The Part 107 Drone License, officially known as the Remote Pilot Certificate under FAA regulations, is a certification required for anyone operating small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) for commercial purposes in the United States. Introduced in 2016 as part of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) Part 107, this license ensures pilots understand airspace rules, safety protocols, and operational limits to minimize risks in shared airspace. Unlike recreational flying, which follows simpler community-based guidelines, Part 107 applies to any compensated activity, such as aerial photography, inspections, mapping, or delivery services using drones like the DJI Mavic 3 or DJI Mini 4 Pro.
This certification opens doors to professional opportunities in booming sectors like aerial filmmaking, agriculture, construction, and public safety. With advancements in drone tech—such as GPS navigation, obstacle avoidance sensors, and gimbal cameras—commercial operators must comply to leverage tools like 4K imaging for cinematic shots or thermal cameras for remote sensing. In this guide, we’ll break down what Part 107 entails, who needs it, how to get it, key rules, and maintenance requirements.
Who Needs a Part 107 License?
Not every drone flyer requires a Part 107 certification. The distinction hinges on intent: recreational vs. commercial use.
Recreational vs. Commercial Operations
Recreational pilots flying for fun—hobby racing with FPV drones, casual photography, or skill-building—don’t need Part 107 if they adhere to the FAA’s five community-based safety guidelines: fly below 400 feet, stay clear of airports and restricted areas, avoid manned aircraft, fly only manufacturer-approved products, and maintain visual line of sight (VLOS). Tools like DJI Avata 2 for FPV racing fit here perfectly.
Commercial operations, however, demand certification. This includes any activity where you receive payment or compensation, directly or indirectly. Examples abound:
- Selling stock footage captured with a GoPro Hero12 mounted on a quadcopter.
- Offering roof inspections for insurance companies using thermal imaging.
- Creating promotional videos with autonomous flight paths and AI follow modes.
- Agricultural mapping with multispectral sensors on UAVs.
Even non-monetary “compensation” like bartering services or flying for a business (yours or another’s) triggers Part 107. The FAA defines sUAS as drones under 55 pounds, covering most consumer and prosumer models like micro drones or racing drones. Operating without certification can lead to fines up to $1,324 per violation for individuals or $27,500 for organizations, plus potential criminal charges.
Exemptions and Special Cases
Public agencies (e.g., police, fire departments) are exempt but must follow similar safety standards. Foreign pilots visiting the U.S. for commercial ops need it too. Waivers exist for beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) or night flights, often sought for advanced applications like large-scale surveying with LiDAR sensors.
Eligibility and Application Process
To qualify for Part 107, candidates must meet straightforward prerequisites and follow a structured process.
Basic Requirements
- Age: At least 16 years old.
- Language Proficiency: Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English.
- Physical/Medical: No formal medical exam required, unlike manned aviation.
- Legal Status: U.S. citizens or legal residents; international applicants need sponsorship.
No prior flight experience is needed, making it accessible for newcomers excited about drone tech like stabilization systems or optical zoom cameras.
Step-by-Step Guide to Certification
- Create Accounts: Register for a FAA Tracking Number (FTN) via the Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) system. Then, undergo TSA security vetting through the DroneZone portal.
- Study for the Exam: Prepare using FAA resources, including the Remote Pilot Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Study Guide and sample questions.
- Schedule and Pass the Test: Take the unsupervised Aeronautical Knowledge Test at an FAA-approved Knowledge Testing Center (e.g., PSI centers).
- Apply for Certificate: Once passed, submit IACRA paperwork for your Temporary Airman Certificate (valid 120 days), followed by the permanent Remote Pilot Certificate.
The process typically takes 2-4 weeks, with testing fees around $175.
Preparing for and Passing the Part 107 Exam
The exam is the gateway to certification, testing practical knowledge for safe commercial ops.
Exam Format and Content
It’s a 60-question multiple-choice test (plus 5 unverifiable questions), requiring a 70% passing score within 2 hours. Topics include:
- Regulations (36%): Part 107 rules, registration, marking.
- Airspace (19%): Classes A-G, sectional charts, NOTAMs.
- Weather (11%): METARs, TAFs, microbursts.
- Loading/Performance (7%): Weight, balance, CG.
- Operations (35%): Emergency procedures, crew resource management, physiology.
Expect scenarios like planning a flight near an airport with a DJI Air 3 for real estate videography, factoring in visibility and wind.
Study Tips and Resources
- FAA Materials: Free Airman Certification Standards (ACS) and sample tests.
- Third-Party Courses: Apps and online prep from King Schools or Drone Pilot Ground School.
- Practice Flights: Simulate with apps mimicking GPS-denied environments or obstacle avoidance.
- Hands-on practice with controllers and propellers builds intuition.
Most pass on the first try with 20-40 hours of study. Retests are allowed after 14 days.
Key Operating Rules Under Part 107
Once certified, pilots must follow strict rules to ensure safety, especially with sophisticated tech like autonomous flight or FPV systems.
Core Operational Limits
- Visual Line of Sight (VLOS): Keep the drone in unaided sight (no binoculars); spotters allowed.
- Altitude and Speed: 400 feet AGL max (higher near structures with conditions); 100 mph ground speed.
- Daylight Only: Civil twilight exceptions with anti-collision lights.
- No People/Over People: Unless under 55 lbs and Part 107-compliant, or waived.
- Preflight Inspection: Check batteries, props, sensors daily.
For aerial filmmaking, plan cinematic shots within these bounds—e.g., orbit paths at 200 feet using gimbal stabilization.
Airspace and Special Considerations
Airspace Classifications
Controlled airspace (Class B, C, D, E) requires airspace authorization via LAANC or DroneZone. Uncontrolled Class G is simpler. Use apps like B4UFLY for real-time status.
Waivers and Authorizations
Over 50,000 waivers issued yearly for BVLOS, night ops, or operations over people. Common for inspections with thermal cameras or racing events. Processing takes 90 days; success rate ~80%.
Weather minimums: Visibility ≥3 statute miles, no hazards like thunderstorms affecting sensors.
Renewing and Maintaining Your Part 107 Certification
Part 107 isn’t a one-time deal—stay current to keep flying commercially.
Recurrent Requirements
Renew every 24 months via free online FAA recurrent training (2-4 hours). Covers updates like new Remote ID rules (broadcasting drone position since 2023). No re-exam needed unless lapsed over 24 months.
Staying Compliant Long-Term
- Log flights (apps like AirData UAV).
- Maintain equipment: Batteries, cases, apps updated.
- Insurance: Recommended for pros.
- Innovations: Adapt to Remote Sensing or mapping tech while compliant.
Benefits extend to career growth—certified pilots earn $50-150/hour in filmmaking or inspections. With drone market projected at $40B by 2027, Part 107 is your ticket to innovation in navigation, imaging, and beyond.
In summary, the Part 107 Drone License empowers safe, professional drone operations amid rapid tech evolution. Whether capturing 4K footage with optical zoom or pioneering AI-driven autonomy, certification ensures you’re legal and skilled. Start studying today—your aerial career awaits.
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