FAA Part 107 Commercial Drone (UAS) Compliance
Last reviewed · By Chad Griffith
14 CFR Part 107 ('Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems') governs commercial operations of drones (UAS) weighing less than 55 pounds. Part 107 establishes Remote Pilot Certificate requirements, basic operating rules (visual line of sight, daylight or twilight, below 400 feet AGL, away from people not directly involved in the operation), drone registration with the FAA, Remote ID compliance, and a waiver process for operations beyond standard Part 107 limits. Recreational drone operations are governed separately under Section 49 USC 44809.
Remote Pilot Certificate
Per Section 107.61, a Remote Pilot Certificate is required for commercial drone operations. Requirements: at least 16 years old, ability to read/speak/write/understand English, physical and mental condition to safely operate UAS, and pass an FAA aeronautical knowledge test (or hold a Part 61 pilot certificate with completed online training). The certificate doesn't expire but holders must complete recurrent training every 24 calendar months under Section 107.65.
Operating Rules
Standard Part 107 operating rules: Visual line of sight with the unaided eye (Section 107.31); Daylight or civil twilight only (Section 107.29); Below 400 feet AGL or 400 feet above a structure (Section 107.51); Maximum groundspeed 100 mph (Section 107.51); Minimum visibility 3 miles (Section 107.51); Away from non-participating people (Section 107.39 — limited operations over people allowed under specific category provisions); One drone per pilot (Section 107.35); and operations only during the day or civil twilight unless waiver obtained.
Drone Registration and Remote ID
All drones operating under Part 107 must be registered with the FAA per Section 107.13. The FAA registration number must be displayed on the aircraft. Per Section 107.81-117 (the Remote ID rule effective September 16, 2023), drones must broadcast Remote ID — a digital license plate that includes drone identification, location, altitude, and operator location. Three compliance options: standard Remote ID drones, drones with Remote ID broadcast modules, or operating in FAA-Recognized Identification Areas (FRIAs).
Waiver Process
Operations beyond standard Part 107 limits (night operations beyond civil twilight, beyond visual line of sight, over people, multiple drones per pilot, above 400 feet, in restricted airspace) require a Part 107 waiver. Waiver applications are submitted through the FAA DroneZone portal and require demonstrated safety case for the proposed operation. Common waivers: night operations (now mostly automatic under 107.29(b) with anti-collision lighting), operations over people (under Categories 1-4), and beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license to fly a drone for business?
Yes. Any commercial drone operation (work for compensation or hire) requires a Remote Pilot Certificate under Part 107. Recreational operations are governed separately under Section 49 USC 44809. Even occasional commercial photography or roof inspection work requires Part 107 certification — there is no minimum-revenue exemption.
How heavy can a Part 107 drone be?
Less than 55 pounds (25 kg) total takeoff weight. Drones above 55 pounds require an exemption (typically Section 44807 exemption from Part 107 for limited specific operations) or registration as larger UAS.
How often do I need recurrent training?
Every 24 calendar months per Section 107.65. Recurrent training is now an online course on FAASafety.gov rather than a separate test. Holders must complete the course before the 24-month deadline to maintain certificate currency.
What is Remote ID?
Remote ID is the digital identification broadcast required for most drone operations under the FAA's September 2023 final rule (codified in Sections 107.81-117). The broadcast includes drone serial number or session ID, drone location and altitude, and operator location. Three compliance options: standard Remote ID-capable drones, separate broadcast modules attached to existing drones, or operating in FAA-Recognized Identification Areas (FRIAs).
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