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Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to your FAA questions.
No. The certificate does not expire. Completion of the appropriate online ALC training course renews the pilot’s recency of aeronautical knowledge for 24 calendar months. You must be able to show a copy of your certificate of completion as proof of currency.
A NOTAM is not required under Part 107 flights. They are only required if you have a Certificate of Authorization (COA) to fly under Part 91 as a public aircraft and part of the COA has a requirement to issue a NOTAM.
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Public agencies can operate either under a remote pilot certificate (Part 107) or as a public aircraft operator (Part 91).
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No. You cannot "mix and match" the conditions and limitations in your Section 333 exemption with the Part 107 rule operating requirements.
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Yes, a Part 107 pilot may be contracted by a public safety entity to fly under Part 107 as far as the FAA is concerned. Their policies on hiring 3rd parties would be up to them, of course. It is important to understand that the same Part 107 rules apply to public safety as they do to the general public.
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Media companies may use a drone, but must adhere to the requirements the Small UAS Rule (Part 107) or the exemption they received under exemption under the Special Authority for Certain Unmanned Systems (U.S.C. 44807). Media companies operating under Part 107 may request a waiver to fly over people if they provide sufficient mitigations to ensure public safety.
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Yes, you can get both a Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107) or a COA to operate as a public aircraft operator (Part 91). However, you just cannot operate as both at the same time as they have different requirements for each type of operations.
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No, if the aircraft does not fly directly over a person, then the operation would be compliant with Part 107.39.
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There are two ways for recreational or hobby UAS or drone fliers to operate in the National Airspace System in accordance with the law and/or FAA regulations.
Option #1: Fly in accordance with the limited statutory exception for recreation. Under this rule, operators must:
- Register your drone or UAS with the FAA
- Fly for hobby or recreational purposes only
- Follow a community-based set of safety guidelines
- Fly your drone within visual line-of-sight
- Give way to manned aircraft
- Obtain an airspace authorization to operate in controlled airspace.
- Fly a drone or UAS that weigh no more than 55 lbs. unless certified by a community-based organization
Option #2: Fly under the FAA's Small UAS Rule (14 CFR part 107). Under this rule, operators must:
- Register their drone or UAS with the FAA as a "non-modeler"
- Obtain an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate
- Follow the operational requirements of Part 107
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Federal law requires all drones operated under 14 CFR Part 107 to be registered. The limited statutory exception for recreation requires registration of all aircraft weighing more than .55 pound (250 grams). All registered aircraft must have their registration number displayed on the exterior. Review the UAS registration information to learn more about the program.
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No, Part 107 would not apply to operations conducted indoors. FAA rules and regulations apply to operations conducted outdoors in the National Airspace System (NAS).
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A responsible person is not required to hold an airman certificate issued under Part 107 to apply for or be issued a waiver. The responsible person must ensure that the person operating the UAS or drone under the waiver holds the required airman certificate and meets the currency requirements of Part 107.
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Testing of appliances outside of restricted airspace is a challenge. I suggest you look up some current waivers and speak to those who obtained the BVLOS waivers. Many of the successful waiver applicants use a chase aircraft or multiple visual observers.
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Anti-collision lights are only required between periods of civil twilight - 107.29(b).
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Only the UAS or drone crew are considered participants, not the emergency response personnel. You may need to use the Special Governmental Interest (SGI) process for a temporary, emergency waiver if operating under Part 107. If you fly as a Public Aircraft Operator (PAO), you have that ability in life safety situations.
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Still can't find what you are looking for? Please feel free to contact the UAS Support Center for general questions and comments.
As far as the flight rules are concerned, when flying as a public aircraft, the Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC) is responsible (See 91.3(b)). When flying as a civil aircraft, the RPIC is responsible (See 107.19). When flying as a contractor to a public entity, refer to Advisory Circular 00-1.1B, Public Aircraft Operations, which provides information about the process you must go through to get public aircraft status given to you by the entity. The RPIC and responsible person are responsible for compliance with the flight rules to ensure everyone's safety.
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Under the Small UAS Rule (part 107), operators must pass an aeronautical knowledge test to obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate. This test will quiz prospective operators on how to use aeronautical charts to determine airspace classifications.
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Waivers are special permissions the FAA issues to authorize certain types of UAS or drone operations not covered under the Part 107 rule. Learn more about applying for waivers to Part 107.
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There are three ways to fly a UAS or drone for work, business, or non-recreational reasons:
- Follow the requirements in the Small UAS rule (Part 107)
- Obtain an exemption under the Special Authority for Certain Unmanned Systems (U.S.C. 44807).
- Obtain an airworthiness certificate for the aircraft
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To report accidents in accordance with reporting requirements in the Part 107 rule via FAADroneZone. Accident reports may also be made by contacting your nearest FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO).
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