The rule for operating unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or drones under 55 pounds is found in 14 CFR Part 107, referred to as the Small UAS Rule. However, if you want to fly a drone for purely recreational purposes, you only need to abide by a basic set of operating requirements. If you are in doubt as to whether you are flying for recreation or commercial purpose, it is best to follow the guidelines of Part 107.

• RULES FOR RECREATIONAL FLYERS
• NEW PILOTS OPERATING UNDER PART 107
• EXISTING PILOTS OPERATING UNDER PART 107
• PART 107 OPERATING RULES
• AIRSPACE AUTHORIZATIONS
• FAA DRONE ZONE
• TRAINING RESOURCES

 

RULES FOR RECREATIONAL FLYERS

The exception for recreational drone flyers is found in USC 44809 (Limited Recreational Operations of Unmanned Aircraft). It describes how, when, and where you can fly drones for recreational purposes. The basic requirements are:

1. Fly only for recreational purposes (personal enjoyment).
2. Follow the safety guidelines of an FAA-recognized Community Based Organization (CBO).
3. Keep your drone within the visual line of sight or use a visual observer who is co-located (physically next to) and in direct communication with you.
4. Give way to and do not interfere with other aircraft.
5. Fly at or below FAA-authorized altitudes in controlled airspace (Class B, C, D, and surface Class E designated for an airport) only with prior FAA authorization by using LAANC or DroneZone.
6. Fly at or below 400 feet in Class G (uncontrolled) airspace. See Where Can I Fly for more information.
7. Take The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) and carry proof of test passage when flying.
8. Register your drone and mark your drone with the registration number and carry proof of the registration.
9. Ensure you are broadcasting Remote ID information (unless flown within a FRIA).
10. Do not operate your drone in a manner that endangers the safety of the national airspace system.

 

NEW PILOT OPERATINGS UNDER PART 107

New drone pilots must pass a written exam

The rule requires all operators to possess a remote pilot operator certificate. The basic requirements for a remote pilot certificate for those who don’t already possess a pilot certificate are:

• Must be at least 16 years old
• Able to read, write, speak, and understand English
• Be in a physical and mental condition to safely fly a UAS
• Must pass an initial, 60-question, aeronautical knowledge test at an FAA-approved knowledge testing center

After completion of the knowledge test, you must apply for the remote operator certificate via the FAA’s online application system (IACRA). A permanent certificate, valid for two years, will be mailed once the internal processing and TSA vetting is complete. Certificate holders will be required to pass a recurrent knowledge test every two years. There are a variety of resources available to prepare for the FAA knowledge test including Sporty’s Drone Study Buddy. An endorsement to take the test is not required and results are valid for 24 calendar months.

 

EXISTING PILOTS OPERATING UNDER PART 107

Existing pilots must complete a free online safety course

Existing pilots who wish to operate a drone under Part 107 must be current (flight review completed within the previous 24 months) and also possess a remote pilot certificate. To obtain the remote pilot certificate, pilots must:

• Complete an online training course – Part 107 Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems – available on the FAA FAASTeam website.
• Apply for the remote operator certificate via IACRA.
• Contact a FSDO, an FAA-designated pilot examiner (DPE), an airman certification representative (ACR), or a certified flight instructor (CFI) to make an appointment.
• Present the completed FAA Form 8710-13 along with the online course completion certificate and proof of a current flight review.
• The completed FAA Form 8710-13 application will be signed by the applicant after the FSDO, DPE, ACR, or CFI examines the applicant’s photo identification and verifies the applicant’s identity.
• A FSDO representative, a DPE, or an ACR will issue the applicant a temporary airman certificate (a CFI is not authorized to issue a temporary certificate; they can process applications for applicants who do not need a temporary certificate).
• A permanent remote pilot certificate will be sent via mail once all other FAA-internal processing is complete.

There is no direct cost incurred for remote pilot certification for existing pilots. Pilots must pass a recurrent online training course every two years.

 

OPERATING RULES

• Always avoid manned aircraft.
• Never operate in a careless or reckless manner.
• Keep your drone within sight. If you use First Person View or similar technology, you must have a visual observer always keep your drone within unaided sight (for example, no binoculars).
• You cannot be a pilot or visual observer for more than one drone operation at a time.
• Do not fly a drone over people unless they are directly participating in the operation.
• Do not operate your drone from a moving aircraft.
• Do not operate your drone from a moving vehicle unless you are flying your drone over a sparsely populated area and it does not involve the transportation of property for compensation or hire.
• You must report any operation that results in serious injury, loss of consciousness, or property damage of at least $500 to the FAA within 10 days.

You can fly during daylight (30 minutes before official sunrise to 30 minutes after official sunset, local time) or in twilight if your drone has anti-collision lighting. Minimum weather visibility is three miles from your control station. The maximum allowable altitude is 400 feet above the ground, higher if your drone remains within 400 feet of a structure. Maximum speed is 100 mph (87 knots).

Your drone can carry an external load if it is securely attached and does not adversely affect the flight characteristics or controllability of the aircraft. You also may transport property for compensation or hire within state boundaries provided the drone (including its attached systems), payload, and cargo, weighs less than 55 pounds total and you obey the other flight rules. (Some exceptions apply to Hawaii and the District of Columbia.)

You can request waiver of most restrictions if you can show your operation will provide a level of safety at least equivalent to the restriction from which you want the waiver. Some of the most requested waivers are for operations beyond visual line of sight, during nighttime, and over people.

Also of note, you must make your drone available to the FAA for inspection or testing on request, and you must provide any associated records required to be kept under the rule.

 

AIRSPACE AUTHORIZATIONS

Operations in Class G airspace are allowed without air traffic control (ATC) permission. Operations in Class B, C, D and E airspace need ATC authorization.

The Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC, pronounced “LANCE”) uses desktop and mobile apps designed to support the volume of drone operations with almost real-time airspace authorizations. It is now live at more than 530 FAA ATC facilities covering over 726 airports throughout the country and many authorizations are granted within seconds of being submitted.

Currently, LAANC only applies to FAA ATC facilities and does not yet include contract or Department of Defense ATC facilities. Authorizations for those facilities need to follow the manual process through FAADroneZone.

 

FAA DRONE ZONE

FAADroneZone is a one-stop, online shop for drone registration and for requesting waivers or airspace authorizations (where LAANC is not available). For example, if you want to fly at night, beyond your visual line of sight, over people, or perform other complex actions. Visit the site for more details. The FAA generally responds to waiver requests within 90 days, depending on the complexity of the request.

FAADroneZone may also be used to file drone accident reports.

 

TRAINING RESOURCES

Sporty’s Remote Pilot Test Prep (online, iOS, and Android)

Part 107 – Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems

Airman Certification Standards

Knowledge Test Study Guide

Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge