not waivable

    Night Operations

    Since April 6, 2021, Part 107 operators can fly at night without a waiver. Two conditions must be met: your aircraft must have anti-collision lighting visible for at least 3 statute miles, and your recurrent training (ALC-677) must have been completed after the rule change to include night operations curriculum.

    Pre-Flight Inspection (14 CFR Section 107.49)

    Before every flight, the remote pilot in command must verify that the aircraft system is in a condition for safe operation. This includes confirming all control links are functional, sufficient power exists for the intended operation, all safety equipment is properly installed, and any payload is secured without affecting safe operation.

    Common Mistake: Part 107 does not require an FAA-certified mechanic for maintenance (unlike manned aircraft under Part 43). However, this means the full responsibility for airworthiness falls on you as the operator. Document every maintenance action, battery cycle, and firmware update.

    Airspace Authorization and LAANC

    Understanding airspace is essential because flying in controlled airspace without authorization is a violation carrying penalties up to $27,500 per occurrence under 49 U.S.C. Section 46301.

    Airspace Classes and Requirements

    Airspace Class LAANC Available? Authorization Required?
    Class G (uncontrolled) No Not required below 400 ft AGL
    Class E (surface designation) Yes Yes — use LAANC
    Class D (smaller airports) Yes Yes — use LAANC
    Class C (medium airports) Yes Yes — use LAANC
    Class B (major airports) Yes Yes — use LAANC
    Class A (above 18,000 ft MSL) No Effectively prohibited for small drones

    How LAANC Works

    LAANC — Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability — is the FAA's automated airspace authorization system. It operates at 726 airports nationwide and covers approximately 80% of controlled National Airspace at 400 ft or below.

    LAANC Authorization Workflow
    1. Open a LAANC-approved app (Aloft/B4UFLY, AirMap, Kittyhawk, etc.)
    2. Submit flight request with location, altitude, date, and time
    3. System checks against the UAS Facility Map (UASFM) altitude grid
    4. If at or below grid ceiling: near-instant approval (seconds)
    5. If above grid ceiling: "Further Coordination" required (manual FAA review — days to weeks)

    Tip: Most suburban residential areas fall within Class G airspace. If you are operating below 400 ft AGL and not near an airport, you likely do not need LAANC authorization. Always verify using the B4UFLY app before every flight.

    Remote ID, Registration, and Operations Over People

    Aircraft Registration

    Under 14 CFR Section 107.13, all drones used for commercial operations must be registered with the FAA, regardless of weight. Recreational operators must register any drone weighing 0.55 lb (250 g) or more. Registration costs $5 per aircraft for commercial operators (or $5 per owner for recreational), is valid for 3 years, and is completed through FAA DroneZone at faadronezone-access.faa.gov. Your registration number must be legibly marked on the aircraft exterior, visible without disassembly.

    Remote ID (14 CFR Part 89)

    Remote ID has been fully enforced since September 16, 2023. Virtually all registered drones must broadcast identification and location data in real time. Three compliance pathways exist under Section 89.110:

    1. Standard Remote ID drone — built-in broadcast hardware (most new consumer drones)
    2. Remote ID broadcast module — retrofit external module for older aircraft
    3. FRIA — fly without Remote ID only within designated FAA-Recognized Identification Areas

    Broadcast data includes aircraft position, altitude, velocity, pilot control station position, and a unique identifier — all transmitted continuously during flight (14 CFR Section 89.315).

    Operations Over People (Part 107 Subpart D)

    Part 107 Subpart D (Sections 107.100 through 107.150) establishes four categories for flying over human beings:

    Category Weight Limit Key Requirement
    Category 1 (Section 107.110) 0.55 lb (250 g) or less No exposed rotating parts that lacerate skin
    Category 2 (Sections 107.115–107.120) Any weight; FAA-accepted DOC required Injury threshold limits; no exposed rotating parts
    Category 3 (Sections 107.125–107.130) Any weight; FAA-accepted DOC required Closed or restricted-access area required
    Category 4 (Section 107.140) Any weight FAA airworthiness certificate required
    ---

    Waivers, Penalties, and What's Coming Next

    Part 107 Waivers (14 CFR Section 107.200)

    Waivers allow operators to deviate from certain Part 107 rules when they demonstrate equivalent safety through alternative methods. Applications are submitted through FAA DroneZone with typical processing times of 90 days. Key waivable sections include Section 107.31 (VLOS — the most requested waiver), Section 107.25 (operations from moving vehicles), Section 107.35 (multiple aircraft), and Section 107.51 (operating limitations). Section 107.23 (hazardous/careless operations) and Section 107.9 (accident reporting) are explicitly not waivable.

