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Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to your FAA questions.
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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No, it is simply a multiple choice exam administered by computer.
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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Yes, you must be a U.S. citizen to get an FAA license to operate as a direct air carrier, and to conduct any commercial passenger or cargo aircraft operations for compensation or hire. For more information, see Regulation 14 CFR Part 119.33.
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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Each airline determines identification requirements for minors. Contact your airline well in advance of your travel date to determine if they have unique policies or procedures for minors.
Typically, minors under the age of 18 do not have to present identification for domestic U.S. travel. Airlines will accept identification from the responsible adult on behalf of the minor(s).
For international travel, minors under the age of 18 must present the same travel documents as the adult.
Please visit the Transportation Security Administration's website for more information.
Yes. All employees who conduct maintenance or preventive maintenance are required to be covered by an Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) drug and alcohol testing program regardless of whether they sign off the work or not.
Employers who need more information about the definition of maintenance or preventive maintenance should review the FAA Flight Standards Service's Guidance Alert on Maintenance or consult directly with their FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector or local Flight Standards District Office. The Flight Standards Service is the expert in clarifying maintenance or preventive maintenance duties. Please visit the FAA's website to find the Flight Standards District Office closest to you.
If you have any further questions or need additional guidance that is more specific to your situation, please contact the FAA Drug Abatement Division at (202) 267-8442 or drugabatement@faa.gov.
Please visit our website to learn more about our program.
Applicable Regulations:
14 CFR part 43
14 CFR § 120.105
Yes. All employees who conduct maintenance or preventive maintenance are required to be covered by an Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) drug and alcohol testing program regardless of whether they sign off the work or not.
Employers who need more information about the definition of maintenance or preventive maintenance should review the FAA Flight Standards Service's Guidance Alert on Maintenance or consult directly with their FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector or local Flight Standards District Office. The Flight Standards Service is the expert in clarifying maintenance or preventive maintenance duties. Please visit the FAA's website to find the Flight Standards District Office closest to you.
If you have any further questions or need additional guidance that is more specific to your situation, please contact the FAA Drug Abatement Division at (202) 267-8442 or drugabatement@faa.gov.
Please visit our website to learn more about our program.
Applicable Regulations:
14 CFR part 43
14 CFR § 120.105
If the payload operator is a required individual of the UAS or drone operation, then they may be considered a direct participant, but it depends on the type of operation being conducted.
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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).
The FAA is not aware of any school districts using drones for emergency situations, but this would certainly be a viable use of a UAS.
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The FAA does not publish a list of acceptable transmission electronics.
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A public agency is allowed to operate under the COA as a public aircraft operator to conduct training exercises as a component/tool of the exercise.
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No, unless preparing the aircraft for cleaning requires the removal of components or the protection of components, which may fall under the definition of maintenance or preventive maintenance under 14 CFR § 1.1 or Part 43. For example, before cleaning an aircraft, it may be necessary to close and secure the upper and lower fan cowl doors on a transport category aircraft. The FAA considers the closing and securing of the engine fan cowl doors maintenance.
Additionally, after the cleaning process, it may be necessary to reapply lubrication compounds and preservatives to aircraft components, both of which could be considered maintenance or preventive maintenance. If the aircraft is operated by a part 119 certificate holder authorized to conduct Part 121 or 135 operations, or is used to conduct sightseeing operations as defined in 14 CFR § 91.147, the individual performing the aircraft maintenance or preventive maintenance must be subject to drug and alcohol testing in accordance with 14 CFR Part 120.
Conversely, the FAA does not consider cleaning seat cushions/covers maintenance or preventive maintenance.
The FAA's Flight Standards Service are the experts in determining whether work is considered maintenance or preventive maintenance, in accordance with the definitions in 14 CFR § 1.1 and Part 43. If you have additional questions about these definitions, please contact your local Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) or your Principal Maintenance Inspector.
If you have any other questions or need additional guidance regarding the FAA's drug and alcohol testing requirements in 14 CFR Part 120, contact the Drug Abatement Division at 202-267-8442 or drugabatement@faa.gov.
