As drone technology continues to evolve, the demand for drone-based services—whether in real estate, agriculture, photography, or infrastructure inspections—has surged. To regulate the growing number of commercial drone operations, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) introduced Part 107, a set of rules governing small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). Whether you’re an aspiring drone entrepreneur or a hobbyist looking to monetize your skills, understanding FAA Part 107 is crucial. This blog post will explain the basics of FAA Part 107, how to become certified, and what rules you need to follow for legal commercial drone operations.
What Is FAA Part 107?
FAA Part 107 is a framework of regulations that applies to the commercial use of drones weighing less than 55 pounds. These rules, also known as the Small UAS Rule, were enacted to ensure the safe and responsible use of drones for non-recreational purposes. Whether you’re using a drone for real estate photography, construction site monitoring, or agricultural mapping, Part 107 sets the standards that every commercial operator must follow.
Key Objectives of Part 107
- Safety: Ensuring that drone flights don’t pose a hazard to people, property, or other aircraft.
- Accountability: Defining the responsibilities of the drone pilot and setting clear regulations for commercial operations.
- Legal Compliance: Creating a legal pathway for businesses and individuals to use drones commercially while adhering to aviation laws.
Who Needs to Follow FAA Part 107?
Anyone flying a drone for commercial purposes in the U.S. must follow FAA Part 107 regulations. This includes:
- Real estate agents using drones for aerial property photos and videos.
- Construction companies employing drones for site inspections.
- Surveyors and mapping professionals gathering geospatial data.
- Event photographers offering aerial shots of weddings or public events.
Recreational vs. Commercial Drone Use
It’s important to note the distinction between recreational and commercial drone use. Recreational flyers don’t need to follow Part 107 as long as they’re flying strictly for hobby or leisure, under different FAA guidelines. However, the moment you charge money for your drone services or even use your drone footage for business purposes, you fall under Part 107 regulations.
Also read my detailed blog post on How to get FAA drone license?
How to Obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate Under Part 107
To legally fly a drone for commercial purposes, you must first obtain an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate, often referred to as a Part 107 license. This certificate demonstrates that the drone operator understands the rules and safety practices involved in flying drones commercially.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to obtain your certificate:
Step 1: Meet Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for a Remote Pilot Certificate, you must:
- Be at least 16 years old.
- Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English.
- Be in a physical and mental condition that allows safe drone operation.
- Pass the Part 107 Aeronautical Knowledge Test.
Step 2: Study for the Part 107 Test
The Part 107 test covers various aspects of drone operations, including:
- Airspace classifications and where you can legally fly.
- Weather patterns and how they affect drone flights.
- Drone maintenance and emergency procedures.
- FAA regulations, including restrictions on flying near airports or over people.
Many online study resources, practice tests, and FAA-approved training courses are available to help you prepare.
Step 3: Take the Part 107 Knowledge Test
The test consists of 60 multiple-choice questions, and you must score at least 70% to pass. The test is conducted at FAA-approved Knowledge Testing Centers, and the cost is approximately $175.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Once you’ve passed the test, submit your application for a Remote Pilot Certificate through the FAA’s Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) system. After a TSA background check, you’ll receive your certificate, allowing you to legally operate a drone commercially.
Why is FAA certification necessary?
The Key Rules of Part 107
Once you obtain your Remote Pilot Certificate, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the core rules outlined in Part 107. These regulations dictate where, when, and how you can fly your drone.
1. Maximum Altitude: 400 Feet
Part 107 mandates that drone pilots must fly below 400 feet above ground level (AGL). This rule ensures drones remain at a safe distance from manned aircraft, which typically operate at higher altitudes.
2. Line of Sight Requirement
You must always keep your drone within visual line of sight (VLOS), meaning you can see your drone with your unaided eyes at all times during the flight. This rule helps you maintain control and avoid obstacles or hazards.
3. Daylight-Only Operations
Under Part 107, drone operations are restricted to daylight hours. However, if you wish to fly at night, you can apply for a waiver from the FAA after demonstrating additional safety precautions, such as using anti-collision lights.
4. No Flying Over People or Moving Vehicles
Part 107 prohibits drones from flying directly over people who are not participating in the operation, as well as over moving vehicles. This rule minimizes the risk of injury in the event of a malfunction or crash.
5. Controlled Airspace Restrictions
If you’re flying in controlled airspace near airports, you’ll need to obtain airspace authorization through the FAA’s LAANC system or DroneZone portal. Unauthorized flights in these areas can result in significant fines or legal consequences.
Part 107 Waivers: Flying Beyond the Standard Rules
While the standard rules of Part 107 apply to most commercial drone operations, there are situations where you may need to fly beyond these restrictions. In these cases, the FAA allows you to apply for a waiver to operate under more flexible conditions.
Some common waiver requests include:
- Flying beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS): For long-distance flights where maintaining line of sight isn’t feasible.
- Nighttime operations: Conducting drone flights after sunset with proper safety measures.
- Operating over people: For specific scenarios like event coverage, provided the drone poses minimal risk to bystanders.
Applying for a waiver involves submitting a detailed safety plan to the FAA, demonstrating how you will mitigate risks associated with the proposed operation.
The Importance of Understanding Airspace and Weather for Part 107
Part of being a responsible commercial drone pilot involves understanding the airspace you’re flying in and how weather conditions can impact your flight. Here are two critical aspects that every Part 107-certified pilot should consider:
Airspace Awareness
Controlled airspace, particularly near airports, requires special authorization to fly. Drone pilots must be able to read aeronautical charts and understand airspace classifications to avoid violating restricted areas. Tools like LAANC simplify the process by providing near-real-time airspace authorization for flights near participating airports.
Weather Conditions
Weather plays a significant role in drone safety. Pilots must assess conditions like wind speed, visibility, and cloud cover before each flight. High winds, for example, can destabilize drones, while poor visibility increases the risk of losing line of sight. Part 107 testing includes questions on how to interpret METAR reports (Meteorological Aerodrome Reports), which provide up-to-date weather information for specific areas.
Consequences of Violating Part 107 Rules
Failure to comply with FAA Part 107 regulations can result in severe penalties. Depending on the severity of the violation, consequences include:
- Fines: Civil penalties can reach up to $1,100 per violation.
- Criminal Charges: In cases of willful or reckless violations, pilots could face criminal prosecution.
- Remote Pilot Certificate Revocation: Repeated violations can lead to the suspension or revocation of your Remote Pilot Certificate, prohibiting you from flying commercially.
It’s critical to adhere to all Part 107 rules and obtain the necessary waivers for any operations outside of the standard regulations.
Conclusion
The FAA’s Part 107 regulations lay the foundation for safe, legal, and successful drone operations in the commercial sector. By understanding the key rules, obtaining the necessary certifications, and complying with airspace and safety requirements, drone pilots can leverage the full potential of their skills for commercial purposes. Whether you’re inspecting infrastructure, capturing breathtaking aerial photos, or mapping large agricultural fields, following Part 107 ensures your operations remain both compliant and safe.
For those looking to expand their drone business, always stay updated on new FAA guidelines, as drone regulations continue to evolve alongside the industry.