    Penalties

    Violation Maximum Penalty
    Most Part 107 violations Up to $27,500 civil penalty per violation
    Restricted/prohibited airspace Up to $32,666 per violation
    Interfering with manned aircraft (criminal) Up to $250,000 fine AND/OR 3 years imprisonment

    Flight Logging and Accident Reporting

    There is no federal mandate to maintain flight logs under Part 107. However, keeping detailed logs is strongly recommended — the FAA enforcement statute of limitations suggests retaining records for at least 3 years. Mandatory accident reporting under 14 CFR Section 107.9 requires a written report to the FAA within 10 calendar days if the operation resulted in serious injury, loss of consciousness, or property damage of $500 or more (excluding the drone itself).

    What's Coming: Part 108 BVLOS and Part 74 UAFR

    Two major rulemakings are in progress:

    • Part 108 (BVLOS): The NPRM was published in August 2025. When finalized (expected 2026-2027), it will create a routine pathway for beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations without individual waivers — transforming infrastructure inspection, agriculture, and delivery.
    • Part 74 (UAFR): The NPRM was published on May 6, 2026, proposing flight restrictions over 16 critical infrastructure sectors. Public comments are due by July 6, 2026. This is not yet in force.

      •

      Frequently Asked Questions

      Do I need Part 107 if I'm flying "just for fun" but posting drone photos on my business social media?

      Yes. If the drone content provides economic benefit to your business — even indirectly through marketing — the FAA considers it a commercial operation under 14 CFR Section 107.12. You need a Remote Pilot Certificate.

      How long does it take to get a Part 107 certificate?

      The knowledge test itself takes up to 2 hours. After passing, you apply through IACRA and receive a temporary certificate immediately. The TSA background check and permanent card mailing typically take 6-8 weeks. Total timeline from study start to certificate: 2-8 weeks depending on study pace.

      Can I fly my drone at night under Part 107?

      Yes, since April 6, 2021. Your aircraft needs anti-collision lights visible for 3 statute miles, and your recurrent training (ALC-677) must include the updated night operations curriculum. No separate night waiver is needed.

      What happens if I fly in controlled airspace without LAANC authorization?

      You face civil penalties up to $27,500 per violation under 49 U.S.C. Section 46301. For restricted or prohibited airspace, the penalty increases to up to $32,666 per violation. The FAA takes unauthorized airspace incursions seriously.

      Does my Part 107 certificate expire?

      The certificate itself is permanent — it never expires. Your aeronautical knowledge currency expires if you do not complete the free ALC-677 online recurrent training every 24 calendar months. Without current currency, you cannot legally fly commercially.

      Do I need drone insurance in the US?

      No federal or state law currently mandates drone liability insurance. However, the industry standard for commercial operators is $1 million or more per occurrence. Most clients — especially in real estate, film, and infrastructure — will require a Certificate of Insurance before allowing you on site.

      Summary

      Part 107 is the foundation of legal commercial drone operations in the United States. The regulation covers who can fly (Remote Pilot Certificate holders), what they can fly (aircraft under 55 lb), where they can fly (below 400 ft AGL with proper airspace authorization), and how they must fly (VLOS, daylight or with anti-collision lights, minimum 3 statute miles visibility). With Remote ID enforcement in full effect since September 2023, and major rulemakings like Part 108 BVLOS and Part 74 UAFR on the horizon, staying current with FAA regulations is more important than ever. The free ALC-677 recurrent training every 24 months is the simplest compliance step — and also the one most often overlooked.

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      🔍 Regulation last verified: Source: FAA Official

      This information is provided for guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. For official FAA regulations, please consult faa.gov/uas. MmowW acts as a compliance assistance platform — operators remain fully responsible for their compliance with applicable regulations.

      References

      1. FAA UAS Main Portal — https://www.faa.gov/uas
      2. 14 CFR Part 107 Full Text (eCFR) — https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-I/subchapter-F/part-107
      3. 14 CFR Part 107 Subpart B Operating Rules — https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-I/subchapter-F/part-107/subpart-B
      4. 14 CFR Part 107 Subpart D Operations Over People — https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-I/subchapter-F/part-107/subpart-D
      5. 14 CFR Part 89 Remote ID (eCFR) — https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-I/subchapter-F/part-89
      6. FAA Become a Drone Pilot — https://www.faa.gov/uas/commercial_operators/become_a_drone_pilot
      7. FAA DroneZone — https://faadronezone-access.faa.gov/
      8. LAANC Information — https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/laanc
      9. Part 107 Waivers — https://www.faa.gov/uas/commercial_operators/part_107_waivers
      10. FAA Recurrent Training — https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/recurrent-training-courses-drone-pilots-available-online
      11. B4UFLY App — https://b4ufly.aloft.ai/
      12. Remote ID Overview — https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/remote_id

      Update History
      • — Initial publication
      Disclaimer

      This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or regulatory advice. Drone regulations change frequently — always verify current requirements directly with FAA. MmowW provides compliance assistance tools and is not a substitute for professional advice where required.

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