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Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to your FAA questions.
A list of Knowledge Testing Centers is available.
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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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The FAA has developed a mobile app called B4UFLY to help recreational UAS or drone operators know whether there are any restrictions or requirements where they want to fly. Additional guidance is also available in the Where Can I Fly? section of this website. You may also reference your location with the FAA UAS Facility Map.
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Is there a way to request permission electronically? Can I contact my local air traffic control tower or facility directly to request airspace permission?
All airspace authorization must be made through the Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) or FAADroneZone.
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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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Public safety must fully comply with Part 107 or their COA (if operating as a public aircraft) just like any other (civilian) Part 107 operator, and BVLOS is not permitted for routine operations without a waiver for Part 107 operations and a specific provision in a COA (see waiver safety explanation guidelines for Part 107.31 waivers). BVLOS remains a significant challenge given the state of technology in the industry, and is usually only granted in temporary, emergency situations. If you encounter a situation where you must go BVLOS in an actual emergency, follow the Special Governmental Interest process to obtain a temporary, emergency waiver to 107.31 if flying under Part 107, or a temporary, emergency amendment to your existing COA if flying as a public aircraft.
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Part 107 is a performance based rule. It is the responsibility of the waiver applicant to measure their operation's risk, and the FAA evaluates the applications information, to ensure the level of risk is acceptable.
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Federal agencies are public agencies and operate as such under the same rules of those of a city, county, state or tribal agency.
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Flying for recreational purposes means flying only for fun. Flying for work, payment, or as part of any business (even if not being paid) is not considered recreational flying.
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A public aircraft operator (PAO) gets its flight operations authorized with a Certificate of Waiver of Authorization (COA). A COA has specific conditions and limitations based on the authority the operator requests, i.e., night flying. A PAO conducts its flight operations under Part 91. The information you need to provide would be similar.
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An RTT was formed in 2015, comprised of FAA and NASA UAS experts to jointly develop and enable a UTM ecosystem to provide management services to support sUAS or drone operations. The UPP is a joint effort between the Concepts & Use Cases and the Data Exchange & Information Architecture RTT working groups to identify the initial set of industry and FAA capabilities required to support UTM operations. The UPP will provide an understanding of the level of investment required for implementation as well as guide the regulations and policies governing UTM operations. Learn more: FAA and NASA UTM RTT Plan.
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The UTM is a traffic management ecosystem for uncontrolled operations that is separate but complementary to the FAA's Air Traffic Management (ATM) system.
The UPP is a project that will demonstrate UTM capabilities currently in the research and development phase and will serve as the basis for initial deployment of UTM capabilities.
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On September 17, 2019, the FAA issued an RFI seeking to work with stakeholders on the administration of a new aeronautical knowledge test for recreational flyers. A cohort of twelve entities was selected to make recommendations to the FAA on the safety test administration requirements. While the FAA’s decision to seek test administrators is based, in part, on the input provided by this cohort, this current announcement for test administrators is not connected to this RFI. The cohort did not develop the test or test questions. Entities that participated in the cohort, who now wish to become test administrators, must apply.
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Read the ASSURE Small UAS Ground Collision Report for more information.
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Knowledge Testing Centers charge approximately $175 to people seeking to take the initial aeronautical knowledge test.
Under a performance based rule, the FAA does not propose how an applicant obtains the impact data. The FAA only evaluates the testing scenarios and data to ensure the operation remains acceptably safe.
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Operators are required to provide valid contact information on their airspace authorization request. This contact information will be used to call the responsible person/operator if necessary.
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The UPP will demonstrate transfer of NASA’s UTM research technologies to the FAA. The results from the UPP will provide a proof of concept for UTM capabilities currently in research and development and will serve as the basis for initial deployment of UTM capabilities.
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