FAA Part 107 Regulations
This is an informational page for customers new to UAS operations
This is an informational page for customers new to UAS operations
Reminder: Rules and regulations are constantly changing; while all of the information below comes from FAA sources, it is best to ensure your team has a way to receive direct news from the FAA. Below is a link to the FAA's website for Part 107.
Under the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Title 14 CFR Part 107 (commonly referred to as Part 107) are the rules and regulations for all commercial activities utilizing a small Unmanned Aerial System (sUAS) weighing no more than 55lbs, and no less than 250 grams. Pat 107 covers the rules governing how operations can be conducted, where you can operate a sUAS, the requirements for obtaining a Part 107 certificate, and registration and identification requirements of you and your sUAS. To obtain your Part 107 certificate you must:
Be at least 16 years old
Read, speak, write, and understand the English language
Medical exemptions are possible
Be of sound physical and mental health
Demonstrate aeronautical knowledge by either:
Passing the Part 107 knowledge test
While holding a pilot certificate, pass a Part 107 training assessment
The FAA has different requirements for test taking depending on a person's current certificate status.
For individuals with no current FAA certificates, see First Time Testing (Non-Pilot)
For individuals holding a Part 61 certificate, see First Time Testing (Part 61 Certificate Holder)
For individuals holding a current Part 107 certificate, see Part 107 Recurrent Testing
To take the FAA Part 107 test, follow these steps:
Study for the test: There are ample guides both free and paid available online to help you prepare to take the test. The FAA themselves also provide a set of free study materials you can review. Taking the test does cost money, so the better prepared you are going into the test, the more likely you are to pass, and only have to pay for the test once.
Obtain a FAA Tracking Number (FTN): To receive this tracking number you will need to create a Integrated Airmen Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) account. This account will be you home for all of your FAA licenses and certifications.
Take the Knowledge Test: You will need to register to take the test at an FAA-approved Knowledge Testing Center.
Take the test!
After taking and successfully passing the test, you will receive a temporary certificate from the testing center. This certificate will allow you to immediately begin operating sUAS commercially. Prior to receiving your full certificate, you will need to go to your IACRA account and fill out any remaining forms or information required by the FAA.
It is also important to remember that your Part 107 certificate is not good forever. You will need to take recurrent online tests/assessments to maintain your certificate. As of now, these recurrent tests are free. More information will be provided below.
Part 61 pilot certificate holders who have completed a flight review within the past 24 months can take an online training course focusing on UAS-specific areas of knowledge instead of the full sUAS aeronautical knowledge test. The online training for current pilot certificate holders is available at www.faasafety.gov (ALC-451: Part 107 Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems).
It is also important to remember that your Part 107 certificate is not active indefinitely. A recurrent test is required every 24 months to maintain your certificate. As of now, these recurrent tests are available online for free. More information will be provided below.
Your Part 107 certificate is valid for 24 months. Before the end of that 24-month period you will need to take a free online recurrent test through the FAA's website in order to not have any gaps in sUAS operation eligibility. You can find out more information about current recurrent testing options here:
After accessing the FAA safety website, navigate to Courses -> ALC-677 to find the Part 107 Small UAS Recurrent exam.
After passing the recurrent test you will receive an email with a PDF confirming these details. The FAA will not issue you a new physical certificate . You should keep your most up to date copy of this PDF accessible either physically or digitally at all times while operating under Part 107.
Registering your sUAS platform costs $5 and is valid for 3 years. You'll need a credit or debit card to pay for the registration and information on make and model of your drone handy in order to register. This now includes information regarding to your Remote ID module. whether external or internal to the aircraft.
Create an account and register your drone at FAADroneZone. Select "Fly sUAS under Part 107."
Once you've registered, mark your drone with its registration number.
If your drone requires an FAA registration number it will also be required to broadcast Remote ID information (unless flown within a FRIA). For more information on drone registration, visit How to Register Your Drone.
Login to your FAADroneZone account
Click on "Manage Device Inventory"
On the right-side of the screen click the three dots on the registration for the UAS you would like to update.
Click "Edit"
Here you can now select if your UAV is equipped with Remote ID, and update the information related to the aircraft.
After editing the information click "Save"
The registration number remains the same, therefore there is no need to update the registration markings on your UAS platform. Additionally, editing a UAS platforms registration is free of charge.
As a sUAS operator for your company or organization, it is your duty to inform those around you about the rules and regulations that govern operations of sUAS. Sharing links to sections of the FAA's Part 107 website can help provide context, and back up the information you present to others. You should help sign up those who need to stay up to date with FAA news to one of their email news letters.
Most of all it is important to remember that YOU, as the operator of the sUAS, are responsible for the operations YOU conduct. This means if you break the rules in any way under pressure from those you work with, and are caught, YOU will be the one in trouble. It is important to stay vigilant against calls to ignore Part 107 rules and regulations, and to reach out to appropriate authorities and contacts if you are routinely put into positions involving breaking Part 107 rules and regulations.