Please visit our website to learn more about our program.
Applicable Regulations:
14 CFR § 1.1
14 CFR Part 43
14 CFR § 91.147
14 CFR § 120.1
14 CFR § 120.105(e)
14 CFR § 120.215(a)(5)
No. The DOT drug and alcohol testing regulation (49 CFR Part 40) applies to transportation employers who are regulated by federal agencies such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The FAA's regulation (14 CFR part 120) defines specific drug and alcohol testing requirements for the aviation industry. Therefore, an individual's participation in a DoD testing program, or that of any other Federal agency, would not satisfy the FAA's drug and alcohol testing requirements.
If you have any further questions or need additional guidance that is more specific to your situation, please contact the FAA Drug Abatement Division at (202) 267-8442 or drugabatement@faa.gov.
Please visit our website to learn more about the program.
Applicable Regulations:
Your change of address applies to all certificates maintained in the Airmen Certification Branch, as well as your medical certificate. To update your address, please go to the Airmen Certification website. If you want to update your address on your certificate of Aircraft Registration, please go to the Aircraft Registration website.
However, we do not confirm receipt of change of address, nor do we automatically send replacement certificates showing your new address. To confirm that your change of address was received by the FAA, call the Civil Aviation Registry at 1-866-878-2498 or 405-954-3261. Press #1 for Airmen Certification, then press #0 to speak with an examiner OR press #2 for Aircraft Registration. You can also email us.
Your change of address applies to all certificates maintained in the Airmen Certification Branch, as well as your medical certificate. To update your address, please go to the Airmen Certification website. If you want to update your address on your certificate of Aircraft Registration, please go to the Aircraft Registration website.
However, we do not confirm receipt of change of address, nor do we automatically send replacement certificates showing your new address. To confirm that your change of address was received by the FAA, call the Civil Aviation Registry at 1-866-878-2498 or 405-954-3261. Press #1 for Airmen Certification, then press #0 to speak with an examiner OR press #2 for Aircraft Registration. You can also email us.
The FAA does not maintain a list of acceptable medications. Pilot performance is affected by both the underlying medical condition(s) and medication (s); we must consider both in individual cases.
You should consult with your FAA Regional Flight Surgeon or designated Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) to determine if your condition or treatment precludes flying. You can find contact information for your Regional Flight Surgeon or your AME on our website.
You may not fly if you are taking any of these types of medications. If you aren't sure whether your medication falls into one of these categories, you should check with your AME:
- Tranquilizers, such as but not limited to Valium, Librium, Ativan
- Most antidepressants. PLEASE NOTE: According to new FAA policy announced in the Federal Register on April 5, 2010, some conditions and medications are acceptable. Please see the Federal Register Announcement for the requirements to qualify for a special issuance authorization (waiver).
- Opiates, such as Morphine, Codeine, Lortab, Percodan, Oxycontin
- Muscle relaxants, such as Soma, Sonata, Flexeril
- Anicholinergics, such as Levsin, Bnetyl, Transderm Scop
- Sedating antihistamines, such as Benadryl, Chlorpheniramine, Zyrtec
- Antipsychotics, such as Mellaril, Thorazine, Haldol
- Over-the-counter active dietary supplements, such as Kava-Kava, Valerian
You can also find helpful information in our brochure "Medication and Flying".
Yes, the FAA pays for initial ATC training for entry-level ATC employees (FG-2152-03 Academy Training). ATCS Trainees attend an AT Basics course virtually from their home locations and receive an hourly salary. Upon successful completion of AT Basics, ATCS Trainees attend additional training at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. While in Oklahoma City, ATCS Trainees receive an hourly salary and are also entitled to long term per diem (unless their home location is within a 50 mile radius of the FAA Academy).
The FAA does not require the use of CRS's on commercial airplanes. However, the FAA strongly recommends the use of CRS's or an alternative FAA-approved device based on a child's weight.
You can find more information about flying with children on our website.